Lia Block was poised for a historic win at the Sno*Drift Rally Saturday night, but ultimately had to be towed across the finish line due to a timing belt failure. The Ford Fiesta Rally3 driver took the lead with three stages remaining and held a three-minute buffer over Javier Castro in the Audi A1 Maxx Rally.
However, disaster struck when Block's engine failed, forcing her to abandon the car. Despite being pushed across the finish line by spectators, Block was ultimately disqualified from the event due to the timing belt failure.
This was Block's first snow rally and she had entered the event with low expectations, just looking to learn and finish the race. She initially achieved all three goals before the disqualification.
Block's performance was impressive, setting the second-best times in the field every stage and taking the lead when Travis Pastrana went off-road with three stages remaining. Castro eventually took the win in his Audi A1 Maxx Rally, while Mark Piatkowski inherited the overall victory after Castro's disqualification.
The Sno*Drift Rally was Block's first opportunity to compete since her stint in single-seater competition and marked an important step towards her future WRC ride. Despite the disappointment of not winning, Block gained valuable experience and points for the championship.
Her performance demonstrated her potential as a rally driver and left fans eagerly anticipating her next outing.
Lia Block's impressive performance at the Sno*Drift Rally showcases her growth as a rally driver, but also highlights the risks involved in competitive racing. As she continues to pursue her WRC dreams, it will be crucial for her to maintain her focus and attention to detail to avoid similar setbacks.
