Lake Superior PRO Rally
by Andy Schupack
MEDIA_ALERT
Event: Lake Superior PRO Rally - Round #9 of the 1997 Michelin PRO Rally
Championship. Race cars from around the world will compete at high
speeds through Baraga, Houghton, Ontonagon and Iron Counties,
mainly in the Ottawa National Forest.
When: Friday - Sunday, October 17 - 19, 1997
Schedule_-_Friday
Friday, October 17th
5:00pm - Press Stage (by invitation only)
3:00pm - 9:30pm Competitor Registration - Franklin Square Inn
6:00pm - 10:00pm Worker Registration - Franklin Square Inn
3:30pm - 10:00pm Tech. Inspection - Parking Garage - Shelden St.
7:00pm - 9:00pm Div. Licensing School - Franklin Square Inn
6:00pm - 10:00pm Welcome Party - Franklin Square Inn
10:00pm - Stage Captains Meeting - Franklin Square Inn
Saturday, October 18th
8:00am - 9:30am Worker Registration - Franklin Square Inn
8:30am, 10:00am Workers Meetings - Franklin Square Inn
By Appointment Competitor Registration and Tech Inspection
10:30am - Parade of cars through downtown Houghton
10:45am - 11:30am Parc Expose - D&N Bank Headquarters - Hancock
11:31am - First Car Out - D&N Bank Headquarters - Hancock
3:15pm - L'Anse Service - Lakeside
6:00pm - L'Anse Service - Ojibwa Casino
8:50pm - Kenton Service
11:45pm Kenton Service
Sunday, October 19th
1:45am First car finishes final stage - Kenton
3:09am First Car Arrives - Houghton
9:00am Scores Posted - Franklin Square Inn
9:30am Awards Presentation - Franklin Square Inn
Rally Headquarters: Best Western Franklin Square, 820 Shelden Street,
Houghton, MI 49931 (906) 487-1700.
Duration: 170 stage miles, 482 total miles, 17 stages
Rank: Full National Rally, sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America,
administered by the SCCA PRO Rally Board, and sponsored nationally
by Michelin Tire Company. Presented by the Lake Superior Region of
the Sports Car Club of America and sponsored locally by D&N Bank.
Interviews: Drivers will be available by contacting the press room at the
Best Western Franklin Square starting October 16. Series
spokes-people are also available through the press room
including UP drivers Bryan Pepp and Steve Gingras, event
organizer Kevin DeLoughery, defending champion Paul Choiniere;
and D&N Bank President Dan Dalquist.
Expected Top National Entries: Paul Choiniere - defending five-time
overall national champion - in his new '97 Hyundai Tiburon; Henry Joy,
a close second in points, in a back-up right hand drive Mitsubishi Lancer
after totalling his primary mount two weeks ago in Arizona; Carl Merrill,
with '97 updated Ford Escort Cosworth, produces more than 400 hp; Sam
Bryan, factory-supplied Group 5 Saab 900 turbo, has won three events in
class; Bruce Newey, Toyota Celica, currently leads Group 5; Pete Lahm,
in a vintage 1968 Datsun 510 - currently leads Group 2; Bill Malik, Volvo
240, had lead Group 2 until mid-summer/now only 4 points back; Steve
Gingras, originally from Marquette, in a PGT Mitsubishi Eclipse; Cal
Landau, '95 Production GT champion, in a Mitsubishi Eclipse, could take
points lead with win here; Tad Ohtake, '95 Production champion, in a new
Ford Escort ZX2; Al Kauwaheima, Production points leader, in a Dodge Neon;
Richard Losee, rookie, only one point behind class lead, in a Group 2
VW GTI.
Visuals: There will be escorts to take photographers and
video crews onto the course during the daylight part
of the rally on Saturday. Anyone requiring supplied photos or
video should contact Andy Schupack in the press room starting
October 16. Rally cars going through mud, over yumps and rough
terrain, and sliding at high speed through tight turns provide
exciting visuals.
Media Info: We will provide phone-ins on event information,
driver interviews, and results. We will fax
stories and agate Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
We have B-roll available for TV. The press room is be located
in the Best Western Franklin Square, Room 625.
Contact: Andy Schupack - Michelin PRO Rally Championship
media liaison:
(906) 487-1700, ext #625 - 10/16 - 10/19/97
(401) 739-5677 (after 10/19 - 3:00 PM
# # #
1997 D&N Bank Lake Superior PRO Rally
Round #9 - 1997 Michelin PRO Rally Championship
National and Divisional Entry List (10/16 - PM)
Car
Num. Driver/Home Town Navigator/Home Town Vehicle/Tires Class
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Paul Choiniere Tom Grimshaw Hyundai Tiburon Open
