Top: Night time driving is aided by high power driving lights. Lower Right: The Hairpin Racing Impreza was one of five ProRally cars that appeared at the Morrie’s open house. Below: The short stage, affectionately referred to as “cow patty 2” was extremely rough. It was particularly difficult without the use of second gear. Photo by Richard Buckner

Photo by M. Hourt Photo by Bob Sherman

Pre-rally activities included a press event at Morrie's Subaru in Minnetonka, Minnesota where five Impreza rally cars were displayed.  Morrie's, the most recognized Subaru Dealer in the US, sponsors two Imprezas in the ProRally series, including the Hairpin Racing Impreza which is driven by Lee Shadbolt along with co-driver Bob Sherman. 

The Ojibwe Forests ProRally started in Bemidji at the Northern Inn with 77 entries. Top entries included four Hyundai rally cars, six Mitsubishi Lancers, nine Imprezas, one Ford Cosworth Escort, and the normal pack of Eclipses and Talons. It was arguably one of the most impressive fields ever seen at Ojibwe and a clear indicator of the strength of the sport.

Lee Shadbolt and Bob Sherman were off to a great start and experiencing none of the problems that plagued them earlier in the season. The roads were just slightly dusty in spots, and the dirt surface of the fast roads was unpacked. Shadbolt commented that the heat and humidity were not factors and that the 2.0 liter turbocharged Impreza was running great.

Team suffers transmission failure

The second day of the rally featured a service at a farmer’s field adjacent to a short stage. The Hairpin Racing Impreza limped into this service with a broken transmission with no second gear. Debris restricted gear selections to first, third, and fifth. The team drained and replaced the fluid and continued on. However, performance on the following stages was greatly affected.

Staying true to his record for finishing events, Shadbolt completed the Ojibwe Forests ProRally despite the damaged transmission.