Subaru of America is once again providing contingency support for Rally America National and Regional competitors in Subaru vehicles. Subaru’s generous 2009 National Championship support will switch from PGT to the more inclusive new Super Production class, and 2002 to current Impreza models will be eligible for the higher payouts under plan “A”. All currently eligible Subaru PGT vehicles will continue to be eligible in the new Super Production class. Also continuing for 2009 is a program whereby participating eligible regional competitors will receive a start fund for all classes in national championship support events:

Subaru press release:

(September 25, 2008) Subaru of America Inc. announced today that it will continue its support of Subaru drivers in the 2009 Rally America National Championship. The 2009 Subaru Rally Support program, which began in 2005, continues to represent the largest total prize payouts in North American rallying with a total purse of nearly $115,000. The biggest change to the program for 2009 will be a shift of prize money from the Production GT (PGT) class to the newly announced Super Production class (SP).

The all-new Super Production class was recently created by Rally America to offer a compromise between the top-tier Open class and the more restrictive Production GT class. This new category will provide a playground for 2002-2008 Subaru WRX and STI models among others and should prove to be the most hotly contested Rally America class championship in 2009. Nearly $13,000 per event will be available to participants, with the top finishing Subaru SP class finisher netting $3000. Prize payouts will be awarded to the top 10 finishing Subaru SP class registrants.

The SP class will appeal to many Subaru drivers because it allows several key modifications to Subaru WRX and/or STI model rally cars to make them more affordable to prepare and run as well as more competitive overall compared to the PGT class. This includes allowing vehicles to be updated or backdated within a body style of the model. Additionally the rules allow the fitting of hydraulic handbrakes and allow for many more brake modifications compared to the PGT class. The SP class will also feature a larger turbo inlet restrictor than the PGT class, 34mm versus 32mm, allowing SP cars to produce potentially more power.

“By creating this new class, Rally America acknowledges the growing field of rally-capable cars in the U.S. market and has made a substantial step forward in making the sport more accessible and inclusionary,” explains James Han of Subaru of America, Inc. “Subaru is pleased to support the efforts of Rally America and proud to offer the most lucrative contingency program in U.S. rally to support the efforts of eligible Subaru privateers.”

In addition to support to SP class participants at Rally America National Championship events, Subaru of America Inc., will also offer a $200 ‘start fund’ to any class Subaru entered in a Rally America Regional rally that runs concurrent to a national event weekend.

The 2009 Subaru Rally Support Program is administered and managed by Vermont SportsCar. For complete rules and information on how to register please visit rally.subaru.com

For more information about the Rally America’s new Super Production class please read through the latest bulletin outlining the class: http://www.rally-america.com
or contact Rally America directly: http://www.rally-america.com