Greenhouse fights to the very end, takes National victory at Susquehannock Trail



Defending three-time RallyAmerica Central Region Group 2 Champion Chris Greenhouse outlasted the top 2-wheel-drive teams in the nation and took a stunning upset victory at the 2011 Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, USA. Against all odds, he and codriver Billy Mann piloted their Plymouth Neon to 1st place after coming back from a punctured tire on day 1 which dropped them all the way down to fifth place in class. They overcame an electrical problem and a damaged wheel bearing on day 2 and through their perseverance, stayed in the hunt long enough to capitalize on the misfortunes of other 2-wheel-drive teams. After fighting back and aiming for consistency all day on Saturday, Chris and Billy had risen to a 20 second lead over the Honda Civic of Brian Gottlieb and Patrick Darrow going into the final SuperSpecial Stage. Gottlieb had suffered an overheating problem for most of the event, but still pressed hard on the final stage. Unbelievably, the Honda team then suffered a broken halfshaft on the final corner of the event and feverishly pushed the car over the finish line much to the appreciation of the thousands of fans in attendance at the Tioga County Fairgrounds. But their fate was sealed as they were forced to sit back and watch Greenhouse smoothly navigate the SuperSpecial and take the win, which was the third 2WD National victory of his career.

Chris normally competes in RallyAmerica Regional events but this year has opted to also run a limited program in selected National 2WD events. So far, his non-turbocharged, Group 2-spec Neon has climbed the podium twice this year in a class where turbocharging and engine power are unrestricted. A third-place finish at Sno*Drift Rally and a second-place finish at Rally in the 100 Acre Wood means that Chris is now in third place in the 2WD National Championship series points behind Wyatt Knox’ Mazda 3 and the Ford Fiesta of Dillon Van Way.


Chris and the Weasel RallySports team would like to thank EBC Brakes, Maddog STS, Angry Sheep Motorsports, JayRacing, EZ Auto Accessories, and Silco Fire Protection for their continued support during the 2011 season.

 

Congratulations!