SHILLINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA -- After a long, hard winter spent repairing the damage done to the team's 1996 Subaru Impreza at Black River Stages last September, 3 Stooges Racing is ready to begin their sophomore season at the Cherokee Trails International Rally ClubRallies this weekend.

"It seemed that every time we fixed one thing, wed discover that something else needed to be replaced," said team owner, and driver, Don Kennedy. In fact, less than three weeks before the event the team determined that the steering rack had sustained more damage in the roll last September than originally suspected, and needed to be replaced. A quick call to the team's main sponsor, Steve Moyer Subaru in Temple PA, and a replacement rack was found. "We plan to take it easy at first," said Don when asked about the team's plan of attack for this weekend. "The fact that Subarus are so durable helped keep the damage bill to a minimum, but I don't want go through that again!"

Subaru is known for building tough, reliable cars, and the "proof is in the pudding," as the saying goes. "I think that if it were any other car brand we might have had to start at square one again, and build another car," commented navigator Matt Kennedy. "Also, we have to thank KAM Specialties of Reading PA. I needed a new helmet this year, and seeing the severity of Colin McRae's crash last year left no doubt in my mind that I wanted a full face helmet. Bryner (owner of KAM Specialties) has always been a big help to us, especially in the area of safety equipment."

Even though this weekend's event is the first for the team since the team's season ended last fall, crew chief Keith Kennedy isn't too concerned. "At this point the only thing that might be a concern is the right-rear strut. It's making a bit of noise, and we're not sure if it may be on its way out." But given the number of service stops, there should be time for the team to fix any gremlins that do appear. "And the two hour service on Friday at the end of the first ClubRally gives up plenty of time to do any significant work, like changing the right-rear strut," added Keith. "Once again, we really have to thank Steve Moyer Subaru for all their help in repairing the car this winter. It really helps having a dealer in town who is so quick to help."

You can follow all of this weekend's action at the event's official web site: www.CherokeeTrailsRally.com , or at Rally Racing News (www.RallyRacingNews.com) After the event you can see photographs and read about 3 Stooges Racing's exploits by checking their site: www.3StoogesRacing.com