Mitsubishi Motors full speed with Rally Racing in the U.S.

Mitsubishi Motors full speed with Rally Racing in the U.S.

This Mitsubishi has 330 horsepower from a 2 liter, 4 cylinder motor.

By Michael Binstock

Acorn Automotive Editor

Did you know that more people watch motorsports than the SuperBowl and World Series combined. Around the world, motor sports draw crowds that equal or exceed stadium crowds, and around the world the number one watched motorsport is rallying.

Using closed roads and forest tracks; cars, trucks and SUV’s that are not too far from the vehicles you and I can buy, speed across dirt, mud and sand at speeds often in excess of 100 mph. And to view the event you stand by the side of the track and hope that you don’t get in the way.

I have never understood why the sport hasn’t received the coverage here that it gets overseas but it looks as if there might be a change coming.

Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. has 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 rally 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. The Mitsubishi Montero, Montero Sport and Lancer Evolution (a modified 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.

From December 14th – 17th, Mitsubishi will be the major sponsor of the Ramada Express International Rally 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.

Racing for Mitsubishi is Rhys Millen of the Millen racing family, driving a 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."

Thousand Oaks Mitsubishi in the Thousand Oaks Auto Mall can show you the full range of Mitsubishi cars and SUV’s.