Minneapolis, MN -- Fans and competitors are revving up for the biggest thrills in motorsport as this year's Rally America Championship gets set to begin.

With nearly 60 entries already anticipated for the first round at the end of this month, this is expected to be a spectacular championship season, with more competitors attending more rounds than ever before.

Sno*Drift, a tough winter race, is set to go in Atlanta, Michigan, on Jan. 28 and 29. It'll be the first race since the Sports Car Club of America handed over the licensing and sanctioning rights of its rally series to longtime partner Rally America.

It's the start of a new era in the sport, one that observers say will bring U.S. rallying up to world standards.

Under the new management of Rally America, the eight-race series is already attracting international attention, including former World Rally Champion Stig Blomqvist, who recently announced his intention to challenge for the title here in the U.S.

"I'm really excited for people to see some of the things we're doing," says J.B. Niday, Managing Director of Rally America.

Among the names to watch this season are Matt Iorio, Leon Styles, Otis Dimiters and Jonathan Bottoms. And the rumours are flying about the return of 2004 champ Pat Richard and exciting newcomer Travis Pastrana.

Wildly popular around the world, rallying is beginning to catch on in North America as the most adrenaline-pumping motorsport around. Close competition on loose surfaces means spectacular sideways slides and little room for error on the road. The cars are fast and real, and the action is incredible.

In addition to hot cars on cold roads, rally regulars can expect to see a new TV crew in action at Sno*Drift. Motorsports experts TV2Go are producing the event and while there are no details on a broadcast deal yet, Niday is confident something is forthcoming.

"We've got to get it in the can if we're going to put it on the tube," says Niday, adding that the 2005 coverage is expected to incorporate some spectacular innovations sure to delight its many fans -- and bring in new ones.

Rally America will continue to provide event staples like their popular live updates and scoring expertise. This event will also see the introduction of the three-steward system, a race-ending park ferme and the excitement of a champagne spray ceremony for every class.

"A bunch of new stuff is going to be going on out there. This is really just a beginning," says Niday.

Rally America, a Minneapolis, Minnesota based corporation, holds the sanctioning and marketing rights to the Rally America Championship. The group has been providing rally-related services for the past two years. In conjunction with New York based marketing company M360, they are committed to encouraging the growth of the sport from the entry level up through the highest tiers of competition.

For further information:
Contact J.B. Niday: 763-553-2742, Rally America: www.rally-america.com;
Sno*Drift: Don Rathgeber: 734-421-8614, www.sno-drift.org;