Mitsubishi Rally Support announced

[outofideas327]

Today Mitsubishi Canada announced it's 3-year rally support program for the Canadian Rally Championship!

Flatovercrest article

Mitsubishi press release

A couple of details for the lazy people.
-Cars eligible are any year Evo or any Mitsu '98 or newer
-Money towards travel expenses
-Start fund
-Individual event contingencies (2wd/AWD)
-Year-end payouts (2wd/AWD)
-This includes Targa Newfoundland

It's awesome to see Mitsu supporting rally again, and in what appears will be the proper way. Rally is growing in North America and the manufacturers seem to be noticing. Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Mazda and Ford are now involved in some way with rally in North America. Hopefully Mitsu's program will evolve and provide full factory support for a team in the near future.

 

[mavisky]

Well who's got a 1998 - 99 Eclipse they want to take to the Targa? I'd do it in a heartbeat.

 

[architechnik]

I'm right behind you. So if you put a bunch of EVO III stuff in a 1g dsm, does that count?

 

[mavisky]

Kinda doubt it, but it's worth a shot.

 

[tsiboosted]

I know rally is growing and one of the "In" things in racing (along with drifting) right now and its great that they are doing something like this. But I would REALLY like to see something like this for road racing as well you know? Mazda has a great ladder system in place now that I think a lot of other Manf. could learn from.

 

[Slow old poop]

I ran rallies back in the 1970s (yes, back in the previous century).

We ran a Datsun 510, for two reasons:
1. It was a poor man's BMW 2002 (OHC engine, Macpherson struts, IRS)
2. Datsun provided lots of support.

Through Datsun Competition, we could buy many parts for $15, including rallye springs, shocks, fenders, door panels, etc.

A set of African Safari struts, built for the Datsun factory rally team, cost me $120.
A 4.44:1 240Z limited slip diff cost me $150.

You could purchase an 1800SSS engine through Datsun Competition and double your horsepower (this was kinda the forerunner of crate engines)

If you needed parts from the dealer, mentioning Datsun Compeition got you parts at cost.

Because of this, 75% of all cars entered in a PRO rallye or the Press on Regardless WRC rallye were 510s.

All we had to do was show Datsun Competition that were were actual competitors, and they opened the doors to the parts store.

I don't think most people want contingency money (well, the Big Boys do, of course)--instead, we want factory-developed rally (or race) parts at REASONABLE prices.

 

[schemauer]

Rich-

Yes..... just the parts would be awesome.

On kind of a related topic; I talked to various people at Mitsu that I have met at the MOD in Normal, IL and tried to find some factory Mitsu parts for my '03 Montero back when we bought it. I figured at least they would have some intakes and exhausts for it as it was rallied extensively (as the Pajero). In the end I couldn't find anything for it. I tried to get in touch with the Mitsu rally people to maybe at least get my hands on some castoff development parts - no dice.

 

[outofideas327]

I don't think most people want contingency money (well, the Big Boys do, of course)--instead, we want factory-developed rally (or race) parts at REASONABLE prices.

The thing is, every competitor has their own wants for their race effort. The problem I see with the factory developed parts is the struggle to keep up with the aftermarket companies and their prices. The time and money involved to develop a product that can compete with say Ohlins, Motec, etc. would be a waste in my opinion. In the end consumers would turn to the aftermarket companies who have mastered their craft, have rebuilding centers widely available, dedicated tech support for their product, and in the end cheaper. The aftermarket involvement in racing, let alone the automotive industry, is just insane anymore. For what it's worth, Mitsu does sell factory developed rally parts for the homologated Group N class, although I'm not sure there's a US distributor.

Personally, I think a contingency program like Mitsu CAN or Subaru US is better than parts discounts (which Subaru already gives at events), and not just for the big boys. Think of it this way, John Doe is an occasional rally competitor in a mitsu, because he's a mitsu enthusiast (like most of us here). Now, Mitsu decides they're going to throw $200-400 his way depending on the distance he travels, and give him $600 just to cross the start line! Obviously that's not going to cover all his expenses, but it's a heck of a lot better than what he was getting before. Either way John was going to keep rallying his mitsu, but now he gets something in return. So a parts discounts alone would have to save you $800-$1K (minimum) a rally to compare. Meanwhile the big boys can win ~$2k, which will cover tires or in some cases go towards an actual tire machine! Third pic down. I think the program actually helps out the little guy more than the top dog.

I'm just excited to see Mitsubishi back in the sport here in North America. I think it's pretty cool to see pictures like the one below. Photo by Tom Hayston, from Rally of the Tall Pines over thanksgiving weekend.

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Tsiboosted, If rally is an IN thing, it's been IN for a really long time. What you have to consider is this support program is on a national level. Mitsu actually is supporting a roadracing team on the national level in the world-challenge series Link. Also, this wasn't something that just came about out of nowhere. I've been hearing rumors since last spring and I'm sure whoever was involved in making this happen has been at work alot longer than that. Just keep working with companies, and be a salesman as much as a driver!

By the way Rich, are you and you're crew going to be up at Snodrift? I thought I'd meet you at Nationals and was hoping to hear some good rally stories!

Chris

 

[Slow old poop]

By the way Rich, are you and you're crew going to be up at Snodrift? I thought I'd meet you at Nationals and was hoping to hear some good rally stories! Chris

Mike the Mechanic (Stealth TT) and I offered to crew for Dave532 at Sno*drift, but we haven't heard if he wants us.

Rally stories? Normally, it takes a few beers and then they come pouring out, much to the amusement of my crew, who egg me on. If you are really bored and want to read some of my dreary stories, go to
Datsun 510 Register - Page 5 - SpecialStage Forums

My stuff starts at Post #35 and continues on and on for about six more posts.
I summed it up in the last post (#45) with,

Old saying:
Road racers see the same turn a thousand times.
Rally drivers see a thousand turns once.

Rally drivers are, without a doubt, the finest drivers in the world. I salute all of you

Rich

 

[Jeff91AWD]

Me and my brother will be heading to Sno drift again this year!

Maybe we can all meet up!

Also, I could probably turn a wrench or 2 for someone that would need help.


Jeff

 

[tsiboosted]

Chris - No I understand Rally has been IN for a long time. What I was meaning by that was its bigger now than it ever has been. Especially with younger people with the infleunce of people like Travis Pastrana getting involved with it you know. The whole X Games crowd type deal. I was aware of the Lancer, I had just not seen any pictures of as of yet. Good to read that article on it though thanks for the link. I honestly did not see that on the SCCA page.

 

[my_precious]

sno* drift ftw! i went to LSPR and crewed for an imprezza but didnt have much fun doing that. I really cant wait to go to sno drift though. spectating and tons and tons of snow was seriously the best weekend of the year imo.

 

[schemauer]

Refresh my memory- when and where is Sno-Drift.....

 

[my_precious]

late january i believe, and its in Atlanta MI. about 30 minutes east of gaylord, in the lower penninsula.