Shah Alam, Malaysia - August 22nd., 2006 ... Team Pennzoil Malaysia's four-car entry in last weekend's Malaysian Rally Championship Round 3, held in the plantations of Johor State, hit trouble early. One of the team's Subaru Impreza 4WD Turbos, driven by eighteen year-old James Russell, and co-driven by veteran Eido Osawa, managed to locate a hidden concrete culvert, the top half of which sliced into the steering and stabilizer arms behind the left front wheel, embedding itself in the chassis. James was clearly not happy at his early retirement, but could console himself with the thought that about half of all competitors had retired as a result of hitting the same or similar hidden concrete blocks.

James had anyway made a slow start due to a badly slipping clutch, which had performed faultlessly during testing and the rally's shakedown stage. This though was quickly repaired by the team's mechanics, in the time-honored way ... by pouring a can of Coca Cola into the clutch housing ... proving once again that Things Go Better with Coke!

The second of the team's Subarus was forced into retirement two stages later, on SS6, when driver Mohd. Faizal suddenly suffered severe leg cramps. Co-driver Komar Johari tried to continue in the driver's seat, but the only real solution was a ride in an ambulance for Faizal, who was in extreme pain. No doubt dehydration, caused by the in-car heat and humidity of Malaysia's plantations, was to blame.

By the middle of Leg 1 on Saturday, things looked bleak, but the team's two Protons saved the day. Jamaluddin Tukimin, co-driven by sister Rozita, brought his 1300cc Satria onto the finish ramp in Danga Bay in a class-winning position. Although suffering the after- effects of a bout of flu, Jamal drove at a steady pace, letting his opponents hit trouble throughout this long and arduous event.

Also saving the team from blushes was rookie driver Mohd. Fadzil in a 1600cc Proton Wira, who, despite persistent brake problems, was able to finish second in class. Fadzil, better known as "JJ" was accompanied by Mohd. Shazly, who normally occupies a driver's seat.

At the finish ceremony, Team Manager Paul Russell commented, "Although we were hoping for better, we are happy to take second place in the team championship. Half of our cars finished, and the other two retired due to bad luck, so we can't be too despondent. JJ and Jamal drove an intelligent rally and were rewarded with good results.

"James' retirement was especially unfortunate, so early in the event, as he really needs to gain experience quickly. Hopefully the organizers will in future avoid roads with hidden hazards" he concluded.

Following last weekend's event in Johor, the team will be back in action in November, for the final round of this year's Malaysian Rally Championship.