San Diego, California -- Lauchlin O'Sullivan (San Francisco, CA) and John Dillon (Thousand Oaks, CA), both members of the San Diego Region of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), were honored 5 August 2001 with the region's highest rally honors. O'Sullivan was named Rally Driver of the Year for 2000, while his navigator received the Co-driver of the Year award.

The awards were given during the Southern Pacific Divisional Round Table on 5 August 2001. San Diego is one of six SCCA regions in the "SoPac" division. The SCCA, a club of motorsports enthusiasts with a variety of amateur racing programs, was founded in 1944 and currently has over 57,000 members. The San Diego Region has approximately 550 members.

Phil Clarke, San Diego's Regional Executive (the equivalent of a club president), cited the achievements of the Widget Rally Team partners. "If you've watched any of the exciting Speedvision broadcasts of SCCA ProRally, you've probably seen Lauchlin and John challenging for class honors and racing near the very top of the order in their Production GT car. They have given our region plenty of positive exposure through their victories and outstanding performance. We are pleased to recognize their accomplishments and wish them continued success on the rally circuit."

"I've been involved with the region since 1988 when I got involved as a volunteer corner worker," said Dillon. "The San Diego folks have always been a great crowd to be with." He attended this year's Round Table to host a rally seminar at the convention, only to be surprised with the award.

"This is an unexpected honor," noted O'Sullivan, "and it's gratifying to be recognized by my adopted region." O'Sullivan, who won more U.S. rallies in 1999 than any other driver, transferred to the San Diego Region in 2000.

The two racers, until recently campaigning a Mitusbishi Eclipse for M&M Motorsports, are working on plans to complete the 2001 national SCCA season as well as preparing to run the full 2002 calendar. The team is currently seeking sponsor partners after their previous team owner had to curtail their limited racing budget.

"After an outstanding win in Laughlin last year, we started off the 2001 season with a great victory in Tennessee," noted the driver. "Unfortunately, mechanical problems have taken us out on several occasions since then while in the lead."

"With the right car," added crew chief Tom Laeng, "Lauchlin can dominate in whichever class he chooses to compete. We just need to put together a package that can put him and John into a reliable car."

"It's a great honor to be named Driver and Co-driver of the Year," both Dillon and O'Sullivan said. "We plan to continue to represent the region in the positive, friendly manner that has made San Diego famous."