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 2006
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 2005
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2004
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2003
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2002
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"Hollywood" goes back to the USA
Petter Solberg, United States tour diary
Letter from SWRT 12 August 2005
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It is little surprise that the abounding enthusiasm and optimism of SWRT's leading driver Petter Solberg have earned him the nickname 'Hollywood.' The tour was a good opportunity for Petter to visit SUBARU facilities in the USA, and at each venue 'Hollywood' was welcomed with open arms. Here is the report of his memorable American tour. 21st July 2005
Petter's first port of call was SUBARU of America (SOA) headquarters in West Cherry Hill, New Jersey. The state is home to Philadelphia and the famed Liberty Bell, symbol of American parliamentary government.SOA houses the sales and marketing teams for SUBARU road vehicles across the USA. Petter has visited the States several times since joining SWRT, but this was his first trip to SOA headquarters. Petter gave a speech on recent activities in the WRC to SOA staff and posed for photos with the 'B9 Tribeca', which was released in the American market last January. Petter was warmly received by the staff and some 500 fans, who greeted him at SUBARU dealerships around SOA. After a quick autograph session, signing anything from road cars to miniature cars, Petter spent considerable time chatting to fans. 22nd July 2005
Destination for today: Indianapolis, Indiana. SUBARU Indiana Automotive (SIA) is the main vehicle manufacturing facility in the US, with a huge number of production lines. SUBARU's latest SUV, fitted with SUBARU symmetrical AWD, and the B9 Tribeca were both manufactured at SIA.Petter has previously tested the prototype-version of the B9 Tribeca, and spoke enthusiastically about its performance, to rapturous applause from the US staff. During a guided visit around the assembly facility, Petter was particularly impressed by the fully-controlled carry transporter that runs through the engine factory, and took the opportunity to ask staff about the system. The main aim of the visit was to promote an understanding of the WRC program to SIA staff and, as such, pride in their involvement in the production of SUBARU vehicles. With a showroom model of the SUBARU Impreza WRC2004 on display, Petter again made a speech about WRC activities, before driving the new SUBARU Impreza WRX 2006-spec-car, much to the delight of spectators and assembled staff. 23rd - 24th July 2005
Petter attended the 50th anniversary of "Car and Driver" magazine, one of the major motoring magazines in the US, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Norwegian was particularly impressed by the large number of motoring fans gathered at the purpose-built parking area, and demonstrated the performance potential of the models to the crowd. He later attended an autograph session.The visit is certain to accelerate the popularity of the WRC and SUBARU in the USA. The 'Hollywood' star draws some of his awesome energy from his fans, and he now looks to convert this drive into strong performances in the remaining rounds of the 2005 WRC season. |
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