Danbury, Connecticut -- Marking the end of the 2001 season, Ray Johansen (Danbury, CT), Brian Johnson (Bethel, CT) and Tom Pinkham (Bethel, CT) are on their way to compete at the annual Ramada Express International Rally.

"This has been a tough season for the team," comments team driver, Johansen, "out of respect for the events on September 11th we decided to stay close to home for a while." The team is looking to improve their luck after their disappointing DNF (Did Not Finish) at the same event last year. "With a new car and added experience, we hope to capture a class win at this event." Adds co-driver Johnson.

In their class of Group 2, Johansen and Johnson campaign a 1989 VW Golf specially modified for Performance Rally use. Their class is for low-displacement, two-wheel drive cars with virtually unlimited modifications.

The Ramada Express International Rally is hosted at the Ramada Express Hotel/Casino in Laughlin, Nevada. The event is one of the longest rallies in North America, with competition over three days, starting December 14th. It also has the added benefit of having the longest special stage in North America. A 44-mile stage doubles the second longest stage run this past year at Maine Forest Rally.

Tom Pinkham, the team's crew chief, is not daunted by the conditions. "Last year showed us some of the worst stage conditions, mud, slush and snow on the same stage really tested the team, but Ray and Brian were able to show respectable times compared to more powerful cars. Even with our DNF, we were rewarded with a magnificent view of the Grand Canyon!"

Johansen comments that the roads will be handful but is equally confident, "This year I was able to get more experience and I will be expecting the conditions of this event. I really hope to stretch the car's legs this year." He finishes with a grin.

Performance Rally is the world's most popular form of motor sport. Drivers and co-drivers race across varying terrains in street legal cars licensed and registered for road use. From desert paths, logging roads, unimproved roads to paved roads, teams compete on sections of closed roads for lowest elapsed time over a number of hours or days.

Starting next season, Rabid RallyeSport's next event will be at Cherokee Trails, March 15th in Chattanooga, TN, which will be the start of their National SCCA PRORally Series schedule.

Rabid RallyeSport is based in Danbury, CT and is sponsored by Quattromotion of Newark, NJ and Bethel Glass & Shower Door of Bethel, CT.