We were lucky to be allowed entry into the 2001 STPR. I listed my driver's seed as five on the entry form. There were very few seed five drivers that made the ninety-car cut-off. After lobbying the Pro Rally Series Steward, I was able to get my seed reclassified as 4. This still did not assure a spot in the rally. Fortunately for us, a week before the rally a team withdrew, and we claimed their spot.

Kicking up a little dirt. Stage 5 at 2001 STPR. Photo by Pete Kuncis.

STPR is really a huge rally in this country. The field is always one of the strongest; with no seed six drivers (and few seed five), it must be. We again planned to run conservatively and try for a finish. However, the roads were very fast and we were able to push hard at times. With all the hard driving and some leaking transmission fluid the clutch began slipping on stage 2 and 3. It became difficult to modulate the throttle and keep the slippage in check. All we could do was press on and try to keep it smooth. The new Performance Friction brake linings were outstanding! Our stopping power was so good, I'm sure we lost plenty of time due to their excessive use (too bad the clutch wasn't made of the same material).

No doubt the clutch is slipping while accelerating out of this hairpin turn (one of dozens at STPR). Photo by Dave Bruce.

Some familiarization with the brakes might have made us a little quicker, but the many switchbacks at STPR really make acceleration much more critical than braking. Also on board for the first time were AMSOIL synthetic lubricants. The piece of mind provided with a product such as this is invaluable. Late in the rally it started to rain--no, it poured! The roads became as slippery as ice (while the slimy mud stuck to everything). Luckily we had our Kumho mud tires and we started to regain some of the lost positions caused by the slipping clutch.

But after the rain stopped the fog rolled in. This pea soup was so thick, we often had to creep along in first gear. The feeling was even more helpless than the slipping clutch! By the end we took home another finish - albeit 38th overall and 5th in PGT. First thing after getting home; new clutch, pressure plate and seals (see below). Some good fog lights are planned for as well.