Shelburne, VT Port Charlotte, FL Michelin
2 Carl Merrill Lance Smith Ford Escort Cosworth Open
Ogunquit, ME Colchester, VT Michelin
5 Henry Krolikowski Cindy Krolikowski Dodge Shadow Group 5
Wyandotte, MI Wyandotte, MI Michelin
7 Henry Joy IV Michael Fennell Mitsubishi Lancer Open
Atlanta, MI Kingston, Jamaica Michelin
9 Cal Landau Eric Marcus Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX PGT
Coraopolis, PA Dayton, OH Michelin
13 Wayne Prochaska Annette Prochaska VW Golf Group 2
Lake Orion, MI Lake Orion, MI Michelin
15 Mike Hurst Rob Bohn Porsche 911 Group 5
Pendleton, IN Noblesville, IN Michelin
16 Steve Gingras Bill Westrick Eagle Talon Prod.GT
Elk River, MN Orion, MI Michelin
18 Kendall Russell Catherine Roso Dodge Shadow Prod.GT
Knoxville, TN Portland, OR Michlin
20 Al Kaumeheiwa Craig Sobczak Dodge Neon Prod.
Brighton, MI Marquette, MI Michelin
21 Bill Malik Farina O'Sullivan Volvo 240 Group 2
Burbank, CA San Francisco, CA Michelin
22 Pete Lahm Jimmy Brandt Datsun 510 Group 2
Phoenix, AZ Odessa, MI Michelin
23 Chris Czyzio Eric Carlson Mitsubishi Eclipse Prod.GT
Flushing, MI Hermantown, MN Michelin
24 Bryan Pepp Dean Rushford Eagle Talon Prod.GT
Marquette, MI Ishpeming. MI Michelin
25 Bill Driegert Hishin Shim Mitsubishi Galant Prod.GT
Richardson, TX Dallas, TX Michelin
27 Marvin Lummen John Astmus Dodge Onmi GLH U2
Grand Rapids, MI Grand Rapids, MI Bridgestone
28 Richard Losee Kent Livingston VW GTI Group 2
Provo, UT Salt Lake City, UT Michelin
30 Jon Kemp Gail McGuire Audi 4000 Quattro Open
Attica, NY Avon, NY Michelin
31 Douglas Davenport Alan Kintigh VW GTI Group 2
Indianapolis, IN Brooklyn Park, MN Michelin
32 Brian Scott W. David Watts Dodge Shelby 02
Milford, MI Boulder City, NV BFGoodrich
33 Tom Ottey Pam McGarvey Hyundai Elantra Open
Columbus, OH Columbus, OH Michelin
37 Eric Burmeister Mark Buskirk VW GTI Group 2
Holland, MI Kentwood, MI Michelin
38 James Buchwitz Charles Rudstrom Mercury Lynx U2
Minneapolis, MN Side Lake, MN Michelin
40 Ted Grzelak Dan Gildersleeve Mazda RX-7 02
Clinton Township, MI Channing, MI Michelin
41 Scott Radabaugh Marlena Baerkircher Dodge Colt U2
Milford, MI Findlay, OH Michelin
42 Craig Kazmierczak Diane Sargent Mazda RX-7 02
Ann Arbor, MI Saginaw, MN Bridgestone
44 Ken Kovach Mark Rinkel Ford Escort U2
Cleveland, OH Hinckley, OH Michelin
46 Aaron Hatz Brendan Higgins VW Rabbit U2
Minnetonka, MN Minnetonka, MN Michelin
51 Mike Villemure Reny Villemure VW Beetle 02
Westland, MI Flat Rock, MI Michelin
53 Brett Corneliusen Brenda Corneliusen VW GTI U2
Minneapolis, MN Bloomington, MN Nokia
57 Damien Crane Larry Warrington VW Rabbit U2
Minneapolis, MN Red Wing, MN Michelin/Bridgestone
66 Tad Ohtake Bob Martin Ford Escort ZX2 Prod.
Dearborn, MI Goodrich, MI Michelin
78 Colin McCleery Tom Beltman Ford Merkur XR4Ti 02
Zeeland, MI Hudsonville, MI BFGoodrich
83 Mark Utecht Paul Schwerin Dodge Omni GLH-Turbo Group 5
St. Paul, MN Coon Rapids, MN Michelin
96 Bruce Newey Matt Chester Toyota Celica Group 5
Atlanta, GA Atlanta, GA Michelin
150 Mike Bodnar D.J. Bodnar Audi 4000 Quattro Open
Southfield, MI Hamtramck, MI Michelin
900 Sam Bryan Robinson Walden Saab 900 Turbo Group 5
Kent, WA Shoreline, WA Michelin
# # #
1997 D&N Bank Lake Superior PRO Rally
Lac Vieux Desert Divisional Event (first divisional)
Entry List
Car
Num. Driver/Home Town Navigator/Home Town Vehicle/Tires Class
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 Henry Krolikowski Cindy Krolikowski Dodge Shadow 02
Wyandotte, MI Wyandotte, MI Michelin
13 Wayne Prochaska Annette Prochaska VW Golf U2
Lake Orion, MI Lake Orion, MI Michelin
16 Steve Gingras Bill Westrick Eagle Talon 04
Elk River, MN Orion, MI Michelin
23 Chris Czyzio Eric Carlson Mitsubishi Eclipse 04
Flushing, MI Hermantown, MN Michelin
25 Bill Driegert Hishin Shim Mitsubishi Galant 04
Richardson, TX Dallas, TX Michelin
27 Marvin Lummen John Astmus Dodge Onmi GLH U2
Grand Rapids, MI Grand Rapids, MI Bridgestone
32 Brian Scott W. David Watts Dodge Shelby 02
Milford, MI Boulder City, NV BFGoodrich
38 James Buchwitz Charles Rudstrom Mercury Lynx U2
Minneapolis, MN Side Lake, MN Michelin
40 Ted Grzelak Dan Gildersleeve Mazda RX-7 02
Clinton Township, MI Channing, MI Michelin
41 Scott Radabaugh Marlena Baerkircher Dodge Colt U2
Milford, MI Findlay, OH Michelin
42 Craig Kazmierczak Diane Sargent Mazda RX-7 02
Ann Arbor, MI Saginaw, MN Bridgestone
44 Ken Kovach Mark Rinkel Ford Escort U2
Cleveland, OH Hinckley, OH Michelin
46 Aaron Hatz Brendan Higgins VW Rabbit U2
Minnetonka, MN Minnetonka, MN Michelin
51 Mike Villemure Reny Villemure VW Beetle 02
Westland, MI Flat Rock, MI Michelin
53 Brett Corneliusen Brenda Corneliusen VW GTI U2
Minneapolis, MN Bloomington, MN Nokia
57 Damien Crane Larry Warrington VW Rabbit U2
Minneapolis, MN Red Wing, MN Michelin/Bridgestone
78 Colin McCleery Tom Beltman Ford Merkur XR4Ti 02
Zeeland, MI Hudsonville, MI BFGoodrich
83 Mark Utecht Paul Schwerin Dodge Omni GLH-Turbo 02
St. Paul, MN Coon Rapids, MN Michelin
150 Mike Bodnar D.J. Bodnar Audi 4000 Quattro 04
Southfield, MI Hamtramck, MI Michelin
# # #
D&N Bank Lake Superior PRO Rally, Houghton, Michigan
Round #9 - 1997 Michelin PRO Rally Championship
October 16, 1997 - 9:00 p.m. EDT - PRESS NOTES #1
1. Welcome to Houghton, Michigan - gateway to the Keweenaw area of
Michigan's Upper Peninsula - and the D&N Bank Lake Superior PRO Rally,
Round #9 of the Michelin PRO Rally Championship. This year, the rally
is again a long, one-day event which runs through Baraga, Houghton,
Ontonagon and Iron Counties - mostly through the Ottawa National
Forest. The weather promises to cooperate, with temperatures in the
mid-60's during the day and the high 30's at night, with no
precipitation predicted. We all know that anything can happen with
weather in the U.P., but things look good for Saturday.
2. On the eve of the opening of registration, 37 cars have entered this
year's event, with all the points leaders in all the classes here to
try to clinch their championships. The only leader missing is
Production GT Subaru Impreza pilot Lee Shadbolt, who rolled his car
at Prescott two weeks ago. Also, this is the first event where the
front-runners have to drop points, as only the best seven events count
towards the championship. So, if someone has three first place
finishes, a second, a third, and a sixth - and they finish first here -
they keep this finish and drop their lowest previous finish (in this
case, the sixth). Thus, they lose the 6 points they had for the sixth
place, but keep the two starting points from that event. We'll have
the specifics for each class as we progress in the press notes
tomorrow.
3. This event will not be on ESPN2, as Replica Productions did not obtain
sponsorship for the rally, and the lack of daylight stages close
together limited the shooting opportunities for the crew. The Prescott
Forest PRO Rally is the next one to air on the Deuce, and here are the
airdates and times: Sun., Nov. 9, 1997 - 1:30 PM EST, and
Sat., Nov. 15, 1997 - 5:00 AM EST
Replica and ESPN2 have announced intentions of telecasting the
entire 1998 Michelin PRO Rally schedule pending sponsorship of those
telecasts. Preliminary numbers have shown the rally events to be good
contributors to the network's audience, drawing 140,000 to 160,000
households per show - respectable numbers for a first-year show.
This year, Saab, Hyundai, Norseman Resorts, and Vermont Sports Car
all sponsored event, and others - including series sponsor Michelin -
took a "wait-and-see" approach. With the series on the verge of
breaking out of obscurity, let's hope the fence-sitters spring into
action. Executive Producer Doug Plumer can provide details of
sponsorship opportunities on the broadcasts (617) 492-7444.
