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RALLY: Lake Superior ProRally press notes 3

23 October 1999

D&N Bank Lake Superior ProRally
Press notes
Page 3


14.) There has been a bit of drama here the past couple of days, as
company executives and team personnel kept waiting for the factory
Daewoo Nubira to arrive -- or even be located. Late yesterday
afternoon, they finally made cell-phone contact with the transporter,
which was in Michigan but several hundred miles away. Just three hours
before today's start the Prescott Production Class winner still had
not arrived. However, it did pull in shortly after that, and got
through registration and tech in time.
15.) In addition to the representatives from Daewoo, we also have Doug
Matthews and another representative of Pirelli here observing the
event. Pirelli is Noel Lawler's tire supplier.
16.) Lynn Nelson, the Regional Executive of SCCA's Lake Superior
Region and chairperson of last year's Rally of the Year-winning Lake
Superior ProRally, has sent everyone wishes for a safe and happy
event. Obviously with an eye toward the Weather Channel, she wished
everyone a "shiveringly good time."
17.) Houghton is home to Michigan Technological University, and the
MTU Future Car Team led cars away at the 4:00 p.m. ceremonial start
today. This volunteer, non-credit student program is part a
presidential initiative aimed at tripling the fuel economy of a
typical mid-size car without losing any of the comfort and desirable
traits of a normal mid-size vehicle. The MTU car is Dodge Intrepid
diesel-electric series hybrid, using a 1.8-liter Peugeot
non-direct-injection diesel engine, a large alternator and a modest
battery bank. The engine and alternator provide the motive power most
of the time, with the battery pack providing a boost for acceleration,
hill-climbing, etc. The MTU car was selected to be among 13 finalists
this past June, and ultimately finished third in the competition.
Testing included both dynamic and static tests, as well as
manufacturing feasibility studies. In addition to everything else, the
students published an SAE paper on the project.
18.) Although he probably won't be selling many units at this event,
Al Kintigh of White Knuckle Rallysports is the newest distributor of
Chill Factor cool suits. The units include a water-cooled shirt,
cooler unit, pump, mounting tray and hold-down straps. He will have a
complete unit installed and available for inspection in car 531, which
will be competing in the upcoming ClubRallies in Paris, Texas.