VANCOUVER, BC -- The Rocket Rally Racing team will be helping to heat up the cold Quebec winter this weekend, as they join their fellow rallyists for the Rallye de Quebec in Quebec City, January 26 to 28. The event is the first of eight national events in the Subaru 2001 Canadian Rally Championship presented by Yokohama.

"This event is one of our favourites. Last year, the crowds were incredible: thousands of people full of energy and enthusiasm," says Ian McCurdy, Rocket Rally Navigator. The event starts with a Friday night stage in downtown Quebec City, presented as part of the Quebec Winter Carnival. The event consists of 200 kilometres of stages, on icy and snowy roads. "I really enjoy racing on winter roads. I like the fully committed cornering style that it requires," says Patrick Richard, Rocket Rally Driver.

The team's going to have to be fully committed if it hope to match last year's performance. Last season, its first full season of rallying, Rocket Rally Racing captured the Production GT titles in the Subaru Canadian Rally Championship, the American-based SCCA ProRally Championship and the North American Rally Cup, an unprecedented triple-crown victory in North American rallying. The team finished third overall in the Canadian series.

"Of course, we hope to defend our title this season. Beyond that, I'd like to continue my apprenticeship and get consistent Top 5 finishes," says Richard.

With support from associate sponsors DMS Shock Absorbers, Specialty Subaru of North Vancouver, SPD Tuning Service and Dragon Eyewear, Rocket Rally Racing will be running the entire Canadian series. While the team's North American schedule is not yet finalized, Richard and McCurdy plan to run at least several events in the U.S. this year.

In the Canadian series, the team will be driving the car it drove last year, a black 1998 Subaru Impreza RS emblazoned with a yellow "rocket" flame. "The Impreza's an incredible machine in showroom trim, so we run the car in the production-based class," explained Richard. "We're still exploring our options for the American events."

Rallye de Quebec will be televised on three national networks - The Sports Network, le Réseau des sports and the Outdoor Life Network.