# # #
D&N Bank Lake Superior PRO Rally
Houghton, Michigan
Round #9 - 1997 Michelin PRO Rally Championship
October 16, 1997 - 11:00 p.m. EDT
PRESS NOTES #2
4. We hate to burden a rally weekend with events from the previous
weekend, but the Richard Losee appeal of the Pete Lahm protest has been
upheld by the special SCCA-appointed appeals committee (Greg Lund, Doc
Shrader, and Ken Beard). In a nutshell, the appeals committee decided
that the last stage of the Prescott Forest Rally - the stage where
Henry Joy went off (more on that later) - ended when Joy and co-driver
Michael Fennell displayed their Red Cross. Thus, even though others
finished the event at speed, only Paul Choiniere and the Japanese team
of H. Genta (both finished before the display of the Red Cross) kept
their rally time, and everyone else was given Genta's time. Thus, the
final results are as follows:
CAR
# (DRIVER/CO-DRIVER) CAR SEED SCORE
1 Paul Choiniere/J Becker Hyundai 0 1:31:31 1 Open
30 Hiroyuki Genta/K Takata Subaru 3 1:40:13 2 Open
900 Sam Bryan/Rob Walden Saab 1 1:40:35 1 Group 5
21 Bill Malik/F O'Sullivan Volvo 2 1:40:54 1 Group 2
18 David White/Ben Greisler VW 2 1:41:18 2 Group 2
28 R Losee/K Livingston VW 3 1:41:18 2 Group 2
77 Roger Hull/Sean Gallagher Eagle 2 1:43:23 1 GT
96 Bruce Newey/Matt Chester Toyota 1 1:44:01 2 Group 5
51 V Samuelian/A Manoukian Mitsubishi 4 1:44:06 3 Open
2 Carl Merrill/Lance Smith Ford 0 1:44:10 4 Open
10 Lon Peterson/B Gutzmann Plymouth 1 1:44:16 3 Group 5
19 George Plsek/R Phillips Saab 3 1:44:22 4 Group 5
22 Pete Lahm/Jimmy Brandt Datsun 2 1:44:54 4 Group 2
85 Tony Chavez/John Elkin VW 4 1:48:16 5 Group 2
31 AK Kaumeiheiwa/C Sobczak Dodge 3 1:53:15 1 Production
14 Bob Pendergrass/J Weigley Chevy 6 1:58:00 5 Open
17 Ken Cassidy/Ben Bradley Mitsubishi 4 1:58:10 2 GT
7 Henry Joy/Michael Fennell Mitsubishi 0 DNF Open
8 Mike Whitman/P Gibeault Ford 2 DNF Open
16 Harris Done/Larry Scott Mazda 3 DNF Group 5
26 Lee Shadbolt/Paul Eklund Subaru 4 DNF GT
# # #
Only a few people were affected by this change. Bruce Newey and
Carl Merrill both lose a spot overall, but not in class. In Group 2,
Losee moves from third to a tie for second place, giving him 70
points instead of 67 (he tied with Dave White, so both of them receive
second place points, and Pete Lahm, the next finisher in class,
remained fourth with fourth-place points. Got it? Hope so.
# # #
D&N Bank Lake Superior PRO Rally
Houghton, Michigan
Round #9 - 1997 Michelin PRO Rally Championship
October 17, 1997 - 10:00 a.m. EDT
PRESS NOTES #3
5. Besides the D&N Bank title sponsorship, many local companies are
helping to put on this year's event. Stage sponsors include CellarOne,
the Ojibwa Casino Resort, Subway of Houghton, the City of Houghton,
Best Westerns of Houghton, 97.7-FM The Wolf, THE DAILY MINING GAZETTE,
Auto Value Parts Stores, Web Site Internet Services, Sayen's Business
Equipment, inc., and Mac-Sam Specialties. Individual stages are named
after these companies, and the sponsored stages are listed in the rally
program, which is being distributed in today's DAILY MINING GAZETTE and
the Michigan Tech University LODE newspaper.
6. The biggest question going into this weekend was whether Henry Joy
would be racing two weeks after destroying his car at Prescott.
Although both Carl Merrill and John Buffum offered Joy rides in their
cars for the weekend, Joy and crew chief Murray Thomas decided they
would rather take a chance on preparing a back-up Mitsubishi Lancer
chassis rather than working with an unknown car. They pulled what they
could from the damaged car, ordered more parts from New Zealand, and
used spares to build the new car, which tested at Joy's Michigan farm
on Thursday. Expect Joy, wife Robbie, son Henry V, and newborn James
in Houghton tomorrow morning.
7. In the run for the overall championship, it will be hard for and co-
driver Michael Fennell to catch six-time champion Paul Choiniere with
substitute co-driver Tom Grimshaw (Jeff Becker has a prior business
commitment) and their Hyundai Tiburon 4WD as Paul has a 25-point lead
with only two events left. If Choiniere wins here, he can clinch the
title. Henry's only real shot at the title is a win here combined with
a Choiniere DNF, setting a shootout in the snow in Maine in December.
With only five finishes coming into this event, Henry can keep all the
finishing points from the next two events, while Choiniere will have to
drop points (6 points from Maine is his lowest finish) if he finishes
both events. Merrill lost his chance for the title with his
disappointing 10th-place finish in Arizona.
8. In Production GT, points leaders Lee Shadbolt/Paul Eklund not here
after rolling their Subaru Impreza at Prescott, and second-place Cal
Landau/Eric Marcus can move their Mitsubishi Eclipse into the lead with
a win here. But it won't be easy, as the "fast" Mid-West PGT people
are all here, including Wild West winners Steve Gingras/Bill Westrick
in their Mitsubishi Eclipse, Ojibwe winners Brian Pepp/Dean Rushford in
their Eagle Talon, and Chris Czyzio/Eric Carlson - second at STPR and
Ojibwe - in a Mitsubishi Eclipse. Also, Maine winners Bill
Driegert/Hishim Shim in their Mitsubishi Galant - rookies this season
in a Vermont Sports Car-prepared entry - will be trying for their
second finish, while Kendall Russell, who has two third-places to her
credit as a rookie, is here with new co-driver Catherine Roso in a
Dodge Shadow.
# # #
D&N Bank Lake Superior PRO Rally
Houghton, Michigan
Round #9 - 1997 Michelin PRO Rally Championship
October 17, 1997 - 11:00 a.m. EDT
PRESS NOTES #4
9. In Production, the Al Kaumeheiwa/Craig Sobczak Dodge Neon, by virtue of
their win at Prescott two weeks ago, lead the class by 10 points over
the Ford Escort ZX2 of Tad Ohtake/Bob Martin. Both drivers have only
entered three events, so there are 44 points to be had for the last two
events.
10. The Group 5 battle has been tight all year, with the Sam Bryan/Rob
Walden Saab 900 and the Bruce Newey/Matt Chester Toyota Celica have
split the top points all year. Newey is currently in first place, with
two wins and two seconds, while Bryan scoring four wins. Bryan has won
his class every time he has finished. Defending class champions Henry
and Cindy Krolikowski are here with their Dodge Shadow, and have two
second-place finishes with their limited schedule. Other Group 5
competitors to watch include divisional leaders Mark Utecht/Paul
Schwerin in a Dodge Omni GLH turbo and the Porsche 911 of Mike
Hurst/Rob Bohn.
11. The tightest race for championship points is in Group 2, where the Pete
Lahm/Jimmy Brandt Datsun 510, the Richard Losee/Kent Livingston VW GTI,
and the Bill Malik/Farina O'Sullivan Volvo 240 are separated by only
four points. No one has finished more than five events, so everyone
can keep all their points. Lahm has 71 points, Losee 70, and Malik 67.
12. Besides the Choiniere and Joy, there are several other Open class teams
which have a top-five finish potential, including the Tom Ottey/Pam
McGarvey Hyundai Elantra and the Jon Kemp/Gail McGuire Audi 4000
Quattro. Divisional competitors Mike and D.J. Bodnar will be running
their Audi 4000 Quattro in the national field.
13. There will be coefficient two events run in conjunction with the
national event, and we will pass on results of 04, 02 and U2 results as
we get them. The Lac Vieux Desert PRO Rally will be 61 miles,
encompassing stages 1-7, with the second divisional, the Ottawa
Challenge, having 74 miles and including stages 11-17.
14. The Ken Kovach/Mark Rinkel Ford Escort U2 entry - which was making its
first event ever - is a DNS after they had car trouble in Cleveland.
15. The Gail Truess/Nancy Redner Mazda 323GTX is a late entry in the Open
class. Ms. Truess, a professional driving instructor and member of the
PPG CART Pace Car team, is running her third rally in this 4WD Mazda.
Ms. Redner, the usual co-driver for husband Carl in the ex-Henry Joy
Mitsubishi Eclipse, will be riding with Gail for the first time.
