Tigard, Oregon-- The Hairpin Racing Team, following a disappointing DNF (did not finish) at the Rim of the World ProRally, has begun an aggressive development and test program that will take approximately three months to complete. The team is looking for a ten percent improvement in stage times by upgrading the engine, drivetrain, and suspension.

The team has competed in four previous ProRally seasons, winning the 1999 North American Rally Cup for the Production GT class in the Subaru Impreza. A recent surge in popularity of the ProRally Series in the US has brought a number of new drivers from other motorsports as well as rally drivers from overseas. Privateer teams that previously finished in the top 10 in most rallies are now struggling to finish in the top 20. The Hairpin Racing team's DNF at Rim was a clear indication that equipment improvements will be required to compete at the top level.

"We have approached our sponsors and suppliers for technical assistance," commented Lee Shadbolt, who is responsible both for driving and engineering on the team's OPEN class Subaru Impreza. "They are delighted to be more closely involved and see this as an opportunity to exchange notes."

The team has taken a conservative approach to vehicle preparation, rebuilding elements of each system between events. Improvements are currently underway to the engine intake system, transmission, central differential, rear differential, suspension, brakes, tires, and lighting. "We are no longer the only team racing the Impreza and performance parts are now readily available," added Tamara Shadbolt, team owner and service crew chief. "When we first started racing the EJ20 engine last year, replacement parts were not imported - the 2002 WRX changed all of that."

The team plans to compete in the Ojibwe Forests ProRally in Bemidji, Minnesota. This event, which is scheduled for August 17-18, features soft roads and few elevation changes. Nearby Minnetonka is home to one of the team's supporters, Morrie's Subaru.

Watch for Hairpin Racing Team updates on their website at www.geocities.com/hairpin35

For more information on Hairpin Racing, please contact Tamara Shadbolt at (503) 624-6366.