WILL WE RALLY IN '09? // SUBARU IS OUT

We just received news that legendary rally team, Subaru, intends to withdraw from the 2009 WRC season. Citing, yes, you guessed it, ‘economic conditions,’ Subaru will no longer participate in the World Rally Championship, and will instead concentrate on strengthening the Subaru brand. In a statement made by Fuji Industries, parent company of Subaru, their intentions to withdraw were made clear; “In order to optimize the management resources and to strengthen further the Subaru brand, FHI decided to withdraw from WRC activities at the earliest timing.”

It's not all bad news however, as recently announced changes to WRC regulations (see S2000 rule changes) will drive down ownership costs, allowing an influx of privately owned teams to remain competitive. It appears that the WRC will no longer be dominate by factory supported teams, and the future will in fact be in the hands of privately funded, grassroots race teams. Your thoughts? // 12.17.2008