Montesano, WA -- Kendall Russell, Knoxville, TN and co-driver John Dillon, Thousand Oaks, CA racers for Team LeConte, completed their first Michelin SCCA ProRally of the season with a podium finish in the Production GT category. Racing a Dodge Shadow ES in the mountains of Washington at the Doo Wop III&IV Rally, they finished third behind the Subaru of Lee Shadboldt/Claire Chisma and the Mazda 323 of Gail Truess and Pattie Hughes.

It was the first time Russell and Dillon have competed together; indeed, it was the first time the teammates met face-to-face! Thanks to the power of e-mail and the internet, the two were able to coordinate their quest for a national championship without living anywhere near to each other.

"We started off a little slowly," said Dillon, "but Kendall proved her talent by beating Lee [Shadbolt] in the first two stages." He added, "we're continually working on improving our speed, but it's something that is better to sneak up on than overrun!"

Russell was pleased with the way the new team worked together so well and so quickly. "In rally, more than any other motorsport, teamwork is absolutely essential. John has already proven himself to be an excellent coach and co-driver: I think you'll see us at the top in PGT in short order." While this was Dillon's first visit to Washington, Kendall raced there last year. By comparing her stage times and overall results for the two years, it's obvious that she has dramatically improved her abilities in recent months.

Their car, a Dodge Shadow ES, performed flawlessly all weekend. Crew chief Lincoln Woodard and Team Manager John K. Shirley spent most of the service periods cleaning mud out of the wheels; nothing more serious was required.

The weather in the Montesano area was cold and rainy on Saturday, but the hundreds of spectators enjoyed the rally on Sunday in sunny weather. The rain made the logging trails muddy and slippery, but the competitors enjoyed the fact that there was no dust at all hanging in the air. Many rallyists believe that the Doo Wops run on some of the finest roads in the country. It is certainly true that the course is smooth, fast and well-marked by the organizers.

Keep your eyes on Team LeConte -- you'll be watching champions in the making.