Chapel Hill, North Carolina -- The unofficial colour for the 2002 Rallye International de Charlevoix is Orange! Charismatic prorally driver Andrew Havas has confirmed that he will enter the 2002 RAC, this year with well-known Quebec co-driver Eric "T" at his side. The duo will be competing once again in the 2WD orange Mazda RX-7 that was a clear favourite among rally fans at last year's event.

"We're thrilled to be running the Charlevoix Rally again this year", says Havas. "Last year, we fought our way up to 3rd place before a serious crash on 'Les Martres' ended the charge. This year, in response to a huge outpouring of support from fans and fellow competitors, we made a last minute decision to compete. As a result, we have been working around the clock to rebuild the car . Our light-weight Mazda is being rebodied and will be faster than ever before. Folks can check out the progress daily on Havspeed.com and RallyPlanet.com. We are trying to work a miracle in just two weeks!" Because it runs in the Group 2 class, extensive modifications permit the car to challenge the more powerful and heavy Subaru and Mitsubishi turbo-4WD super cars. Andrew's crowd-pleasing sideways slides epitomize the delicate car control allowed by rear-wheel drive, where the driver steers more with rear wheels than the front.

Eric "T", currently one of Canada's most experienced co-drivers and an advocate for pace-note rallies, explains that the RAC is a true international pace-note rally run to the exacting standards of the FIA. "We get to go out and recce the entire course for three days before the start of competition. During the recce, we make detailed notes of the route. Even when we can't see over the next hill or around the next corner I can tell Andrew exaxctly what's there and he will drive it absolutely flat out."

The teaming up of Havas and the "T" in the Orange Mazda promises to challenge other top contenders and will not dissappoint enduring Quebec rally spectators. Fans are encouraged to show support for the team by wearing orange. An award, to be announced after the rally, will be given to "the most orange fan" as judged by team members.

The Rallye International de Charlevoix will be held October 23-27th in La Malbaie, a town about 1 hour northeast of Quebec City. This year's rally includes 385 kms of special stage run throughout the Charlevoix region. Rally fans can meet Andrew and Eric and see the car before the rally by attending the ceremonial start at 6:00 PM on Thursday October 24th at the Fairmont le Manoir Richelieu in La Malbaie, or during the rally by visiting the designated service area in downtown La Malbaie. Further information about the rally and the official rally schedule can be found at http://www.rallye-charlevoix.com/. For updates and pictures on the team's progress check the the Havspeed website at www.havspeed.com