British Driver Joins Two-Car Tiburon Team

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 18, 2002 – Hyundai Motor America has stepped up its rally effort in the U.S. for 2002. The company has appointed its first-ever Motorsports Manager and is building two new 2003 Tiburon rally cars. Continuing the company’s winning association with long-time motorsports partner Libra Racing, the team will challenge for both the Manufacturer and Driver Championships in the 2002 SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) ProRally season with the two new cars.

Hyundai has appointed Toni Honsowetz to the newly created position of Motorsports Manager. Honsowetz, a motorsports veteran, has been involved with Hyundai’s U.S. rally efforts since its inception in 1995 and, in addition to her new responsibilities, will remain the primary public relations contact for the company’s motorsports program. Honsowetz brings nearly 20 years experience in a wide range of motorsports arenas to her new position.

“As a result of the increased level of competition in the SCCA Pro Rally Series, Hyundai felt it was important to step up its program considerably,” said Dave Weber, vice president of marketing for Hyundai Motor America. “The creation of a separate Motorsports Department demonstrates the company’s corporate-wide commitment to the series and our desire to reclaim both the Manufacturer and Driver Championships.”

Led by John Buffum, an 11-time National ProRally Driver Champion, Hyundai and Libra Racing will field two 2003 Tiburon rally cars this season. Based on the all-new production Tiburon, the Open Class vehicles will be introduced at the Cherokee Trails event in Chattanooga, Tenn., on March 15^th (Round 2 of the 2002 season).

The new Tiburon Rally car was designed as a joint effort between Buffum and Dom Buckley, former rally driver and current racecar builder. Dom Buckley Motorsports is preparing one of the turbocharged 2-liter DOHC four-cylinder vehicles at his facility in England; Buffum and his crew are building the second mirror image Tiburon at their Vermont shop.

“From 1996 through 2000, we were able to win and defend the ProRally Manufacturer Championship for Hyundai,” Buffum stated. “With Hyundai’s added support for 2002, we can now take advantage of the new Tiburon’s performance capabilities and challenge again for the top spot in ProRally.”

The team also retains veteran rally driver Paul Choiniere, who has been the lead pilot for Hyundai since the onset of the program. Choiniere earned four of his eight ProRally Driver Championships at the wheel of Hyundai products.

In addition, Hyundai has secured the talents of top European driver Mark Higgins, the 1997 British Rally Champion, and more recently, the 2000 British F2 Rally Champion. Higgins, who thus far has not raced in the U.S., has expressed excitement for his new role and looks forward to a competitive season.

The debut of the all-new Tiburon rally cars coincides with the timing of the production version’s arrival at Hyundai dealerships during the first quarter of 2002. In 1997, Hyundai won its third consecutive Manufacturers Title with the newly introduced Tiburon. Prior to that, the Elantra sedan was the vehicle of choice for the company’s rally efforts.

Hyundai also will continue to field its popular Production Car in SCCA competition. The Production Car program was originated three years ago to allow key automotive journalists and other selected media the opportunity to compete in actual rally events. The Tiburon Production Car earned two wins in 2001, enroute to taking the Production Class Manufacturers Championship.

Hyundai Motor America, based in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company in Korea. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed in the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through nearly 500 dealerships nationwide.

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