Carolina RS WINS out West on the Oregon Trail Rally
Apex, NC (April 11, 2006)

Matthew Johnson and his Carolina RallySport team came from behind for the class win at the Oregon Trail Rally through the rolling Coast Mountain Range outside Portland, Oregon. Traditionally a mild and sometimes rainy spring event, this year's Oregon Trail Rally offered hot and dry conditions.

Johnson started the three-day rally well off the class lead in his ProductionGT Subaru, but clawed his way into the lead by the finish.

He struggled early in the race with his car's set-up, but a much-needed suspension adjustment midway through the rally gave him the edge he needed. The team tweaked the Rallispec RS&SP suspension to ensure consistent handling over the winding course roads. "I won a couple of stages immediately after making the adjustments we did," said Johnson. Johnson, along with co-driver Kim DeMotte finished 96 seconds over rival Eric Langbein for the class win.

It was a long haul out to Oregon from the team's hometown of Apex, North Carolina, but Johnson is eagerly chasing the championship win after a near miss in 2005. "Our class is the best place to showcase good driving since our cars are almost identical, winning the PGT championship makes the kind of statement I want to make." Johnson adds

After some suspension adjustments late Saturday Johnson was much happier with the car. Johnson- "Now I can see the beauty of this RS&SP suspension from RalliSpec, I was able to hold my lines through corners much more effectively and won a couple stages immediately after making the adjustments we did. It's hard work driving a car that's out of control, I'm glad that's over!"

Johnson is an Apex, NC based performance rally driver currently vying for the Rally America PGT Championship. He started his racing career in a Volkswagen GTI in 1995 and quickly moved up the ranks to become a top competitive rally driver.

Co-Driver Kim DeMotte is a 35 year vetran of rally racing from Missouri with a vast background as a driver, co-driver and event organizer. He brings lots of enthusiasm along with his experience.

Rally Car: The Carolina RallySport Subaru WRX runs in the Production-GT class. Under the rules the car is virtually stock and only minimal modifications are allowed. It has approximately 220 horsepower and a standard 5 speed transmission.

Oregon Trail is the third of nine rounds in the Rally America National Championship. Watch for the team's next appearance at Round 4, the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally on June 3 in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. http://www.rally-america.com/event.stpr.2006.php