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tsunami racer
12-17-2003, 02:39 PM
Waz up alls. Apexraper and I just got back from the Ramada Rally where Rhys Millen won the event for the second time (press release below). He ran this new silver Evo VII (which is actually the car that he built for the Road & Track challenge that was there during the first meet at In-n-Out in Torrance). Wolfgang Hoeck took third place in his Evo VII. There was also a team from Japan running a VII as well. They were running strong in second but unfortunately rolled the car and DNF'd on the Saturday stage. Several more Evo's including a VI and IV ran the event. It was a good time. I'm also part of the upcoming SCCA Rim of the World Rally in Lancaster in May so I'll keep you all posted. I'd love to see SoCalEvo represented at that event; maybe a good locale for the May meet?


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:
Jin Takemura, Public Relations
Ramada Express Int. Rally
(310) 387-4343

Rhys Millen Hits the Jackpot and Wins the
2003 Ramada Express International Rally

Veteran Driver Wins For The Second Time in the History of the FIA-Listed Rally Event

LAUGHLIN, Nev. (December 14, 2003) -- Slippery driving conditions, a tire puncture and a rollover incident during the Sunday SuperStage did not deter the team of Rhys Millen and Chrissy Beavis from taking First Place Overall at the 2003 Ramada Express International Rally. Driving a new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII prepared by Rhys Millen Racing of Huntington Beach, California, the victory is the second for Millen who took first overall during the 2000 Ramada Express International Rally. A record 57 teams had taken on the challenges of the unyielding Grand Canyon landscape and unpredictable weather associated with the three day FIA-listed international rally event.

Millen and Beavis (#1) completed the event with a total combined time of 93.50. Stephan Verdier and Allan Walker (#6; Subaru WRX) took second overall with a time of 95.51. Wolfgang Hoeck and Julie Lin (#9; Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII) finished third place overall with a time of 97.40. Podium place finishers along with winners of classes receive cash prizes from a pool totaling $12,000. In addition, the first place finishers receive timepieces from TAG Heuer as well as having their rally vehicle featured on a commemorative, collector’s edition gaming chip issued by the Ramada Express Hotel Casino for next year’s event.

“We came here to Laughlin this year determined to have our car featured on the 2004 Ramada Express Casino chip, and we’re very happy to have accomplished this goal,” said Rhys Millen, winner of the 2003 Ramada Express International Rally. “We ran very hard to take the win despite a tire puncture on Friday and our rollover during the Sunday SuperStage. The Rhys Millen Racing team truly worked for and earned our second victory here at the Ramada Express.”

The 2003 Ramada Express International Rally lived up to its reputation as North America’s longest and toughest rally with attrition forcing many in the field of competitors to retire. The Japanese husband and wife team of Masayuki and Takako Akaba were running strong in second place when an incident during Stage 11 of Saturday’s Grand Canyon West stages caused their early retirement.

“On behalf of the organizers and volunteers of the 2003 Ramada Express International Rally, we congratulate Rhys Millen Racing for their victory, along with all the competitors of this year’s event,” said Roger Allison, president of the American Rally Sport Group, the organizing body of the Ramada Express International Rally. “We thank everyone who participated in this year’s event and appreciate the continued support we have received from our friends in the rally community, as well as the local fans and businesses in Nevada, Arizona and the Hualapai Indian Nation.”

American Rally Sport Group (ARSG) was formed in 1997 for the purpose of commercially organizing and promoting major international motorsports rally events in the United States. In addition to the Ramada Express International Rally, part of the FIA’s Rally Series of North America, ARSG now organizes several other renowned events including the JAOS Adventure Rally presented by Magellan as well as the Grand Canyon International Marathon. More information on all their activities can be found on the ARSG web site at www.rallyusa.com.

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tsunami racer
12-17-2003, 02:48 PM
and some pix from the event. more to come:

Japanese husband/wife team in their RHD VII
http://www.socalevo.net/gallery/albums/album24/akaba.jpg

Service
http://www.socalevo.net/gallery/albums/album24/akaba_service.jpg

San Diegan George Plsek in his VI (also has a new VIII)
http://www.socalevo.net/gallery/albums/album24/plsek.jpg

Evos in Park Ferme (love the rock holding Leon Style's red VII in place - Millen's old car)
http://www.socalevo.net/gallery/albums/album24/evos_park_ferme.jpg

perversity
12-17-2003, 08:36 PM
Great to see the car being used for what it is designed for! and Go Rhys, our local hero!

Chris in SD
12-17-2003, 08:50 PM
That's my boy - DAMN I wish I still lived in HB... I would have worked their crew for free to go there...