SALEM, MO -- The Rally America Championship heads to the Ozark foothills of southern Missouri next week for the 100 Acre Wood rally, an early spring race over more than 100 miles of variable terrain.

The area’s early spring weather means drivers can expect any conditions on the gravel stages near the Mark Twain National Forest -- race day has been met with rain, sleet, hail and even snow in previous years. Smooth straightaways break into tight hairpins that challenge drivers to carry momentum without pushing past their limits.

Nearly 50 teams will hit the start line next Friday for the two-day battle. Subaru Team U.S.A.’s dual entry will see drivers Travis Pastrana and Ken Block fight for the lead in their Open class WRX STis. After finishing second and fourth respectively on ice and snow at the January season opener, the two are expected to drive hard.

This event will also be the first time fans get a look at driver Andrew Pinker on familiar ground in his Open class Subaru WRX STi. The Australian is a newcomer to rally in America, and his first event in the season also marked his first competitive drive on ice and snow. The driver proved a threat when he took the lead for several stages at Sno*Drift in north-central Michigan, before he spun off the road and he is expected to put in an impressive performance on gravel.

The race will also see a rematch for Tanner Foust, Matt Johnson and Eric Langbein in the Production GT class after last season’s close fight. Foust -- a snow and ice expert who has taught winter driving in his home state of Colorado -- finished third overall at the icy season opener. The three will face off for the first time this season.

And a motocrosser is set to make his Rally America debut at this event, following fellow two-wheeler Pastrana onto the rally scene. “Cowboy” Kenny Bartram will be behind the wheel of the RealAutoSport Volkswagen Beetle for what he calls a learning experience. He anticipates a return to the series later this season in a Vermont SportsCar prepared Subaru WRX.

This spectacular early spring event takes its place on the national calendar for the first time in 2006, having recently served as a championship runoff for regional competitors. Bob Wall drove his 2002 Subaru WRX to his first-ever overall win at the event last year.

The next round of the national championship, Oregon Trail, starts from Portland, Oregon, in April.