CYPRESS, Calif., Sept. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. (MMSA) today announced its entry into motorsports through participation in several North American rally events. Though Mitsubishi Motors is actively involved in rally racing around the globe, this announcement marks the first time that the Triple Diamond flag will fly at a North American rally racing event.

"Mitsubishi Motors is excited to enter the world of Motor Racing in North America," said Greg O'Neil, executive vice president and general manager, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America. "Rally racing is the number one motorsports activity in the world and we've teamed with strong and committed race partners who will take this sport to new levels of excitement."

Mitsubishi Motors participates in numerous race events around the world, including the legendary Paris-Dakar desert race in Africa as well as the FIA/World Rally Car championship races held in various European, Asian and South American countries. Mitsubishi Montero (Pajero), Montero Sport (Pajero Sport) and Lancer Evolution (modified Lancer/Mirage sedan) are prominent players in their respective races, with first place finishes and praise and ovation from drivers and enthusiasts alike. Mitsubishi has won the manufacturers' championship numerous times, beating out competing brands like Ford, Toyota, Subaru and Volkswagen/SEAT.

Bringing this international acclaim and excitement to the U.S., Mitsubishi Motors will participate in rally events in North America, beginning with the Baja 2000 race in Mexico. This historic desert rally race draws entrants and spectators from around the world who compete through the scenic, yet rigorous terrain in the Baja Peninsula. Starting in Ensenada on November 12, 2000 and finishing at the southern tip of Baja California in Cabo San Lucas, the Baja 2000 entrants will be joined by two specially race-prepared Montero Sport and one Montero SUV from Mitsubishi Motors. These vehicles will be competing for the coveted trophy in the Class III Production Vehicle segment.

In December 2000, Mitsubishi will be the presenting sponsor of the Ramada Express International Rally held in Laughlin, Nevada. This three-day event crosses through the various landscapes of Nevada, Arizona and the Hualapai Indian nation near the Grand Canyon, and attracts professional and enthusiast rally car drivers from around the world. The Ramada Express Rally, along with the Baja 2000 race, brings Mitsubishi Motors to the forefront of rally racing in the U.S.

On an individual driver level, Mitsubishi Motors currently sponsors Rhys Millen of the Millen racing family and his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 6.5 RS rally car. Under Mitsubishi's support, Millen recently finished first in the High Performance Showroom Stock class at the famed Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, setting a new world record for vehicles in his class. Millen will race under the Triple Diamond marque in the Ramada Express International Rally in December.

In addition to Millen, Mitsubishi Motors will reward drivers who choose Mitsubishi products through a Monetary Contingency Prize Program established in cooperation with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). During the last three SCCA rally races in 2000, Mitsubishi Motors will award cash prizes to drivers who finish in the top three while driving current or previous generation Mitsubishi products. This prize demonstrates Mitsubishi Motors' appreciation and commitment toward loyal rally racers.

"Rally racing fans are young, active people who like the great outdoors and love their cars," adds O'Neil. "Mitsubishi sells a full line of spirited cars for spirited people, and we feel rally racing is the perfect activity to complement their lifestyle and convey the distinctive image of our products."

Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. was established in 1982 by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Tokyo, and markets a full line of vehicles, including coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles.

SOURCE: Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc.