CHERRY HILL, NJ -- Subaru of America, Inc. announced today that it will participate in the 2005 Rally America National Championship series and renew its commitment to the Subaru Rally Support Program for the year. Under the 2005 program, Subaru will continue to focus its support on the efforts of Subaru privateers through increased contingency funds and on-site parts support. Subaru has chosen Vermont Sports Car as its technical partner to manage the administration of all 2005 Subaru Rally Contingency Programs.

"Rally is a cornerstone of the Subaru brand," said Tim Bennett, director of marketing programs, Subaru of America, Inc. "After the transition of the series from the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) to Rally America at the end of 2004, we looked for the best way to not only continue our commitment to the growth of rally in the US, but also enhance our already successful Subaru Rally Support Program."

Within the Subaru Rally Support Program, the company will continue to support Subaru rally entrants by making the Subaru Rally Parts Truck available at each of the eight Rally America National Championship events in 2005. Subaru will also maintain its funding of the club events run in conjunction with Rally America National Championship events. The winner of the 2005 Subaru Championship Cup will earn a cash prize and a VIP trip for two to the Mexico round of the 2006 World Rally Championship.

Additionally in 2005, Subaru will increase program funding for Production GT class by more than 35 percent from last year and offer an expanded line of select genuine Subaru parts for registered Subaru privateers. Rally enthusiasts will also be pleased that after making his debut into the SCCA ProRally series last year in a Subaru Impreza WRX, Travis Pastrana will enter and compete in seven Rally America National Championship events in a Subaru Impreza WRX prepared and run by Vermont Sports Car and co-supported by Subaru of America, Inc.

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, New Jersey, the company markets and distributes all-wheel drive Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru is the only car company that features Symmetrical All-Wheel drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in its product line. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.

Contact information:
J.B. Niday, Managing Director Rally America, Inc. Tel: +1.763.553.2742; [email protected]