Mitsubishi Motors Full Speed with Rally Racing in North America
28 September 2000
Mitsubishi Motors Full Speed with Rally Racing in North America
Rally Racing Involvement Signifies Mitsubishi Motors' Entry
To Rally Racing and the Ultimate Call to Wake Up and Drive
CYPRESS, Calif., Sept. 27 Mitsubishi Motor Sales of
America, Inc. (MMSA) today announced its entry into motorsports through
participation in several North American rally events. Though Mitsubishi
Motors is actively involved in rally racing around the globe, this
announcement marks the first time that the Triple Diamond flag will fly at a
North American rally racing event.
"Mitsubishi Motors is excited to enter the world of Motor Racing in North
America," said Greg O'Neil, executive vice president and general manager,
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America. "Rally racing is the number one
motorsports activity in the world and we've teamed with strong and committed
race partners who will take this sport to new levels of excitement."
Mitsubishi Motors participates in numerous race events around the world,
including the legendary Paris-Dakar desert race in Africa as well as the
FIA/World Rally Car championship races held in various European, Asian and
South American countries. Mitsubishi Montero (Pajero), Montero Sport (Pajero
Sport) and Lancer Evolution (modified Lancer/Mirage sedan) are prominent
players in their respective races, with first place finishes and praise and
ovation from drivers and enthusiasts alike. Mitsubishi has won the
manufacturers' championship numerous times, beating out competing brands like
Ford, Toyota, Subaru and Volkswagen/SEAT.
Bringing this international acclaim and excitement to the U.S., Mitsubishi
Motors will participate in rally events in North America, beginning with the
Baja 2000 race in Mexico. This historic desert rally race draws entrants and
spectators from around the world who compete through the scenic, yet rigorous
terrain in the Baja Peninsula. Starting in Ensenada on November 12, 2000 and
finishing at the southern tip of Baja California in Cabo San Lucas, the Baja
2000 entrants will be joined by two specially race-prepared Montero Sport and
one Montero SUV from Mitsubishi Motors. These vehicles will be competing for
the coveted trophy in the Class III Production Vehicle segment.
In December 2000, Mitsubishi will be the presenting sponsor of the Ramada
Express International Rally held in Laughlin, Nevada. This three-day event
crosses through the various landscapes of Nevada, Arizona and the Hualapai
Indian nation near the Grand Canyon, and attracts professional and enthusiast
rally car drivers from around the world. The Ramada Express Rally, along with
the Baja 2000 race, brings Mitsubishi Motors to the forefront of rally racing
in the U.S.
On an individual driver level, Mitsubishi Motors currently sponsors Rhys
Millen of the Millen racing family and his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 6.5 RS
rally car. Under Mitsubishi's support, Millen recently finished first in the
High Performance Showroom Stock class at the famed Pikes Peak International
Hill Climb, setting a new world record for vehicles in his class. Millen will
race under the Triple Diamond marque in the Ramada Express International Rally
in December.
In addition to Millen, Mitsubishi Motors will reward drivers who choose
Mitsubishi products through a Monetary Contingency Prize Program established
in cooperation with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). During the last
three SCCA rally races in 2000, Mitsubishi Motors will award cash prizes to
drivers who finish in the top three while driving current or previous
generation Mitsubishi products. This prize demonstrates Mitsubishi Motors'
appreciation and commitment toward loyal rally racers.
"Rally racing fans are young, active people who like the great outdoors
and love their cars," adds O'Neil. "Mitsubishi sells a full line of spirited
cars for spirited people, and we feel rally racing is the perfect activity to
complement their lifestyle and convey the distinctive image of our products."
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. was established in 1982 by
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Tokyo, and markets a full line of vehicles,
including coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles.