POMEROY, WA — Subaru Rally Team USA driver Ken Block is the driver to watch this weekend at the Olympus Rally in southeastern Washington. The championship leader favors the high-speed conditions found at this third round of the Rally America National Championship. "I do better than some of my competitors on the faster stuff," said Block before the start on Saturday. "It’s about having confidence in my car setup and knowing how to drive in these conditions."

The two-day event covers 117 miles of eastern Washington roads, crossing wheat and barley fields before dropping into gullies that drain into the Snake River. Teams will face long straights where drivers estimate they will see the needle hit close to 130 miles-per-hour. "You really have to love going that fast," said Block.

Heading into this third event in the Rally America National Championship, Block has a slim lead in the drivers’ standings over Andrew 'ACP' Comrie-Picard and Matt Johnson.

Comrie-Picard said he is ready to do battle in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX that has been restored and improved after suffering significant damage during the challenging Round 2. "The crew has worked hard to make the car better than ever," said Comrie-Picard. "We should be able to do well here just by being smooth."

Johnson is debuting his new Hankook-Rallispec Subaru WRX STi at this event. The 2007 Production GT champion has shown promise so far this season in the more aggressive Open class but it is hoped that, with the new car, he finally has the equipment to back up his talent.

Meanwhile, Block’s Subaru Rally Team USA teammate Travis Pastrana is looking for redemption. Tough luck at the first round dropped him back in the points. Most recently, he found himself off the pace after a rollover at the recent Rally Argentina, where he is contesting the Production World Rally Championship.

It’s a busy weekend for Pastrana, who is also promoting his documentary, 199 Lives: The Travis Pastrana Story, which debuted in select theatres this week.

Rockstar Energy drivers Tanner Foust and Andy Pinker, who have battled mechanical trouble early this season, are also hoping to reclaim positions at the top of the standings. Foust scored X Games Gold in 2007, and Pinker was the 2007 championship runner-up.

Dark-horse driver Pat Richard could also challenge for a top finish. This event is close to home for the Western Canadian, who splashed onto the US scene several years ago to claim the 2004 and 2005 titles. He has been running only selected events in recent years, and it remains to be seen whether he will become a regular fixture in the US in 2008.

The storied Olympus Rally, which once featured on the World Rally calendar, moves from its traditional location near Olympia, Wash., 300 miles east to Pomeroy, Wash., for 2008. It is expected to return to its traditional location in 2009.