US - Subaru signs Travis Pastrana to lead Subaru Rally Team USA
Dec-04 2005 / 12:29 EST

--Company to showcase 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX in the Rally America National Championship--

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Dec. 1, 2005 -- Subaru of America, Inc. today announced it has signed Supercross and Motorcross Champion, multi-time X Games gold medalist, and up-and-coming rally star Travis Pastrana to lead Subaru Rally Team USA (SRT USA). Under the terms of the multi-year agreement, Travis Pastrana will challenge for the title in the Rally America National Championship piloting his world-class 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX.

“Subaru has a strong heritage and successful history in rally racing – winning numerous manufacturers’ and drivers’ titles in the World Rally Championship (WRC),” said Rick Crosson, vice president of marketing, Subaru of America, Inc. “Travis Pastrana is a good fit for the Subaru brand with his natural driving ability, pioneering spirit, and will to win. We are confident that his participation in the Rally America National Championship will attract new fans to the sport, further enhancing its popularity in the U.S.”

SRT USA consists of a two-car team led by Travis Pastrana. Joining Mr. Pastrana is the co-founder and president of DC Shoes and 2005 Rally America Rookie of the Year, Ken Block. The pair will drive in nine Rally America events in their 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX vehicles prepared by Subaru Motorsports partner, Vermont SportsCar.

“Rally is an incredible sport that demands high-level preparation, focus, and tremendous skill,” said Travis Pastrana, driver, SRT USA. “I know what it takes to be a champion on two wheels, and I’m excited to now be rallying for Subaru in what I consider the best all-wheel-drive machine.”

Subaru is world-renowned in the WRC, and Subaru of America is committed to the growth of rally racing and its popularity in the United States by providing support for rally privateers as well as a dynamic factory effort with Subaru Rally Team USA. Since 2001, SRT USA has earned drivers’ and manufacturers’ championships in the SCCA ProRally series. In 2006, SRT USA will again challenge for the national title in the Rally America Championship.

About Rally America Rally America, a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based corporation, holds the sanctioning and marketing rights to the Rally America National Championship. The company was founded in 2002 by rally driver and CPD Rally Team owner Doug Havir and assumes the commercial and sanctioning rights of the defunct SCCA ProRally Championship. The Rally America National Championship consists of both regional and national level rallies held nationwide. For more information visit www.rally-america.com.

About Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2004. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.