Raleigh, North Carolina — Perry County's annual event, Rally Tennessee, is only days away and it appears this year will be another year of growth for the event. In the current economy, this is an exciting development for the local communities and the competitors!

"So far it's looking very good." said Anders Green of NASA Rally Sport. "Last year we had thirty-six entrants. This year, with a few last minute folks that aren't yet listed on the web site, I'm expecting a few more than that, maybe forty total." The current competitor list on the event's web site, RallyTennessee.com, shows twenty-four car and thirteen motorcycle entrants. Green added that the declining economy has had a significant effect on the amount of entries at rallies throughout the country.

The excitement is spilling over into the local community as several new sponsors join the event. This year's sponsors include the City of Lobelville, the Perry County Chamber of Commerce, Performance Friction Brakes, P-Sport, the Commodore Hotel & Café, Village Pizza, and Sonic of Linden. Additional local businesses are sponsoring discount coupons for spectators.

For the racers, the roads of Tennessee are one reason they are drawn to Perry County and this year's event added two new stages to the schedule. Now racing roads in both Linden and Lobelville, there is even more for spectators to enjoy as well. The rally will be in downtown Lobelville on Saturday, coinciding with a free country music concert being offered that night at the Lobelville Music Park. On Sunday, the rally will be at the Perry County High School in Linden.

Rally Tennessee is the fourth round of the notable Atlantic Rally Cup and the second round of the Atlantic RallyMoto(tm) Cup. It is also the second round of the United States Rally Championship.

There's still time to get involved with the rally. "Volunteering really opens up the door for a lot of folks. Many competitors got their start as volunteers," said Green. "We treat our volunteers well -- with a free t-shirt, free breakfast, free lunches, and an exclusive invitation to the awards ceremony. Plus, they get to hang out with all the racers. Being right on the course for the rally all day long is pretty exciting, too!" RallyTennessee.com has more information on volunteering opportunities.

Note to Editors:

• Rally Tennessee takes place in the Town of Linden and the City of Lobelville, Perry County, Tennessee.
• Rally Tennessee will be held on May 23 - 24, 2009.
• For motorcycles, Rally Tennessee is part of the Atlantic RallyMoto(tm) Cup, the only rally format championship for motorcycles in America. The Atlantic RallyMoto(tm) Cup is part of NASA Rally Sport's trademarked RallyMoto(tm) program.
• For cars, Rally Tennessee is part of the Atlantic Rally Cup and the United States Rally Championship.
• For media support contact Amy Feistel: +1 919.434.3267, amy@nasarallysport.com