BUFFALO, NY -- ATR Racing, the Buffalo based professional rally team that competes in the Subaru/Yokohama Canadian National Rally Championship, will travel north to the Charlevoix region of Quebec next weekend for the Rallye International de Charlevoix that runs October 27-29.

This is a highly anticipated race, as it is an FIA listed event, drawing teams from the US, Canada, and Europe to compete. Also, as codriver Tom Mahoney explains, this will be the first pacenote rally in North America in a decade: "In a pacenote rally, teams have the opportunity to practice the stages before the event, taking very exact notes on the roads. When it comes time to race, we are therefore already familiar with each turn, allowing us to drive much faster. Expect to see fast, all out competition!" As if the pressure of competing in the biggest North American event in years is not enough, ATR Racing is feeling added pressure to make a strong showing. So far this year, the team has suffered multiple disappointing finishes due to mechanical difficulties that have detracted from their driving abilities.

Team driver Andrew Miller explains, "We know we are a very fast team, but the car has had some mechanical troubles, which we have recently addressed. We are overdue for a win, and we know that a victory on the international scene next weekend will prove our abilities." Adding to the team's self imposed pressure, rally officials have recently announced a $25,000 purse for the winners.

The Rallye International de Charlevoix is expected to draw close to 70 competitors and 50,000 spectators to the Charlevoix countryside northeast of Quebec City. The event will be covered by national media, and live information will be available on the events website at www.rallye-charlevoix.com.

ATR Racing wishes to thank the following sponsors: Metro Electric and Communications, Buffalo, NY - leading suppliers of industrial electric and communication solutions in the Western New York and Southern Ontario region; Autohaus Sport Tuning, Orchard Park, NY - sales and installation of performance upgrades for import cars.