Fresh off his best season ever in Canadian rally competition – 7 podiums in 8 events including a victory at the season ending Rally of the Tall Pines – fan favorite “Crazy Leo” Urlichich will bring his wild style and fire-breathing Subaru nicknamed “The Beast” to the entire Rally America Championship.

The first event on his busy schedule is the Sno-Drift Rally January 27th and 28th on the icy roads in and around Atlanta, Michigan.

A lot of momentum was carried into the short off-season following his victory in the final round of the 2011 Canadian Rally Championship and Leo is excited about racing in America. “After the victory at the 2011 Rally of the Tall Pines the expectations are high and that means pressure. Snow Drift is my first event in the United States, there are A LOT of things to get used to,” said Urlichich. “Jemba notes, new roads and a new co-driver will be a big challenge but whatever happens we will have a blast,” he added.

Can-Jam Motorsports, the ultra successful team based out of Toronto, Ontario set about making many improvements to “The Beast” in the short off-season in an effort to continue development of the car. “The guys have worked so hard on the car in the last two months and have made it more customizable, and I can change it’s behavior on the fly so I am really excited to put it to the test,” said Urlichich.

Additionally, Leo has managed to attract the services of veteran UK co-driver Carl Williamson of Swansea, South Wales. Williamson has competed in over 700 international rallies including 30 WRC events and is sure to bring Leo’s results to yet another level.

The Sno-Drift Rally will get underway Friday, January 27. Fans can view the cars at Parc Expose in downtown Lewiston from 1pm-3pm. The ceremonial start will also be there with the first car taking to the stages at 2:44pm

The rally will conclude Saturday in downtown Atlanta and features two exciting Super Stages at Atlanta School.