The Hairpin Racing Team was started in 1990 by Tamara Shadbolt. Competing in a 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite, Tamara participated in SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) Solo II events, winning the regional D-Street Prepared Ladies class in 1991, 1992, and 1994.

Lee Shadbolt started his ProRally career in 1992 as co-driver for Paul Eklund. Later, Lee Shadbolt co-drove for Simon Levear, winning the Norpac Under 2 Liter Championship in 1995.

ProRally’s First Subaru Impreza Entry

In December 1996, the Shadbolt’s purchased a 1997 Subaru Impreza. The car was driven home from the showroom and seven weeks later was attending its first Performance Rally event.

North American Rally Cup Winners

Lee led the 1997 SCCA points race for the Production GT (PGT) class up until the Prescott Forest ProRally where he rolled the car. In 1998 and 1999, Hairpin Racing team members, Paul Eklund and Claire Chizma won the PGT co-driver’s championships respectively. The Hairpin Racing Team won the 1999 North American Rally Cup for the PGT class by competing in both Canadian and US Performance Rally events. It was the first North American Rally Cup win for the Subaru Impreza, and a great achievement for the Hairpin Racing team.