Palmdale, California -- Driver Leon Styles (Mission Viejo, CA) and navigator John Dillon (Thousand Oaks, CA) took the points lead in the California Rally Series (CRS) after the Rim of the World Rally May 3rd and 4th, 2002. The two accomplished this goal with a pair of podium finishes. They finished third overall in the Friday ClubRally and second overall in Saturday's ClubRally. Additionally the team finished an amazing seventh (out of 80) overall in the weekend's ProRally, racing against numerous factory-backed efforts. Styles and Dillon, who started 21st, raced a twelve-year-old Audi Quattro against numerous brand new factory-backed cars including top-dollar products from Subaru, Hyundai, Mitsubishi and Mazda.

"I'm still learning the Audi," observed Styles, "but we knew we could drive a smart race and be there at the end. The key to success at Rim is survival first and speed second. Fortunately we were able to demonstrate both."

The Audi, prepared and provided by George Plsek's Tato Motorsports of Santa Clarita, features all wheel drive and a 2.2 liter turbocharged five cylinder engine. "The big engine makes the car nose-heavy so it pushes around the corners, but I'm getting better at pivoting the car through the tight stuff," added the driver.

"I love this event," said Dillon, "especially when you have a solid, reliable car around you. These roads can be punishing but with the right suspension package and a smooth driver you can really enjoy the challenge." Dillon admitted too that Styles attacks the roads with enthusiasm. "We went airborne a few times on the Del Sur South stage. Finally I reminded him that you can't put the power down if the wheels aren't on the ground! It sure was a lot of fun though, thanks to George and the crew. The strength of this car is just incredible."

The Widget Rally Team, sponsored by Tombstone Paintball Park (www.TombstonePaintball.com) and Porterfield Enterprises (www.porterfieldbrakes.com) is racing for Tato Motorsports in selected western events. The team's goal is to win the 2002 California Rally Series championship. As a privateer effort they can't afford to attend the next ProRally, Susquehannock Trail in Pennsylvania June 1st, but hope to put together a package to get to the Maine Summer Rally at the end of the July.

Meanwhile, the Widget Team continues to work on new opportunities for the 2003 season. Styles closed with, "Leading the California Rally Series championship is a great way to start off the CRS season. We plan to keep on pushing hard to make this our most sucessful season to date."