History 1970s

1975 Rally of the Rideau Lakes (Canada)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1975 Rally of the Rideau Lakes

Date: October 16–20, 1975

Host Country: Canada

Surface: Gravel / Tarmac

Total Distance: ~1,800 km

Total Starters: 58 crews

Total Finishers: 24 crews

The 1975 Rally of the Rideau Lakes, based in Ontario’s Lanark Highlands region, offered a true North American challenge. Rough roads, mixed surfaces, and a demanding fall climate provided the backdrop for one of Canada’s most significant rallying events. Although not on the WRC calendar this year, the event still attracted international and domestic talent and provided invaluable terrain variety across winding Canadian backroads.

Route

Ontario Forests: Fast, sweeping gravel roads with blind crests and thick tree lines.
Muskeg Terrain: Soft shoulders and moisture-slicked surfaces increased the risk of bogging down or sliding off-road.
Transitional Sections: Sudden jumps from gravel to paved roads demanded quick tire and driving adjustments.

The rally mixed high-speed forest stages with rural farm lanes and asphalt connectors around Perth, Ontario and the Rideau Lakes region.

Cool, damp weather made for slippery conditions and uneven grip throughout, especially in shaded woodland areas and during early morning stages.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Winner information not confirmed for 1975
2nd Place
Data currently incomplete
3rd Place
Data currently incomplete

While not officially a WRC event in 1975, the Rally of the Rideau Lakes continued to showcase Canada’s readiness to host world-class rallying and laid the groundwork for further North American involvement in the sport.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Mixed Surfaces: Frequent surface changes increased tire and suspension stress.
  • Fog and Moisture: October weather led to dew-covered tarmac and fog on early stages.
  • Long Transfers: Remote stages meant extended transits with limited service opportunities.

The 1975 Rally of the Rideau Lakes served as a rugged proving ground for international rallying in North America—one where adaptability and mechanical resilience were the keys to success.

← Previous Event 1975 Rallye Sanremo (Italy)
Back to Events Index
1975 Southern Cross Rally (Australia) Next Event →

Watch rallies anywhere — bypass region blocks with NordVPN.

Fast servers for HD streams Servers in 60+ countries 30-day money-back

Unblock coverage — Save up to 77% + 3 months free

Sponsored link. Using our partner links helps support Compromised Internals at no extra cost to you.