I can't mention the '03 OTPR with out mentioning the tragedy that came to the #4 car. On the first stage on Saturday, the stage I was working on, Mark Lovell and Roger Freeman were the first cars out. Less than a mile in, they lost their lives in an awful shunt. There were no witnesses but it's understood both died instantly. Both men were in their 40's and had 20+ years of rally experience. Both were well respected and enjoying the new turn their careers had taken as team leaders for the Subaru Rally Team USA. The event was quite a shock for me, as this was only my second ProRally event, and my first as volunteer. The scene back at the next service was a somber one, the entire Subaru team packed up to go home. Several competitors did the same, citing a lack of commitment and concentration after such a horrible accident. The rally scene in the States hasn't been the same since. Although Subaru remained in the series for the season duration, they pulled out along with the archrivals, Mitsubishi. It was terrible timing for the sport, as it was just gaining momentum with increased television coverage and interest in the sport with the release of the US-Spec Impreza WRX and Lancer Evolution. That said, the rally community is a hardy lot and have shown to continue on regardless of the circumstances all to pursue the sport they love. Mark & Roger- we'll miss you!
