SALEM, MO — Subaru Rally Team USA driver Ken Block has a target on his back heading into Round 2 of the Rally America championship, the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood, in southern Missouri Feb. 27 - 28.

The fast and flowing course suits Block’s flat-out style and he’s proven tough to beat at this early spring event. The event was the scene of the driver’s first national win in 2006, and he’s taken the top spot every year since then.

But it won’t be easy. Block’s teammate Travis Pastrana issued a challenge even as he was celebrating his victory at Round 1 last month in Michigan, saying he wasn’t prepared to let Block take another win in Missouri.

Currently second in the points, Rockstar Energy driver Tanner Foust is expected to debut a powerful new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X rally car for this event, while NOS Energy’s Andrew “ACP” Comrie-Picard is looking for another solid finish after he claimed the third spot on the podium at Round 1.

Polish driver Andi Mancin says he has upgraded his rally car in order to be more competitive for his third American event and he could also threaten for the win.

The new Super Production class should also feature some fierce competition. Subaru Rally Team USA’s newest member, Dave Mirra, is expected to debut a car built for the new class, while former two-time Production-GT champion Matt Johnson is looking for a comeback after a tough first round.

A number of veteran two-wheel drive competitors are also expected to attend, making for exciting battles throughout the field.

The event also serves as a Regional championship event for 2008. Regional champions from coast to coast are invited to race head-to-head in the foothills of the Ozarks to see who will claim the cup.

The rally takes place through the scenic Ozark foothills of southern Missouri. The course is fast, tight, and twisty, on roads known as some of the best in the nation for rallying. Fan spectator guides are available for download at: www.rally-america.com/events/2009/100AW/ or can be picked up at the day of the event.

It is early spring in the area at this time of year, but all bets are off when it comes to the weather. Last year saw a freak storm blanket the region with a thick layer of ice in the days before the rally. Teams must come prepared for anything.

Rally car racing is considered the extreme sport of automobile racing and is often described simply as “real cars, real roads, real fast.” This all-season motorsport sees drivers and their co-drivers take modified road cars to the limit as they achieve blistering speeds over courses that cover more than 100 miles of gravel, dirt or snow-covered roads.

Top teams in the series are also invited to compete in the Summer X Games, the leading action sports event broadcast live on ABC and ESPN. Eight top teams have already been invited to this August’s contest.

About Rally America
Based in Golden Valley, Minn., Rally America sanctions the premier rally racing series in the United States, the Rally America National Championship Series. In 2009, Rally America will conduct nine National Championship events at venues across the country, from Olympia, Wash., to Bethel, Maine.