VANCOUVER, BC -- Rocket Rally Racing marked its second anniversary in performance rallying by grabbing second place overall and cruising to a dominant production class victory in this weekend's Rocky Mountain Rally. The event, held May 25 and 26, was staged on closed forest roads southwest of Calgary, Alberta.

"The level of performance offered by the new car is incredible," said Patrick Richard, Rocket Rally Driver, referring to his 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX supplied by Subaru Canada. Vancouver-based Richard is part of the three-car Subaru Canada Rally Team. "I mean, I could hardly believe it. Here we have a completely stock Impreza WRX running significantly faster than purpose-built, imported European rally cars. And it's easy to drive, too!"

Richard and co-driver Ian McCurdy were in second place for most of the event, completely dominating the production car field, and finishing just 64 seconds behind Subaru Canada Rally teammate Tom McGeer, who races an Open class car. The third place finisher was a further five minutes back. Open class cars are prepared to significantly different rules than production-based rally cars, which are forced to remain essentially stock. "After the first eight stages we slowed, because there was no need to go any faster," explained co-driver Ian McCurdy. "But we still managed a couple of stage wins, which were our first ever in the Canadian Championship."

"Last weekend, at Bighorn Rally, we were still getting acquainted with the new car. This was our also our first national level finish in a turbo car. I think we've now got the hang of it."

This was the team's best placing to date and its first time on the podium. Its next chance to "get acquainted" with the new Subaru Impreza WRX is at Rallye Baie des Challeurs in Quebec in July. Rocky Mountain Rally was round four of the Subaru Canadian Rally Championship presented by Yokohama. Detailed results can be found at www.rockymountainrally.com.

Rocket Rally Racing and the Subaru Canada Rally Team is also supported by OMP, DMS Shock Absorbers and Globalstar Communications.

Patrick Richard, Rocket Rally Driver
info@rocketrally.com
www.rocketrally.com
p. (604) 803-6095