Subaru Impreza WRC

The 2000 World Rally Championships (WRC) has drawn vast international popularity. Among the top teams competing for the coveted title is Subaru, one of whose Impreza machines is deftly driven by Japanese pilot, Toshihiro Arai. This is significant in that although several of the top rally car manufacturers are Japanese, Arai is the only Japanese driver to break into the top echelons of the WRC. Before starting full-participation in the WRC, Arai showed his mettle by winning the 1997 All Japan Rally Championships. The following year, his skill was tested on the global stage, when he piloted the Impreza in the regulation strict Group N categories of the New Zealand, Australia, and RAC rallies. In 1999, Arai hit the Group A category of the Portugal, Catalunya, Corsica, and Acropolis rallies. He also entered the Group N category of the New Zealand, China, and Australia rallies, and despite stiff competition from seasoned Group A teams, pulled off spectacular top ten finishes in the latter two events, winning the Group N classes of both races. For 2000 season, several sponsors came forth to support the team, including computer game software manufacturer, Spike. The team was accordingly named, "Spike Subaru", and they again began encroaching on the top spots. Achieving 6th place in possibly the cruelest of events, the Safari Rally, Spike Subaru was awarded the Non-Works Teams Cup. Later, on the dusty roads of the Acropolis Rally, Arai drove Spike Subaru to an impressive 4th place finish, a team best.