HOUGHTON, MI -- Rally America National Championship Series heads to northern Michigan for the eighth event in the 2006 series. With the fall weather conditions acting as a magnificent backdrop, the racers will be tested through an abundance of road conditions. The Lake Superior Performance Rally will be held in and around Houghton, Michigan from October 20-21.

This is the 12th time that the Lake Superior Performance Rally has been held in conjunction with the Rally America National Championship Series. The beautiful surroundings in the area will be mastered by the expert drivers and co-drivers as they race on gravel, tarmac, mud and any other weather conditions that mother nature throws our way. The Rally America racers are some of the best motorsport racers in the world as they compete on various road and weather conditions throughout the race weekend.

“The Lake Superior Pro Rally is one of the most exciting rally races to watch and participate in,” said Scott Carlborn, event organizer. “The local towns are supportive and the race community brings in tourism money that is much appreciated.”

New and old Rally America fans will enjoy several great spectator locations to watch the excitement pass right in front of them as they cheer on their favorite competitors. Some of the best rally drivers will be competing at the Lake Superior Performance Rally, which is the second to last race of the National Championship series.

Subaru Rally Team USA driver Travis Pastrana and co-driver Christian Edstrom continue to lead the series in points and victories. Travis and team just won their second straight Rally America race, beating out speedster Matthew Iorio at the Colorado Cog Rally in late September. The Lake Superior Performance Rally will be exhilarating for the drivers and fans as the racers try to hold on to their respective point leads as they compete for the Rally America National Championship.

About 40 cars are expected to participate in the Lake Superior Performance Rally competition. As in all Rally America events, teams are not permitted on the course prior to the rally. Aiding the driver during the race is the co-driver who has precise course directions in a route book with instructions measured in hundredths of a mile.

Cars competing in the rally are street-legal vehicles modified for safety. The cars are separated into six classes ranging from stock to highly modified. Cars popular in the rally racing circuit include makes such as Audi, Dodge, Mazda, VW, Hyundai and Subaru.

Rally America heads back to the Pacific Northwest into the last National Championship race of 2006 in Olympia, Washington for the Wild West Rally taking place on Dec. 2-3. Stay tuned to who will take home the 2006 National Championship.

More event information can be found at www.lsprorally.com or www.rally-america.com. Information about press credentials can be found on the Rally America site under RA Championship.