Subaru Palm Challenge, and the Chevy version in the US

Singapore, 4 November 2006 – Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza was abuzz with activity this morning, Saturday, 4 November 2006. By 7am, close to 1,000 potential participants of the MediaCorp Radio Subaru WRX Challenge had gathered at the open arena for the lucky dip to find out who would be the lucky 320 contestants allocated a spot for their chance at winning a Subaru Impreza WRX 2.5. At 1pm sharp, with 8 Subaru cars in place and the heavens being kind, the Challenge kicked off with 311 men and women at the start line. As a result of the army mobilisation exercise and disqualification for failing to report back into the competition arena on time, not all 320 contestants were able to participate in the Challenge Says Mr. Glenn Tan, Group Chief Executive of Motor Image Enterprises, “We are constantly finding ways to make the Challenge more interesting. This year, with the Invitational Car contestants being pitted against the rest of the contestants, the Challenge is given a fresh new take.” Each team will be given up to a total of three warnings before disqualification from the Challenge. Marshalls patrolling the competition arena ensure fair play. Similar to past years, safety measures have been put in place. A qualified paramedic team is onsite around the clock throughout the Challenge and trained medical professionals will observe contestants’ behaviour and physical conditions. A five-minute break is allocated every six hours at 1pm, 7pm, 1am and 7am, and the first took place at 7pm this evening. Contestants took the opportunity to recharge with food and water or get a massage. One family member per participant was also allowed into the competition arena to interact with their loved ones for the first time in six hours. At the end of the family dinner break, only 259 contestants remained standing.

Subaru may be the niche maker of the fabulous Impreza WRX and wolf-in-sheeps-clothing Legacy GT, but it will dominate the Singapore Motorshow 2006 with the largest single brand stand. Not only will it have the largest stand (1,200 square meters) featuring its entire range of cars, Subaru will also have several new models. Firstly, there will be the limited production WRX STI S204, Subaru’s first MPV – the 7-seater B9 Tribeca and a completely new Legacy range. On top of these new models, stunt driver Russ Swift has been brought in again, and the those going to the show will have a chance to ride with him while he drives. Those wanting to get to ride with Russ will need to submit bids at the Motorimage website: www.motorimage.net. All proceeds will go to Vivia Foundation for Children with Cancer. So log on and start to bid for a once in the lifetime chance to ride with one of the most skilled stunt drivers in the world.

Singapore, November 7, 2006 – At 2.56pm today, 25 year old Navy Regular, Alex Koh remained the last man standing at Ngee Ann City Civil Plaza. Exhausted, drained but certainly victorious. This was after a grueling 73 hours and 56 minutes under sun, rain and an impending haze threatening to return! Alex is the last man standing and winner for this year’s “MediaCorp Radio Subaru WRX Challenge” outlasting 319 other contestants. This is certainly sweet revenge for the last year’s runner-up...