[Marty Allen]

From the Race of Champions.... www.rally-live.com


Team USA powered by Centrix Financial were looking to complete the first ever back-to-back victory in the competition, and didn't fall far short. Their biker, X-Games star, Travis Pastrana, remained unbeaten and was clearly thrilled by every minute, particularly in light of his decision to combine four wheeled competition with his biking from next season:

?I have adored this event, it's such a fantastic atmosphere. I love the ROC Cars. I am currently looking to race in next year's American Rally Championship and this has made me hungrier than ever to pursue that goal. ?I can't wait to get behind the wheel of the Peugeot 206 WRC tomorrow in the Race of Champions.?

 

[Colin B]

Well funds and media/sponsor attention won't be a problem for him! If nothing else, I'm sure he is the kind of guy who will always be on maximum attack and have the resources to wad up a car (or 10). Could be entertaining!

C

 

[steve]

This is good news. More competitor support than mfg support will go a long way. Let's see how he is "treated".

 

[Lurch]

He was a guest of Subaru at STPR in 2002 and did the ride 'n drive with them last year. Still has his fancy Alpinestars Subaru threads.

 

[Brian Scott]

He was on the Foxsports show 54321 this past summer driving the Mitsubishi car and getting rides with David Higgens.

Brian

 

[warwick]

This is HUGE for rallying in North America. He will get lots of exposure outside of the rally world - mainstream magazines, TV shows, etc. He may even draw spectators to events.

When Shaun Palmer started racing mountain bikes, it boosted the sport to levels never before seen...big sponsorships, mega media exposure (TIME magazine, Sports Illustrated, etc.), and he was a big personality in the sport. I think we'll see Pastrana do the same for rallying.

 

[Jason_Grahn]

>He was a guest of Subaru at STPR in 2002 and did the ride 'n
>drive with them last year. Still has his fancy Alpinestars
>Subaru threads.

Right! Saw those fancy subaru threads while watching "Cribs" on MTV last night. He says "Here's my car racing suit. I don't race cars much, but its cool, so i keep it."

Hooray for the MTV generation.

-Jason

 

[Gravel Spray]

This is HUGE for rallying in North America. He will get lots of exposure outside of the rally world - mainstream magazines, TV shows, etc. He may even draw spectators to events.
When Shaun Palmer started racing mountain bikes, it boosted the sport to levels never before seen...big sponsorships, mega media exposure (TIME magazine, Sports Illustrated, etc.), and he was a big personality in the sport. I think we'll see Pastrana do the same for rallying.



Yeah, just about three years to late, the planets are now back in alignment.


pete

 

[Lurch]

Interesting. I know he got a lot of attention when he came to supercross and motocross from freestyle/Xgames garbage. A lot of the other guys were sore at the amount of lip service he got when he had never raced a professional race. Happens all the time. Earnhardt in an ALMS 'vette. Rossi in a Pug rally car. Now Dakar coverage is sure to spend an inordinate amount of time with Colin.

If rallying was already mainstream enough to make it to SpeedNews or RPM2night, I would have to agree...his joining would be a draw. As it is, I think his coming and going will likely pass not unlike Erik Comas, Jason Priestly, or Peter Cunningham.

Or Mario Whatshisname.

 

[Lurch]

Oops.

http://rally.racing-live.com/photos/2004/roc/diapo_215.jpg

http://rally.racing-live.com/photos/2004/roc/diapo_003.jpg

 

[bcd]

lol

you can't knack a rally car!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[rallytaff]

He's not getting near my car! I don't care what his name is!

 

[Jake]

Are you sure that wasn't a no handed Superman into tail whip?