# # #
Note: Because lack of access to scoring on computer, and no place to file
notes from remote service locations, the rally is over and I am way behind
on press notes. Here are the class winners - details will come during the
day:
Overall winners - Paul Choiniere/Tom Grimshaw, Hyundai Tiburon (by about 5
minutes)
2nd - Henry Joy/Michael Fennell, Mitsubishi Lancer
3rd - Steve Gingras/Bill Westrick, Mitsubishi
Eclipse (winners in production gt and both divisionals
Group 5 - Sam Bryan/Rob Walden, Saab 900
Group 2 - Richard Losee/Kent Livingston, VW GTI
Production - Tad Ohtake/Bob Martin, Ford Escort ZX2
Now, back to the press notes - sorry for the lack of sequence.D&N Bank Lake
Superior PRO Rally
Houghton, Michigan
Round #9 - 1997 Michelin PRO Rally Championship
October 18, 1997 - 4:00 PM EDT
PRESS NOTES #5
16. 40 cars left downtown Houghton this morning at 10:30 AM for a parade
down Shelden Street, over the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge, and
into Hancock for the Park Expose at the D&N Bank world headquarters.
At 11:30 AM, 40 cars started the event, heading south on Rt. 41 to the
Baraga/L'Anse area and the first racing stage.
17. The Bill Driegert/Hashin Shim Mitsubishi Galant PGT car left late from
the D&N Bank building as the drivers came in on a flight which landed
only 10 minutes before the team's start time.
18. During the latter part of stage #1, divisional U2 driver Aaron Hatz
went off the road, and rolled his car into a cluster of trees, wedging
the VW Rabbit between two of them. Neither driver Hatz or co-driver
Brenden Higgins were seriously hurt, but they displayed their Red
Cross and were taken to Baraga Memeorial Hospital as a precaution.
Hatz suffered cuts on his fingers and belt burns, while Higgins
complained of back pains. We will give you a definitive report as
soon as we get one.
19. Because stage #1 was also stage #3, and stage #2 was the same as stage
#4, the shutdown of stage #1 for emergency and medical vehicles caused
the cancellation of stages #3 and #4. Thus, the cars went from the
end of stage #2 right to the service at L'Anse. The divisional cars
behind Hatz were given a bogey time, and transitted through the stage.
20. Things didn't get much better for the divisional bunch on stage #2
as the Damien Crane/Larry Warrington VW Rabbit slammed into a tree
near the end of the stage. No one was hurt, but the team is a DNF.
That closed the stage once again, however, and since half the
divisional field had not run the stage, the stage was cancelled for
the divisional competitors, with no one earning times.
21. Because some of the divisional competitors had actually run no stages
to this point, the divisional steward - Bruce Weinman - had considered
adding stages to the divisional event (scheduled for stages #1 - #7),
but, after discussion with chairman Kevin DeLoughery, decided that it
was too much to change the schedule at this point.
22. Although the Jon Kemp/Gail McGuire Audi 4000 Quattro fixed the half-
shaft from its press stage ills yesterday, they still only have the
front wheels spinning instead of their 4WD. A call to Audi guru Frank
Sprongl confirmed that it was a transfer case problem - one they will
have to live with all event.
# # #
D&N Bank Lake Superior PRO Rally
Houghton, Michigan
Round #9 - 1997 Michelin PRO Rally Championship
October 18, 1997 - 6:00 PM EDT
PRESS NOTES #6
23. Here are the standings after four stages (2 completed stages with
stages #3 and #4 cancelled):
Car
# Driver/co-driver Car Class Time
1 Paul Choiniere/Jeff Becker Hyundai Tiburon Open 13.11
33 Tom Ottey/Pam McGarvey Hyundai Elantra Open 13.49
2 Carl Merrill/Lance Smith Ford Escort Cosworth Open 13.55
7 Henry Joy IV/Michael Fennell Mitsubishi Lancer Open 13.77
30 Jon Kemp/Gail McGuire Audi 4000 Quattro Open 13.86
16 Steve Gingras/Bill Westrick Eagle Talon Prod.GT 14.06
900 Sam Bryan/Robinson Walden Saab 900 Turbo Group 5 14.21
28 Richard Losee/K. Livingston VW GTI Group 2 14.42
22 Pete Lahm/Jimmy Brandt Datsun 510 Group 2 14.44
9 Cal Landau/Eric Marcus Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX PGT 14.48
24 Bryan Pepp/Dean Rushford Eagle Talon PGT 14.49
83 Mark Utecht/Paul Schwerin Dodge Omni GLH-turbo Group 5 14.66
5 H.Krolikowski/C.Krolikowski Dodge Shadow Group 5 14.74
96 Bruce Newey/Matt Chester Toyota Celica Group 5 14.75
23 Chris Czyzio/Eric Carlson Mitsubishi Eclipse Prod.GT 14.94
15 Mike Hurst/Rob Bohn Porsche 911 Group 5 14.99
66 Tad Ohtake/Bob Martin Ford Escort ZX2 Prod. 14.99
150 Mike Bodner/D.J. Bodner Audi Quattro Open 15.02
25 Bill Driegert/Hishim Shim Mitsubishi Galant PGT 15.02
11 Gail Truess/Nancy Redner Mazda 323GTX Open 15.07
13 Wayn Prochaska/Ann Prochaska VW Golf Group 2 15.15
21 Bill Malik/Farina O'Sullivan Volvo 240 Group 2 15.17
117 Ken Stewart/Floyd Schrader Chevy S-10 Pickup Open 15.42
77 Brian Shanfeld/Bryan Hourt Honda Civic Prod. 15.45
34 Don Rathgeber/Russ Rathgeber Ford Mustang Group 5 15.91
31 Doug Davenport/Al Kintigh VW GTI Group 2 15.98
37 Eric Burmeister/Mark Buskirk VW GTI Group 2 16.08
20 Al Kaumeheiwa/Craig Sobczak Dodge Neon Prod. 17.33
18 Kendall Russell/Catheri Roso Dodge Shadow PGT 18.43
24. The familiar Paul Choiniere winning pattern is developing early in the
event, as Choiniere has carved out a 20-second lead, which doesn't
sound like much, but others may not be able catch up, His Tiburon is
running well, and those behind him are question marks. The
Joy/Fennell Mitsubishi, which is running fourth, is not likely to make
up time, while Merrill's car has had nagging mechanical problems and
the Tom Ottey/Pam McGarvey Hyundai Elantra, while running a great
event so far, has never finished a rally.
