ProRally: Carolina RallySport enters series

Carolina RallySport Unveiled New Rally Team To Start at LSPR

TOPEKA, Kan. (July 1, 2004) -- SCCA ProRally Championship Presented by Hot Wheels® competitors just had one more thing added to their worry lists.

One more competitor, actually.

Based in Apex, N.C., Carolina RallySport has been unfurled by driver and team owner Matt Johnson, who spent the past three seasons competing under his TRI Rally banner in a Group 2 Volkswagen.

Johnson, 27, said the launch of his new team is another, albeit big, step that was necessary for his further growth as a rally competitor.

"I'm committed to reaching my full potential as a driver," Johnson said. "I absolutely love Two-Wheel Drive cars and always had a blast driving the Volkswagen. I believe that any manufacturer considering possible drivers will want to see how they perform with lots of competition and how they can get along in an All-Wheel Drive turbo car."

Johnson also said he also recognizes the challenges that will surface as he moves from a Volkswagen into a 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX. He has yet to decide which class he will run, but conceded that no matter where he places his new ride, finishing high on the leader board will not be easy. However, it is a task he said he's up for.

"The competition will be much stiffer," Johnson said. "And sure, driving the new car will have its differences, but I'm going to drive the same; strap in, get focused and let it rip."

Johnson said he anticipates debuting his new WRX in October at the Lake Superior ProRally, Round Nine of the 2004 SCCA ProRally Championship Presented by Hot Wheels®.

For more information about Carolina RallySport, visit www.carolinaRS.com. For more information about the SCCA ProRally Championship Presented by Hot Wheels®, visit www.scca.com.

-scca pro rally-