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RALLY: Lake Superior ProRally press notes 2

23 October 1999

D&N Bank Lake Superior ProRally
Press notes
Page 2


7.) Before we move away from the weather altogether, Kevin Ericson has
pointed out that the weather we are experiencing today is very much
like the stormy conditions that destroyed the Edmund Fitzgerald. The
huge, ill-fated ore boat was the subject of a popular Gordon Lightfoot
song. She sank without warning not that far from here -- in sight of
another ship, virtually in the blink of an eye -- taking all hands
with her.
8.) This year's edition of LSPR will have 18 stages, 10 today and the
remainder tomorrow. The total stage miles will be 141.06, and the
total event distance will be 441.70 miles. The ceremonial start is
scheduled for 4:00 p.m. adjacent to Dee Stadium. Tomorrow's start will
be at 10:00 a.m., from the D&N Bank branch in nearby Calumet. The
finish will be at the D&N Bank's headquarters, across the river from
here in Hancock.
9.) There will be a powerful contingent of Open Class cars headlining
the field here this weekend. We have three factory Hyundais and three
powerful Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions, plus several other
fast-runners.
10.) The Hyundais will be driven by newly crowned overall driver and
co-driver champions Noel Lawler and Charlie Bradley (Tiburon), Paul
Choiniere and Jeff Becker (Tiburon), and John Buffum and Lance Smith
(Elantra). The Mitsubishis will be piloted by Garen and Doc Shrader
(Evo IV), Henry Joy and Chris Griffin (Evo II), and 1999 Production
driver and co-driver champions Karl Scheible and Gail McGuire (Evo V).

11.) There is a navigator change on Jim Anderson's Group 2 Honda
Prelude. Regular co-driver Martin Dapot will not be able to compete in
this event, due to a sudden illness in the family. Mark Williams will
be taking his place.
12.) It will be interesting to see if Williams tweaks Anderson the
same way he did John Buffum a couple of months ago. Prior to that
event, Williams had navigated for the Mexican national champion in
Susquehannock Trail, where he had to give all instructions in Spanish.
So, just to have a little fun with Buffum, he gave the first few
instructions in Spanish.
13.) The drawing for FIA drivers was held here in the press room and,
for the fourth time this year, Noel Lawler will be first-on-the-road.
That won't count for much, though, as there isn't a prayer of a chance
of any dust. There has been way too much rain. Teammate Paul Choiniere
will start second, followed by Henry Joy, who won here in 1995, and
then John Buffum.