# # #
D&N Bank Lake Superior PRO Rally
Houghton, Michigan
Round #9 - 1997 Michelin PRO Rally Championship
October 18, 1997 - 6:00 PM EDT
PRESS NOTES #7
25. Here are the national standings after stage #7:
Car
# Driver/co-driver Car Class Time
1 Paul Choiniere/Jeff Becker Hyundai Tiburon Open 35.24
33 Tom Ottey/Pam McGarvey Hyundai Elantra Open 36.85
7 Henry Joy IV/Michael Fennell Mitsubishi Lancer Open 37.14
2 Carl Merrill/Lance Smith Ford Escort Cosworth Open 37.75
30 Jon Kemp/Gail McGuire Audi 4000 Quattro Open 38.30
16 Steve Gingras/Bill Westrick Eagle Talon Prod.GT 38.31
900 Sam Bryan/Robinson Walden Saab 900 Turbo Group 5 38.58
24 Bryan Pepp/Dean Rushford Eagle Talon PGT 39.31
9 Cal Landau/Eric Marcus Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX PGT 39.41
96 Bruce Newey/Matt Chester Toyota Celica Group 5 39.81
5 H.Krolikowski/C.Krolikowski Dodge Shadow Group 5 39.92
83 Mark Utecht/Paul Schwerin Dodge Omni GLH-turbo Group 5 40.07
15 Mike Hurst/Rob Bohn Porsche 911 Group 5 40.32
23 Chris Czyzio/Eric Carlson Mitsubishi Eclipse Prod.GT 40.50
150 Mike Bodner/D.J. Bodner Audi Quattro Open 40.93
66 Tad Ohtake/Bob Martin Ford Escort ZX2 Prod. 40.97
28 Richard Losee/K. Livingston VW GTI Group 2 41.06
11 Gail Truess/Nancy Redner Mazda 323GTX Open 41.13
22 Pete Lahm/Jimmy Brandt Datsun 510 Group 2 41.74
117 Ken Stewart/Floyd Schrader Chevy S-10 Pickup Open 41.80
13 Wayn Prochaska/Ann Prochaska VW Golf Group 2 42.50
34 Don Rathgeber/Russ Rathgeber Ford Mustang Group 5 43.23
31 Doug Davenport/Al Kintigh VW GTI Group 2 43.25
37 Eric Burmeister/Mark Buskirk VW GTI Group 2 43.46
20 Al Kaumeheiwa/Craig Sobczak Dodge Neon Prod. 45.51
77 Brian Shanfeld/Bryan Hourt Honda Civic Prod. 45.71
25 Bill Driegert/Hishim Shim Mitsubishi Galant PGT 48.42
18 Kendall Russell/Catheri Roso Dodge Shadow PGT 48.49
21 Bill Malik/Farina O'Sullivan Volvo 240 Group 2 57.46
26. Lots of stories as the cars hit the Ojibwa Casino in Baraga - the most
significant of which was that Carl Merrill/Lance Smith Ford Escort GT
blew its turbo - the fourth one this year, and lost lots of time to
the leaders. Although the crew changed turobs, the car was still not
running right, and retired after the next stage with electrical
problems. This put the Henry Joy/Michael Fennell solidly in second,
with the Jon Kemp/Gail McGuire Audi in third, just ahead of Production
GT leaders Steve Gingras/Bill Westrick in a Mitsubishi Eclipse.
# # #
D&N Bank Lake Superior PRO Rally
Houghton, Michigan
Round #9 - 1997 Michelin PRO Rally Championship
October 19, 1997 - 8:00 AM EDT
PRESS NOTES #8
27. In Group 2, all the leaders are having their problems, not the least
of which was the Bill Malik/Farina O'Sullivan Volvo 240, which lost
its shifter and 15 minutes on the road. Group 2 points leaders Pete
Lahm/Jimmy Brandt had ignition problems in their Datsun 510, while
race leaders Richard Losee/Kent Livingston lost the center piece of
their exhaust manifold someone on the stage roads.
28. Sam Bryan/Rob Walden's Saab 900 continues to lead the Group 5 charges,
with Sam building a one-minute lead over the Bruce Newey/Matt Chester
Toyota Celica. The Krolikowskis were next, followed closely by Mark
Utecht/Paul Schwerin in their Dodge Omni GLH turbo.
29. In Production GT, the Steve Gingras/Bill Westrick Mitsubishi Eclipse
has a one-minute lead over the Landau/Marcus Mitsubishi as Cal has
reported that the engine has lost a cylinder. Pepp/Rushford in their
Eagle Talon are virtually tied with Landau, with the Czyzio/Carlson
Mitsubishi about one minute behind.
30. In Production, an Al Kaumeheiwa/Craig Sobczak flat tire in their Dodge
Neon has handed a large lead over to the Tad Ohtake/Bob Martin Ford
Escort ZX2. Gaining time on "K" as well is the Honda Civic of Brian
Shanfield/Bryan Hourt.
31. The Bill Driegert/Hishin Shim Mitsubishi Galant rolled on stage #7 and
lost most of its glass, but the couple is continuing.
32. The Kendall Russell/Catherine Roso Dodge Shadow ran into a small lake
after a driver/co-driver miscommunication, causing them to lose time
on stage #2.
33. The Ken Stewart/Doc Shrader Chevy S-10 pickup has switched from an
automatic to a 4-speed transmission, but their transmission woes
continue. During the latter parts of the rally, they only had third
gear, and they could not get the car started once it was turned off -
so it idled from stage #7 through the rest of the event.
34. The Sam Bryan/Rob Walden Saab 900 took a different approach to this
event, starting off with only nine pounds of boost instead of the
usual 15, and tried to build a small lead and then maintain, but the
result was that the Bruce Newey was nipping at Bryan's heels all
night. The Krolikowski's were running well, but were unable to keep
up with the top two.
# # #
Here are the national standings after stage #10:
Car
# Driver/co-driver Car Class Time
1 Paul Choiniere/Jeff Becker Hyundai Tiburon Open 35.24
33 Tom Ottey/Pam McGarvey Hyundai Elantra Open 36.85
7 Henry Joy IV/Michael Fennell Mitsubishi Lancer Open 37.14
2 Carl Merrill/Lance Smith Ford Escort Cosworth Open 37.75
30 Jon Kemp/Gail McGuire Audi 4000 Quattro Open 38.30
16 Steve Gingras/Bill Westrick Eagle Talon Prod.GT 38.31
900 Sam Bryan/Robinson Walden Saab 900 Turbo Group 5 38.58
24 Bryan Pepp/Dean Rushford Eagle Talon PGT 39.31
9 Cal Landau/Eric Marcus Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX PGT 39.41
96 Bruce Newey/Matt Chester Toyota Celica Group 5 39.81
5 H.Krolikowski/C.Krolikowski Dodge Shadow Group 5 39.92
83 Mark Utecht/Paul Schwerin Dodge Omni GLH-turbo Group 5 40.07
15 Mike Hurst/Rob Bohn Porsche 911 Group 5 40.32
23 Chris Czyzio/Eric Carlson Mitsubishi Eclipse Prod.GT 40.50
150 Mike Bodner/D.J. Bodner Audi Quattro Open 40.93
66 Tad Ohtake/Bob Martin Ford Escort ZX2 Prod. 40.97
28 Richard Losee/K. Livingston VW GTI Group 2 41.06
11 Gail Truess/Nancy Redner Mazda 323GTX Open 41.13
22 Pete Lahm/Jimmy Brandt Datsun 510 Group 2 41.74
117 Ken Stewart/Floyd Schrader Chevy S-10 Pickup Open 41.80
13 Wayn Prochaska/Ann Prochaska VW Golf Group 2 42.50
34 Don Rathgeber/Russ Rathgeber Ford Mustang Group 5 43.23
31 Doug Davenport/Al Kintigh VW GTI Group 2 43.25
37 Eric Burmeister/Mark Buskirk VW GTI Group 2 43.46
20 Al Kaumeheiwa/Craig Sobczak Dodge Neon Prod. 45.51
77 Brian Shanfeld/Bryan Hourt Honda Civic Prod. 45.71
25 Bill Driegert/Hishim Shim Mitsubishi Galant PGT 48.42
18 Kendall Russell/Catheri Roso Dodge Shadow PGT 48.49
21 Bill Malik/Farina O'Sullivan Volvo 240 Group 2 57.46
26. Lots of stories as the cars hit the Ojibwa Casino in Baraga - the most
significant of which was that Carl Merrill/Lance Smith Ford Escort GT
blew its turbo - the fourth one this year, and lost lots of time to
the leaders. Although the crew changed turobs, the car was still not
running right, and retired after the next stage with electrical
problems. This put the Henry Joy/Michael Fennell solidly in second,
with the Jon Kemp/Gail McGuire Audi in third, just ahead of Production
GT leaders Steve Gingras/Bill Westrick in a Mitsubishi Eclipse.
