. 
Companies such as Audi, Mazda, American Motors and British Leyland sponsored teams and drivers like Rod Millen, Gene Henderson and John Buffum. These fierce competitors put on demonstrations of sideways car control between unforgiving snowbanks. The hills and unexpected corners often saw cars on the edge of driver control...or a little beyond.
Besides offering Nordic rally excitement, SnoDrift was popular among stage racing fans because the event was conveniently based in Grayling, Michigan. Just a few hours drive from anywhere in the state, the event drew spectators in droves.
This years event also shares a common heritage with the small but popular Northwoods Winter Pro Rallies. It combines some of the memorable stages around Lockwood Lake with stage names some people have only read about.
In his book In Like a Lamb...Out Like a Lion, Tom Grimshaw tells of John Buffum's two and one-half mile run backwards up Averly Lake after hitting a snowbank. All this in an Open Class Audi Quattro borrowed from Bruno Kreibich!
These dramatic and unpredictable moments are what make the rugged sport of Pro Rally so appealing. The '97 SnoDrift Pro Rally promises to reward all attendees with more action and Pro Rally adventure than ever.
Conceived in a gathering of concerned Pro Rally competitors the scheme calls for a series of ten events. Originally the idea included the slow build up of a divisional series producing a National Pro Rally in the year 2000.
Taking advantage of an opportunity, organizers chose to fill a rare vacancy in the Michelin SCCA National Pro Rally Calendar. This resulted in a National Rally four years earlier than expected. The '97 SnoDrift will be one of only two events scored as a 60% national. This makes the race a near necessity for half of the championship contenders.
While this winter's event will attract large national teams, the second event of the year will be aimed at novice competitors. Tentatively scheduled for June, a Rally School for drivers and co-drivers will give those entering the sport an opportunity for hands-on driving instruction and navigation classes.
Being the first event on the Michelin SCCA National Pro Rally Calendar, the 1997 SnoDrift Pro Rally will attract an unusual amount of attention and publicity. The rally is also the first salvo in an attempt to rebuild stage racing in Michigan.
The SnoDrift organizers need to fill many positions for the event February 8. The success of this winter's event and in fact stage racing in lower Michigan depends on the volunteers of this year's SnoDrift Pro Rally. The large number and high caliber of competitors combined with expanded stages, has placed particular emphasis on skilled marshals and control workers.
Those being sought are both experienced workers and enthusiastic novices. Persons with prior control knowledge, marshaling practice, or competition history are desperately needed. Of equal importance are people who are curious about the sport of Pro Rally but have yet to attend a race.
All people with any interest in Pro Rally are asked to contact Carl and Nancy Redner. Their mailing address is 1600 Beverly, Walled Lake, MI 48390-2522. Telephone calls may be directed to 810-669-6208. E-mail: Crredner@aol.com .
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