Day 10 - Santa Margarita Ligure to San Remo

It always feels like a big accomplishment when you finish one of these rallies; and today was no different. Glad it’s over; glad we participated.

Our little Porsche reaching the finish line in San Remo

Early Bentley going through a tight underpass

Our good scoring in yesterday’s speed stages and two good Regularities today moved us up to 14th overall. Not too bad as we were in the 20’s for most of the first five days.

Don’t know where we’ll finish in our class, but I don’t think we made the podium.

One last observation about Europe and cars. 8-10 years ago Fiat acquired Chrysler as it teetered in or approaching bankruptcy. When that happened I thought Fiat would be able to use all the Chrysler dealerships to distribute Fiat (and all the other cars in their stable) in the US. A little of that has happened with Alfa Romeo trying to get a foothold in America.

What I didn’t realize was that Jeep (which came with the Chrysler purchase) would have such demand in Europe. Fiat has used its many dealerships in Europe to sell and distribute Jeep everywhere…..and the car is very popular. We saw them everywhere in Italy; especially in the countryside where they double as a family vehicle and work vehicle around the farm. Don’t know where these Jeeps are made, but I would assume the US.

A couple of Navigators discussing the morning route.

A view of the beaches in Santa Margarita Ligure

Most importantly: I want to thank Brant Pardons, my longtime driving partner and mechanic. Without him, I know that I could not participate in this competitive endurance rally. Finally, a thank you to my wife, Ilene, for tolerating my craziness in motorsports.