# # #
D&N Bank Lake Superior PRO Rally
Houghton, Michigan
Round #9 - 1997 Michelin PRO Rally Championship
October 19, 1997 - 10:00 AM EDT
PRESS NOTES #9
35. Here are the national standings after stage #14:
Car
# Driver/co-driver Car Class Time
1 Paul Choiniere/Jeff Becker Hyundai Tiburon Open 112.40
7 Henry Joy IV/Michael Fennell Mitsubishi Lancer Open 117.46
16 Steve Gingras/Bill Westrick Eagle Talon Prod.GT 122.03
900 Sam Bryan/Robinson Walden Saab 900 Turbo Group 5 123.41
24 Bryan Pepp/Dean Rushford Eagle Talon PGT 123.98
96 Bruce Newey/Matt Chester Toyota Celica Group 5 124.02
5 H.Krolikowski/C.Krolikowski Dodge Shadow Group 5 125.42
15 Mike Hurst/Rob Bohn Porsche 911 Group 5 126.02
66 Tad Ohtake/Bob Martin Ford Escort ZX2 Prod. 126.15
20 Al Kaumeheiwa/Craig Sobczak Dodge Neon Prod. 126.15
11 Gail Truess/Nancy Redner Mazda 323GTX Open 127.78
23 Chris Czyzio/Eric Carlson Mitsubishi Eclipse Prod.GT 128.10
28 Richard Losee/K. Livingston VW GTI Group 2 128.16
22 Pete Lahm/Jimmy Brandt Datsun 510 Group 2 131.11
150 Mike Bodner/D.J. Bodner Audi Quattro Open 131.43
117 Ken Stewart/Floyd Schrader Chevy S-10 Pickup Open 132.60
13 Wayn Prochaska/Ann Prochaska VW Golf Group 2 133.67
77 Brian Shanfeld/Bryan Hourt Honda Civic Prod. 134.67
25 Bill Driegert/Hishim Shim Mitsubishi Galant PGT 135.97
34 Don Rathgeber/Russ Rathgeber Ford Mustang Group 5 137.08
21 Bill Malik/Farina O'Sullivan Volvo 240 Group 2 144.95
Did Not Finish
33 Tom Ottey/Pam McGarvey Hyundai Elantra Open Alternator
2 Carl Merrill/Lance Smith Ford Escort Cosworth Open Electrical
30 Jon Kemp/Gail McGuire Audi 4000 Quattro Open Mechanical
9 Cal Landau/Eric Marcus Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX PGT Cylinder
83 Mark Utecht/Paul Schwerin Dodge Omni GLH-turbo Group 5 Crash
31 Doug Davenport/Al Kintigh VW GTI Group 2 Roll
18 Kendall Russell/Catheri Roso Dodge Shadow PGT Ditch
37 Eric Burmeister/Mark Buskirk VW GTI Group 2 Mechanical
36. After a great run, the Tom Ottey/Pam McGarvey Hyundai Elantra gave up
after 10 stages with a bum alternator. Ottey indicated that this car,
which has a Jamaican owner, will be returned to rum country after the
he and Pam run in Kingston in December. The car never finished an
event in its three-year life in the U.S.
# # #
D&N Bank Lake Superior PRO Rally
Houghton, Michigan
Round #9 - 1997 Michelin PRO Rally Championship
October 19, 1997 - 12:30 PM EDT
PRESS NOTES #10
37. The Cal Landau/Eric Marcus had their Mitsubishi Eclipse finally give
way as they couldn't continue with the bad cylinder.
38. The Paul Choiniere/Tom Grimshaw Hyundai Tiburon had its only shaky
moment of the event on stage #12 when Paul hit a frightened deer. The
car suffered moderate damage in front and on the driver's side, and
the deer met its demise along the side of the road. The Libra Racing
crew fixed the car at service in Kenton, however, and Paul continued
on his way to victory.
39. The Bryan Pepp/Dean Rushford hit a couple of trees on stage #10,
severely damaging the driver's side after an odometer misfire lead to
a late call on a high speed turn. Pepp's crew banged out the damage,
and the second-place (after Landau's retirement) PGT car continued.
40. The Krolikowskis had a close moment near the end of the event, as a
misjudged turn put the car up on two wheels, but Henry was able to
continue without losing any time.
41. The Mark Utecht/Paul Schwerin Dodge Omni gave the Group 5 regulars a
good run for most of the evening, but smacked a burm and put himself
out of the event. Utecht plans to run more national events in the
future.
42. The Al Kaumeheiwa/Craig Sobczak Dodge Neon has blown a head gasket
to add to its mounting woes, and has slipped to third place in class.
With the Tad Ohtake/Bob Martin Ford Escort ZX2 far out in front, "K"
will just try to finish to maintain his points lead in the standings.
43. The Gail Truess/Nancy Redner Mazda 323GTX - build by husband Paul and
owned by friend and sometime co-driver Cindy Krolikowski - is running
flawlessly, and Ms. Truess moved into the top ten overall (and third
in Open class).
44. Under cloudy skies and a slight shower in the Ottawa National Forest,
the 1997 Lake Superior PRO Rally has ended, and the Hyundai Tiburon
team of Paul Choiniere/Tom Grimshaw has scored its fifth win of the
season and clinched the 1997 Michelin PRO Rally Championship.
Choiniere has now won six straight driving championships, and seven of
the last eight titles. This was perhaps Paul's best year as a driver,
as Frank Sprongl, Carl Merrill, and Henry Joy also won events, and
pushed Paul all season. It was consistent driving, combined with some
mechanical ills of his competitors, that helped him to this year's
title. For John Buffum, an 11-time national driving champion, this is
his 19th championship, including a Trans-Am title. The margin of
victory over the Henry Joy/Michael Fennell Mitsubishi Lancer was more
than five minutes.
# # #
D&N Bank Lake Superior PRO Rally
Houghton, Michigan
Round #9 - 1997 Michelin PRO Rally Championship
October 19, 1997 - 2:00 PM EDT
PRESS NOTES #11
45. Here are the final national standings (17 stages):
Car
# Driver/co-driver Car Class Time
1 Paul Choiniere/Jeff Becker Hyundai Tiburon Open 139.90
7 Henry Joy IV/Michael Fennell Mitsubishi Lancer Open 145.37
16 Steve Gingras/Bill Westrick Eagle Talon Prod.GT 150.18
900 Sam Bryan/Robinson Walden Saab 900 Turbo Group 5 152.09
96 Bruce Newey/Matt Chester Toyota Celica Group 5 152.77
24 Bryan Pepp/Dean Rushford Eagle Talon PGT 154.09
5 H.Krolikowski/C.Krolikowski Dodge Shadow Group 5 154.83
66 Tad Ohtake/Bob Martin Ford Escort ZX2 Prod. 155.61
15 Mike Hurst/Rob Bohn Porsche 911 Group 5 155.84
11 Gail Truess/Nancy Redner Mazda 323GTX Open 157.89
23 Chris Czyzio/Eric Carlson Mitsubishi Eclipse Prod.GT 158.42
28 Richard Losee/K. Livingston VW GTI Group 2 159.11
22 Pete Lahm/Jimmy Brandt Datsun 510 Group 2 160.71
117 Ken Stewart/Floyd Schrader Chevy S-10 Pickup Open 164.17
13 Wayn Prochaska/Ann Prochaska VW Golf Group 2 165.14
77 Brian Shanfeld/Bryan Hourt Honda Civic Prod. 165.35
25 Bill Driegert/Hishim Shim Mitsubishi Galant PGT 165.68
20 Al Kaumeheiwa/Craig Sobczak Dodge Neon Prod. 168.74
34 Don Rathgeber/Russ Rathgeber Ford Mustang Group 5 170.58
21 Bill Malik/Farina O'Sullivan Volvo 240 Group 2 174.92
150 Mike Bodner/D.J. Bodner Audi Quattro Open 176.69
Did Not Finish
33 Tom Ottey/Pam McGarvey Hyundai Elantra Open Alternator
2 Carl Merrill/Lance Smith Ford Escort Cosworth Open Electrical
30 Jon Kemp/Gail McGuire Audi 4000 Quattro Open Mechanical
9 Cal Landau/Eric Marcus Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX PGT Cylinder
83 Mark Utecht/Paul Schwerin Dodge Omni GLH-turbo Group 5 Crash
31 Doug Davenport/Al Kintigh VW GTI Group 2 Roll
18 Kendall Russell/Catheri Roso Dodge Shadow PGT Ditch
37 Eric Burmeister/Mark Buskirk VW GTI Group 2 Mechanical
46. Steve Gingras swept both divisions, winning the 04 class in both
events as well. The Krolikowskis won 02 in both divisionals, and the
Prochaskas and Jason Anderson split the two U2 titles .
