SHILLINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA -- 3 Stooges Racing will take their Steve Moyer Subaru, KAM Specialties sponsored 1996 Subaru Impreza to Rumford, Maine this weekend to compete against 120 of the best rally teams from the United States and Canada in the Maine Forest Rally. This event is known for high speeds and big rocks, a combination that can bring a team's rally to a abrupt halt.

"This is a deceptive event," states driver/owner Don Kennedy. "The roads aren't quite as tight and the trees aren't as close as the last two events we've run (Cherokee Trails International Rally and STPR). You don't sense your speed as much, which can get you into a lot of trouble if you're not careful!" Not starting near the front, the team has the advantage of looking for the previous competitors' tracks to reveal any tricky sections.

Although navigator Keith Kennedy hasn't sat in the right seat for a performance rally since Maine last year, he's not too concerned. "I've run a couple of TSD rallies since Maine last year; they've helped keep my navigating skills fresh. Also, the long special-stages at Maine [some over 20 miles] allow the driver and navigator to get into a rhythm," which will help to ease the transition back into competition for Keith.

The event itself has been slightly restructured this year. Gone is the traditional spectator stage run through downtown Rumford, replaced with a spectator stage at the Mexico Recreational Park, just outside of downtown Mexico/Rumford on Route 17 West. Also, due to the growing list of entrants, the event organizers have done away with repeating any of the stages. "Well, I'm kind of glad they had to do away with the repeated stages. Some of the roads were pretty bad the first time through, and absolutely brutal the second time," relates crew chief Matt Kennedy. 3 Stooges Racing was fortunate to have only bent rims last year, while other competitors broke rims, some having multiple breaks on the same stage. "While the last event (STPR) tested teams' overall endurance, this one primarily tests the car's strength."

To find out more information and follow all of the action at the event's official web site: maineforestrally.com. After the event you can see photographs and read about 3 Stooges Racing's exploits by checking their site: www.3StoogesRacing.com.