Shah Alam, Malaysia - January 25th., 2006 ... Following a highly successful first season, the Southeast Asia Rally Challenge - better known as "SEArally" - will add one more event to its calendar for 2006.

Teams will cross the Straits of Melaka in June, to compete in a three- day rally based in Medan, Indonesia. This extra rally will be observed by the FIA for possible inclusion in the World Rally Championship, giving crews a chance to shine on a WRC-style event.

The other six events though will also offer considerable challenge to competitors. Beginning in March, crews will tackle the tricky oil palm and rubber plantation stages of Pahang in Malaysia. Frequent tropical rain will no doubt make their lives more difficult, and could produce unexpected results.

Next come the hot, dry and dusty roads close to the Thai beach resort of Pattaya where crews will be preserving not only their cars and tires, but also their own energy. Returning to Malaysia in May, drivers will tackle the long straights in the sugar cane plantations of Perlis, adjacent to the Thai border, before hopping over to Indonesia in June.

For the second half of the year it´s back to Thailand, first for an event in July in the hilly wine-producing region of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and in late September to Chachoengsao, close to Bangkok´s new international airport. For overseas crews, these two rallies will offer some new challenges, but at the same time, give the Thai drivers an opportunity to show their talent on home ground.

Completing a full circle, the 2006 SEArally Challenge, will wrap up the season with another rally in Pahang in November.

As one of the instigators, and after playing a supporting role in 2005, the organization of the Challenge has now be assumed by Malaysia´s SR Motorsport Sdn. Bhd. As Managing Director Paul Russell noted "We have big plans for this series, but at the same time do not want to move too far from the format which worked so well last year. Aside from the new event in Indonesia" he continued "we are planning to improve media coverage. We are actively working to ensure TV coverage of this year's challenge, and we are discussing with motorsport-related magazines, to provide both local and worldwide exposure. This should be very valuable to competitors when they are negotiating with their sponsors. Equally, a title sponsor is being sought for SEArally" he concluded.

Despite being new in 2005, the series attracted a total of 31 competitors representing seven nationalities. Malaysia´s Saladin Mazlan and Arish Qutb driving a Subaru Impreza STi were victorious in the four wheel drive category, while the two wheel drive prize went to Thailand's N. Apivit and S. Suree in a Mitsubishi Lancer.

SR Motorsport is hoping that all those competing in the Indonesian, Malaysian and Thai Championships will consider adding SEArally to their program for the year, making this the best rally championship in the region.