Indianapolis, Indiana -- Rev2/TuneTech Rally Team Driver Mike Hurst and Co-Driver Rob Bohn enter the Lake Superior ProRally ready to defend their Group5 title from last year. The team has entered the red, white and blue, #82 Ford Mustang in only its second outing. Mike and Rob are excited about their new car, which is a diversion from the common Euro and Asian entries in ProRally. "There isn't a better place to run an American muscle car than Michigan," said Mike. "It's always a crowd favorite when the distinctive roar of a ground-pounding V8 comes thundering through the woods. This Mustang is great for rallying. We're really happy with the performance of the car."

The Ford Mustang is undefeated coming into this event after winning Group5 and finishing fourth overall at last month's Black River Stages Rally in Harrisville, New York. "In addition to winning, we met our other goal of sorting out the new car in New York. We've made a major change in gearing and changes to the electrical system. The conditions were similar to what they'll be at LSPR, so we know what to expect from the car's handling," lamented Mike. "After this event, we'll be switching to a more powerful, 6 litre, SVO engine, so watch for us to be up front in Group5 next season."

Group5 is typically competitive at this rally. "This year we have Bryan Hourt and Mark Utecht battling for the national Group5 title, and National ClubRally G5 Champion, Jeremy Butts is running another Mustang. Mazda driver Steve Nowicki is a three-time National Champion. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us for the weekend, but our road knowledge and experience there give us a great advantage. Some stages we know by heart and don't even need a route book," Mike proclaimed.

Tire choice is extremely critical at this event. "It’s a chess game with the possibility of snow, ice and mud on rural roads and pavement," stated Mike. "Unlike other events where one tire will do, you need to take four or five different sets because the conditions could change at any time. We're definitely ready for it."

Last year, Mike and Rob had a four-minute Group5 lead before backing off to seal the victory. "As usual, the bad weather and sloppy conditions played to our advantage. We regularly finish well in those conditions. That's why this is one of my favorite rallies that I always look forward to at the end of the year."

NOTES OF INTEREST:

Rev2/TuneTech history at LSPR:
*
Mike Hurst and Rob Bohn are the only team to finish in the top ten overall each year since the inaugural LSPR.

1994 - Nissan 200SX, 9th Overall.

1995 - Nissan 200SX, 3rd Overall.

1996 - Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX, 6th Overall.

1997 - Porsche 911, 9th Overall.

1998 - Mazda RX-7, 7th Overall.

1999 - Mazda RX-7, 7th Overall.

* The D&N Bank Lake Superior ProRally website is at: http://www.up-plaza.com/lspr

* Finished a close second in ProRally Group 5 by less than 2 seconds at Sno*Drift 2000.

* Overall winners at last years' Ottawa challenge Club Rally.

* Won G5 in last month's Black River Stages Rally in New York.