The Black River Stages rally race returns to Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties, New York on September 18–19, 2010. Just thirty miles from the Canadian border, the gorgeous fall leaf season will be interrupted by the roar of competitors racing closed roads in the Towns of Croghan, Edwards, Harrisville and Pitcairn. Black River Stages Rally is the third event of the Atlantic Rally Cup and the Atlantic RallyMoto(tm) Cup.

Racing will take place on Saturday afternoon and evening, and Sunday all day. Spectators who wish to catch the racing action can head to Pastamores in downtown Harrisville, Dar’s Place in Natural Bridge, or the Indian River General Store in Croghan to pick up a limited edition spectator guide with schedules and bios. More rally information and a rally schedule can be found on blackriverstages.com.

Photo: Rich Huchinson

For the rally cars, Darrell Pugh, racing a Mitsubishi Eclipse, is in points lead for AWD in the Atlantic Rally Cup season; however, schedule conflicts means he may not be able to attend. This leaves the door open for a shoot-out between Jason Smith, in a Subaru Impreza, and Dmitriy Martynov, in an Eagle Talon! Chasing Martynov for third place is Eric Wages. Wages, featured in this month’s Grassroots Motorsports Magazine, is not likely to make the event and contend for a podium finish.

Two Wheel Drive is lead by Doug Shepherd but Simon Wright, in his agile Ford Focus, is the favorite for taking the season lead at Black River Stages. Andrew Frick and Joshua Wimpey who are currently in third and fourth places will be knocked out of the running by Thomas Barton, in his Mazda 323. Michael Hordijk is competing in his bio-diesel Volkswagen Golf TDI and will make everyone work hard for their podium status!

Photo: Rich Huchinson

In the Atlantic RallyMoto(tm) Cup, Bill Conger, on his Aprilia RXV 5.5, will have to work to keep his points lead; and, Kurt Weigand on a KTM 530 EXC-R will be pushing for a first place finish. Seth Cohen and his KTM LC4 640 will secure his points position. Newcomer, Daniel Woland, on a Yamaha WR400, will be getting his feet wet for the first time at Black River Stages.

Black River Stages Rally still needs volunteers reports organizer Anders Green. “We still have spots open for road marshals and ham radio operators. If you’re willing to give some time to your community, you can help keep everyone safe and still see some great racing!” Green suggests volunteers visit http://www.blackriverstages.com/2009/volunteers.php for more information!