Vancouver, B.C. -- British Columbia-based Rocket Rally Racing, supported by Specialty Subaru of North Vancouver, DMS Shock Absorbers and SPD Tuning Service, is heading to Bemidji, Minnesota to take part in the Ojibwe Forests ProRally August 24 to 26. The team leads its Production GT class in the Subaru Canadian Rally Championship and holds a close second place in the U.S.-based SCCA ProRally Championship. It heads to Ojibwe trying to move into first place, but realizes that won't be easy.

Driving an essentially stock production-based car - a 1998 Subaru Impreza RS - the team has used the Impreza's superior handling to compete successfully against turbocharged, four-wheel drive rally cars with greater horsepower. That strategy had netted the team top spot in the championship series. But technical problems at the Maine Forest ProRally in July stopped the team from racing and, consequently, Rocket Rally Racing dropped from first to second place in the Production GT championship. If the team is to regain its lead, it has to do so quickly - there are just four events remaining this season.

"With the season more than half over, it is a wide open race for the season-end honours. The top four or five Production GT teams with the big power are gunning for the title," explained Patrick Richard, Rocket Rally Driver. "This is our first time running the Ojibwe roads, and it's the first time my sister Nathalie has co-driven for us. But we're definitely up for the challenge." Nathalie is filling in for regular Rocket Rally Navigator Ben Bradley, who is unable to attend this event.

As the top-scoring Subaru in this year's manufacturer's championship, the Rocket Rally Car has been on display at Morrie's Subaru in Minnetonka for the past three weeks, along with other championship Imprezas. The dealership is hosting an Open House on August 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. With Subaru of America officials and Subaru aftermarket specialists Drummond Motor Sport and SPD Tuning Service attending, this event is a premiere opportunity for Subaru enthusiasts to meet the leading Subaru teams in the SCCA ProRally Championship.

The team's Photographer's Contingency Program will continue at Ojibwe. The contest, held at every event, offers cash prizes of up to $100 to photographers who submit the best action shots of the Rocket Rally Car. The program has given out over $1,000 this season. The contest is open to both amateurs and professionals alike. All submissions should be sent to photos@rocketrally.com.

Ojibwe Forests ProRally will be televised on Speedvision on September 11 at 8 p.m. and midnight (EST).

Rocket Rally Racing:
Driver: Pat Richard, from Vancouver, British Columbia
Navigator: Nathalie Richard, from Toronto, Ontario
Crew Chief: Dave Clark, from Kent, Washington
Rocket Rally Car: 1998 Subaru Impreza RS, Production GT

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