VANCOUVER, BC -- Rocket Rally Racing and SPD Tuning Service announced today that they have signed an associate sponsorship agreement for the remainder of the 2000 season. Rocket Rally Racing is currently leading the tightly fought Production GT class in both the Subaru Canadian Rally Championship and the American SCCA ProRally Championship.

California-based SPD Tuning provides high-quality performance parts for current-model Subaru Impreza and Legacy cars, and is the North American distributor of road parts for U.K.-based Prodrive, home of the Subaru World Rally Team.

Started in 1998 as a web-based mail-order specialty shop for Impreza performance products (www.spdusa.com), SPD Tuning is often credited with creating the Subaru performance after-market in North America. Patrick Richard, Rocket Rally Driver, has been an SPD Tuning customer since he first bought his Impreza. "I am very pleased that we were able to formally bring the company into this year's sponsorship program."

As part of its associate sponsorship, SPD Tuning will supply the B.C.-based rally team with performance products and parts exclusive to SPD Tuning. It joins sponsors Specialty Subaru of North Vancouver, DMS Shock Absorbers and Dragon Eyewear.

"When I saw Patrick drive on only his second ProRally, he was already displaying a level of talent that few drivers ever obtain," said Mike Shields, SPD owner. "Then I met the team, and their approach to team management, their conservative driver development program and their 'make less car, make more events' approach all really impressed me. They are running a quality program, and that works well with the SPD Tuning philosophy."

Rocket Rally Racing will be participating in the Maine Forest Rally, July 29 to 30 in Rumford, Maine, and in all remaining events in the 2000 SCCA ProRally Championship and the 2000 Subaru Canadian Rally Championship.

For more information contact:
(East Coast)
Nathalie Richard, Rocket Rally Boss
media@rocketrally.com
Phone 416-922-9222

(West Coast)
Patrick Richard, Rocket Rally Driver
info@rocketrally.com
1409 Pendrell Street
Vancouver, BC V6G1S3
Phone 604-803-6095
Fax 604-803-6095