Day 2 Update

Sunday, September 7th, 2003
Team Mitsubishi Motor Sports America
2003 Wild West ProRally: Day 2 News & Notes

O'Sullivan third at Wild West; clinches second overall in Driver's Championship

With Higgins out of the race, all attention turned to Lauchlin O’Sullivan and Christian Edstrom Sunday. At stake was second place in the 2003 Driver’s Championship. O’Sullivan’s main competition had all season been Tim O’Neil. Their rivalry had been building which kept pressure and excitement on the two teams. It was thrilling to watch and the outcome up until this point had been unknown.

An unfortunate mechanical problem forced O’Neil from the race late Saturday. This opened up the opportunity for O’Sullivan to lock up second place in the Championship, provided that he finish third overall or better. He responded like a true champion; driving well all day and placing third. Congratulations go out to Lauchlin O’Sullivan who has done an outstanding job all year.

Christian Edstrom is due much of the credit for this result as well. His persistent professional manner never allowed O’Sullivan to stray from his focus. Undoubtedly, this young pair has a strong bond in the car, and it is apparent in their results.

Said Edstrom, “It feels gratifying to be able to help him get second in the Driver’s Championship. I think that’s what really mattered this weekend. We had to drive a smart race today for Lauchlin to claim his spot in the 2003 ProRally record books.”

Another result still looming is second place overall in the Co-Driver’s Championship for Edstrom. At the final event in Michigan, O’Sullivan and Edstrom will only need to beat O’Neil for this to become reality.

A significant challenge, but Team Mitsubishi Motor Sports America is confident and ready. Looking back on the team’s performance and results in their first season in the US Championship, the advantage rides with the number six Lancer Evolution.