VANCOUVER, BC -- Rocket Rally Racing will be trying to move back into the top Production GT spot at Rallye International de Charlevoix, Oct. 24 to 29 in the Charlevoix and Saguenay regions of Quebec, about 150 km east of Quebec City.

Charlevoix (formerly Rallye Automobile Charlevoix) is the longest rally event in North America, starting with three days of reconnaissance, when teams can access some of the event's roads in order to create their own pace notes. The five-day event is over 1,100 km long and most of the stages will be new to the competitors.

The event is being observed this year by the Federation International de Automobiles (FIA), which governs worldwide auto racing. Organizers hope this event will be added to the World Rally Championship calendar by 2002. Teams will be coming from Belgium, Ireland, Italy and the U.S., as well as Canada, to compete.

"Placing in the Top 10 will be unattainable, because this event will have the top North American teams and some strong European contenders, including former Formula 1 Driver Erik Comas," says Patrick Richard, Rocket Rally Driver.

Overall placement at this event is less important to the team than placement in relation to American Brian Scott. The team will be resuming its season-long battle with Scott for the Production GT title in the Subaru Canadian Rally Championship.

While it led the championship all season long, an accident at the last event left Rocket Rally Racing one point behind the American in the race for the title.

Richard's sister Nathalie will be co-driving at this event, as regular co-driver Ian McCurdy is unable to make the event.

Rocket Rally Racing is sponsored by Specialty Subaru of North Vancouver, DMS Shock Absorbers, SPD Tuning Service and Dragon Eyewear, with Option Subaru of Quebec City providing local event assitance.

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