# # #
D&N Bank Lake Superior PRO Rally
Houghton, Michigan
Round #9 - 1997 Michelin PRO Rally Championship
October 19, 1997 - 2:00 PM EDT
PRESS NOTES #11
45. Here are the final national standings (17 stages):
Car
# Driver/co-driver Car Class Time
1 Paul Choiniere/Jeff Becker Hyundai Tiburon Open 139.90
7 Henry Joy IV/Michael Fennell Mitsubishi Lancer Open 145.37
16 Steve Gingras/Bill Westrick Eagle Talon Prod.GT 150.18
900 Sam Bryan/Robinson Walden Saab 900 Turbo Group 5 152.09
96 Bruce Newey/Matt Chester Toyota Celica Group 5 152.77
24 Bryan Pepp/Dean Rushford Eagle Talon PGT 154.09
5 H.Krolikowski/C.Krolikowski Dodge Shadow Group 5 154.83
66 Tad Ohtake/Bob Martin Ford Escort ZX2 Prod. 155.61
15 Mike Hurst/Rob Bohn Porsche 911 Group 5 155.84
11 Gail Truess/Nancy Redner Mazda 323GTX Open 157.89
23 Chris Czyzio/Eric Carlson Mitsubishi Eclipse Prod.GT 158.42
28 Richard Losee/K. Livingston VW GTI Group 2 159.11
22 Pete Lahm/Jimmy Brandt Datsun 510 Group 2 160.71
117 Ken Stewart/Floyd Schrader Chevy S-10 Pickup Open 164.17
13 Wayn Prochaska/Ann Prochaska VW Golf Group 2 165.14
77 Brian Shanfeld/Bryan Hourt Honda Civic Prod. 165.35
25 Bill Driegert/Hishim Shim Mitsubishi Galant PGT 165.68
20 Al Kaumeheiwa/Craig Sobczak Dodge Neon Prod. 168.74
34 Don Rathgeber/Russ Rathgeber Ford Mustang Group 5 170.58
21 Bill Malik/Farina O'Sullivan Volvo 240 Group 2 174.92
150 Mike Bodner/D.J. Bodner Audi Quattro Open 176.69
Did Not Finish
33 Tom Ottey/Pam McGarvey Hyundai Elantra Open Alternator
2 Carl Merrill/Lance Smith Ford Escort Cosworth Open Electrical
30 Jon Kemp/Gail McGuire Audi 4000 Quattro Open Mechanical
9 Cal Landau/Eric Marcus Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX PGT Cylinder
83 Mark Utecht/Paul Schwerin Dodge Omni GLH-turbo Group 5 Crash
31 Doug Davenport/Al Kintigh VW GTI Group 2 Roll
18 Kendall Russell/Catheri Roso Dodge Shadow PGT Ditch
37 Eric Burmeister/Mark Buskirk VW GTI Group 2 Mechanical
46. Steve Gingras swept both divisions, winning the 04 class in both
events as well. The Krolikowskis won 02 in both divisionals, and the
Prochaskas and Jason Anderson split the two U2 titles .
# # #
D&N Bank Lake Superior PRO Rally
Houghton, Michigan
Round #9 - 1997 Michelin PRO Rally Championship
October 19, 1997 - 6:00 PM EDT
PRESS NOTES #12
47. The Michael Bodner/D.J. Bodner Audi Quattro team finished near the
bottom of the pack, but not because they weren't running fast. A
broken odometer, a failing alternator, and a hood in their face (from
not securing the pins) put them down in the standings.
48. Besides the Choiniere championship, several others were decided at the
Lake Superior PRO Rally event. Craig Sobczak of Marquette, Michigan,
clinches his first-ever national title as a co-driver in the
Production class. His driver - Al Kaumeheiwa - has a narrow two-point
lead over rival Tad Ohtake for the drivers championship in Production.
Both Paul Choiniere and Jeff Becker have clinched Open class
championship titles, while all Becker has to do is start the Maine
Forest Rally to clinch the overall co-drivers title.
In the manufacturers title chases, Toyota has clinched the Group 5
title, Volkswagen the Group 2 title, Mitsubishi the Production GT
title, and Hyundai the Open class title.
49. In the classes, as we mentioned before, only Paul Choiniere has
clinched his driver titles. Production GT will be decided in Maine
depending on who shows up. Lee Shadbolt/Paul Eklund continue to lead
the class in their Subaru Impreza, but balled up their car in Prescott
and are uncertain about Maine. Steve Gingras/Bill Westrick has the
best shot at the title, only two points behind Shadbolt/Eklund, but,
amazingly enough, Landau/Marcus, Czyzio/Carlson, and Pepp/Rushford all
have a shot at the championship.
50. Group 2 is a close battle as well, with Richard Losee/Kent Livingston
having a scant four-point lead over Pete Lahm/Jimmy Brandt. Neither
driver has to drop points, so Losee can clinch the title with a win,
or any finish ahead of Lahm. Lahm can clinch with a win as well, or
with a finish two positions ahead of Losee anywhere in the Group 2
standings. A tie could result, with tie-breakers coming into play.
51. In Group 5, Bruce Newey/Matt Chester has an even narrower 1.8-point
lead over Sam Bryan/Rob Walden. Newey has to drop 4.8 points if he
scores at Maine, as that will be his either finishing event, and only
the best seven count. That means he needs to finish ahead of Bryan at
Maine to win the title (anywhere in the Group 5 standings).
52. A note on a special award at Lake Superior - Chris Czyzio is the only
current driver with ten straight Press-on-Regardless/Lake Superior PRO
Rally finishes. He was presented with a special award from organizer
Kevin DeLoughery. Speaking of POR, there were no less than three POR-
style event t-shirts proclaiming the spirit of POR lives in the
Keweenaw. Even the official event logo had the name of the sport
spelled "PrO Rally" for the capital letters POR stood out, and used
the POR red-white-and-blue coloring.
# # #
1997 D&N Bank Lake Superior PRO Rally
Round #9 - 1997 Michelin PRO Rally Championship
Final National Results
Car Class
Num. Driver/Home Town Navigator/Home Town Vehicle/Tires Time
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Paul Choiniere Tom Grimshaw Hyundai Tiburon Open
