Mitsubishi Lancer Evo Twins Dominate Rim of the World

CYPRESS, Calif., May 4 -- Invincible. Dominating. Indestructible. Words the top competitors in the ultra-competitive Sports Car Club of America ProRally series must be thinking now that the Lancer Evolutions of Team Mitsubishi have dominated the infamous Rim of the World rally in the rain-soaked High Desert mountains of Southern California.

Defending national driver's champion David Higgins drove a smooth, but relentless pace under the most adverse rain and mud conditions experienced at Rim of the World. The 400-plus horsepower, all-wheel-drive Lancer Evolution performed flawlessly and Higgins' mastery of slippery driving conditions combined to provide a commanding Open Class victory in an event shortened by the severe weather.

"The car is a joy to toss about on the slippery bits," said Higgins who hails from the Isle of Man in Great Britain. "And it has so much power and traction that the rocks and mud were never a real bother."

Meanwhile, teammate and California native Lauchlin O'Sullivan drove his identically prepped Lancer Evolution to a third overall in only his second event in an Open Class Lancer Evolution.

This makes two wins in a row for Team Mitsubishi. Higgins now holds a commanding lead in the SCCA Open Class. Likewise Mitsubishi stand first and second in the driver's championship, and has a commanding points lead over Subaru in the chase for the SCCA manufacturer's championship.

"Our ProRally Lancer Evolution's are quickly proving to North American automotive enthusiasts that the car they have craved for so long is certainly living up to its reputation as a premier performance icon," said Pierre Gagnon, chairman and COO of Mitsubishi Motors North America.

"Its growing list of racing victories is testament to the passion and commitment that Mitsubishi brings to all of its vehicles."

Team Mitsubishi Motor Sports next U.S. event is the Susquehannock Trail ProRally in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, June 7.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is responsible for all North American operations of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. As a single company consolidated on January 1, 2003, MMNA and its subsidiaries manufacture, distribute, finance, and market Mitsubishi brand coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles through a network of 700 dealers in the United States.

Mitsubishi Motors sold its first vehicle in the U.S. in 1981 and began building cars here in 1988 at its manufacturing facility in Normal, IL.