(February 21, 2008) Subaru Rally Team USA drivers Ken Block and Travis Pastrana are set to battle each other and Mother Nature this weekend at the 100 Acre Wood Rally, round two of the 2008 Rally America National Championship. On the eve of the Salem, Missouri-based rally, an onslaught of freezing rain and sleet has greeted the teams and turned the local roads into a sheet of ice ahead of the rally's scheduled Friday afternoon start.

Pastrana will hit the ice tomorrow in his Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally car sporting a pair of custom gold colored DC Pro Spec 1.0 driving shoes given to him by DC Shoes as a gift for defending his Rally America Championship title in 2007. The left shoe is adorned with a logo pattern celebrating his 2006 title while the right shoe features a 2007 championship commemoration logo. The exclusive pair of shoes represents a fitting gift for Pastrana who many call the 'golden boy' of American rallying, as his success has helped bring more mainstream attention to the growing sport.

"I'm afraid to wear them in this nasty weather, but how can you lose if you're wearing shoes like these?!," laughed Pastrana.

Eager to pilot his #199 SRT USA rally car, Pastrana will be looking to earn some much-needed championship points after failing to finish while leading in last month's championship kickoff event, the SnoDrift Rallly, upon colliding with a deer. The 24 year-old defending Rally America National Champion will have former World Rally Champion co-driver Derek Ringer at his side, after long time co-driver Christian Edstrom recently announced a sabbatical from the sport.

However, the gold shoes may not be enough to beat teammates Ken Block and co-driver Alex Gelsomino. Block and Gelsomino enter the event as the clear favorites after winning the 100 Acre Wood Rally the past two years in dominating fashion. "These roads suit my driving style, they are very fast with a lot of blind crests, you've got to really trust your notes and your lines," explained Block. "It would be really nice to win three years in a row!"

For Subaru Rally Team USA team news and exclusive photo galleries please visit www.subaru.com/rally. Fans can also follow the rally with live event updates and results at www.rally-america.com starting the afternoon of Friday, February 22nd, 2008.

Subaru Rally Team USA is proudly supported by Subaru of America, Inc., Subaru Tecnica International (STI), Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT), DC Shoes, BFGoodrich Tires, Boost Mobile, RECARO, Motul, PIAA, Exedy, Greddy, Alpinestars and Vermont SportsCar.