Shelburne, VT Port Charlotte, FL Michelin 139.90
7 Henry Joy IV Michael Fennell Mitsubishi Lancer Open
Atlanta, MI Kingston, Jamaica Michelin 145.37
16 Steve Gingras Bill Westrick Eagle Talon Prod.GT
Elk River, MN Orion, MI Michelin 150.18
900 Sam Bryan Robinson Walden Saab 900 Turbo Group 5
Kent, WA Shoreline, WA Michelin 152.09
96 Bruce Newey Matt Chester Toyota Celica Group 5
Atlanta, GA Atlanta, GA Michelin 152.77
24 Bryan Pepp Dean Rushford Eagle Talon Prod.GT
Marquette, MI Ishpeming. MI Michelin 154.09
5 Henry Krolikowski Cindy Krolikowski Dodge Shadow Group 5
Wyandotte, MI Wyandotte, MI Michelin 154.83
66 Tad Ohtake Bob Martin Ford Escort ZX2 Prod.
Dearborn, MI Goodrich, MI Michelin 155.61
15 Mike Hurst Rob Bohn Porsche 911 Group 5
Pendleton, IN Noblesville, IN Michelin 155.84
11 Gail Truess Nancy Redner Mazda 323GTX Open
Brooklyn, MI Walled Lake, MI Michelin 157.89
23 Chris Czyzio Eric Carlson Mitsubishi Eclipse Prod.GT
Flushing, MI Hermantown, MN Michelin 158.42
28 Richard Losee Kent Livingston VW GTI Group 2
Provo, UT Salt Lake City, UT Michelin 159.11
22 Pete Lahm Jimmy Brandt Datsun 510 Group 2
Phoenix, AZ Odessa, MI Michelin 160.71
117 Ken Stewart Doc Shrader Chevy S-10 Pickup Open
Grove, OK W. Memphis, AK Cooper 164.17
13 Wayne Prochaska Annette Prochaska VW Golf Group 2
Lake Orion, MI Lake Orion, MI Michelin 165.14
77 Brian Shanfeld Bryan Hourt Honda Civic Prod.
Hilliard, OH Hilliard, OH Michelin 165.35
25 Bill Driegert Hishin Shim Mitsubishi Galant Prod.GT
Richardson, TX Dallas, TX Michelin 165.68
20 Al Kaumeheiwa Craig Sobczak Dodge Neon Prod.
Brighton, MI Marquette, MI Michelin 168.74
34 Don Rathgeber Russell Rathgeber Ford Mustang Group 5
Livonia, MI Livonia, MI BFGoodrich 170.58
21 Bill Malik Farina O'Sullivan Volvo 240 Group 2
Burbank, CA San Francisco, CA Michelin 174.92
150 Mike Bodnar D.J. Bodnar Audi 4000 Quattro Open
Southfield, MI Hamtramck, MI Michelin 176.69
Did Not Finish
2 Carl Merrill Lance Smith Ford Escort Cosworth Open
Ogunquit, ME Colchester, VT Michelin Electrical
33 Tom Ottey Pam McGarvey Hyundai Elantra Open
Columbus, OH Columbus, OH Michelin Alternator
9 Cal Landau Eric Marcus Mitsubishi Eclipse PGT
Coraopolis, PA Dayton, OH Michelin Engine
30 Jon Kemp Gail McGuire Audi 4000 Quattro Open
Attica, NY Avon, NY Michelin Transmission
83 Mark Utecht Paul Schwerin Dodge Omni GLH-Turbo Group 5
St. Paul, MN Coon Rapids, MN Michelin Crash
37 Eric Burmeister Mark Buskirk VW GTI Group 2
Holland, MI Kentwood, MI Michelin Engine
31 Douglas Davenport Alan Kintigh VW GTI Group 2
Indianapolis, IN Brooklyn Park, MN Michelin Crash
18 Kendall Russell Catherine Roso Dodge Shadow Prod.GT
Knoxville, TN Portland, OR Michlin Ditch
# # #
For Immediate Release Contact: Andy Schupack (401) 739-5677
CHOINIERE PILOTS HYUNDAI TO SIXTH STRAIGHT MICHELIN PRO RALLY TITLE
HOUGHTON, Mich. -- Paul Choiniere and substitute co-driver Tom Grimshaw
jumped off to an early lead and cruised to an five minute Michelin PRO
Rally victory in their 4WD Hyundai Tiburon to clinch the national
championship at the D&N Bank Lake Superior PRO Rally here.
Though his step-father and car owner, legendary U.S. rally driver John
Buffum, had won a total of eleven national overall titles in his
career, no one in the 25-year history of the SCCA PRO Rally series had
won six in a row until Choiniere did it this year.
Series runner-up, and second at this event, was the right-hand drive
Mitsubishi Lancer of Henry Joy/Michael Fennell, whose entry was in doubt as
they had destroyed their car two weeks ago in a bad Prescott, Ariz., crash.
Joy had a spare rolling chassis with roll bar, however, and the team was
able to construct a car in only nine days. Joy needed a win to keep his
slim championship hopes alive.
The rally, 500 miles through the Keweenaw country in the Upper Peninsula of
Michigan, took its usual toll on top competitors, with both the Carl
Merrill/Lance Smith Ford Escort Cosworth (electrical problems) and the Tom
Ottey/Pam McGarvey Hyundai Elantra (broken alternator) dropping out of the
top three early in the event.
Choiniere had a scary moment late in the rally as a deer darted onto the
course in front of the Hyundai when Paul was in fifth gear at 100 mph.
He was able to avoid a head-on collision, but the shunt damaged the car's
left side and broke a headlight. The deer scampered back into he woods,
and Choiniere was able to keep control of the car and continue on the
stage.
Third overall and the winner of the Production GT class was the Eagle Talon
of Steve Gingras/Bill Westrick. Other class winners included the Sam
Bryan/Rob Walden Saab 900 (Group 5); the Richard Losee/Kent Livingston VW
GTI (Group 2); and the Tad Ohtake/Bob Martin Ford Escort ZX2 (Production).
Besides the Choiniere championship, several other national titles were
decided at the Lake Superior PRO Rally event. Craig Sobczak of Marquette,
Michigan, clinches his first-ever national title as a co-driver in the
Production class. His driver - Al Kaumeheiwa - has a narrow two-point
lead over rival Tad Ohtake for the drivers championship in Production.
Both Paul Choiniere and Jeff Becker have clinched Open class
championship titles, while all Becker has to do is start the Maine
Forest Rally in December to clinch the overall co-drivers title.
In the manufacturers title chases, Toyota has clinched the Group 5
title, Volkswagen the Group 2 title, Mitsubishi the Production GT
title, and Hyundai the Open class title.
In the classes, only Paul Choiniere has clinched his driver titles.
Production GT will be decided in Maine depending on who shows up. Lee
Shadbolt/Paul Eklund continue to lead the class in their Subaru Impreza,
but balled up their car in Prescott and are uncertain about Maine. Steve
Gingras/Bill Westrick in their Eagle Talon have the best shot at the title,
only two points behind Shadbolt/Eklund, but, amazingly enough,
the Landau/Marcus Mitsubishi Eclipse, the Czyzio/Carlson Mitsubishi
Eclipse, and the Pepp/Rushford Eagle Talon all have a shot at the
championship.
Group 2 is a close battle as well, with the Richard Losee/Kent Livingston
VW GTI having a scant four-point lead over Pete Lahm/Jimmy Brandt Datsun
510. Neither driver has to drop points, so Losee can clinch the title with
a win, or any finish ahead of Lahm. Lahm can clinch with a win as well, or
with a finish two positions ahead of Losee anywhere in the Group 2
standings. A tie could result, with tie-breakers coming into play.
In Group 5, Bruce Newey/Matt Chester's Toyota Celica has an even narrower
1.8-point lead over Sam Bryan/Rob Walden's Saab 900. Newey has to drop 4.8
points if he scores at Maine, as that will be his either finishing event,
and only the best seven count. That means he needs to finish ahead of
Bryan at Maine to win the title (anywhere in the Group 5 standings).
The 1997 Michelin PRO Rally Championship consists of ten events, and is
sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America. The national series sponsor
is the Michelin Tire Corp., and the Lake Superior PRO Rally was sponsored
by D&N Bank of Hancock, Michigan, and presented by the Lake Superior Region
of the SCCA. The final event of the series will the Maine Forest Winter
Rally, to be held in Rumford, Maine, December 5 - 6.
Six of the 1997 Michelin PRO Rally events are being produced by Replica
Productions for ESPN2. The next ESPN2 telecast - the Prescott Forest
Rally, will be Sunday, November 9, at 1:30 PM EST.
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Results 97 Index
RRN Index