http://www.swrt.com/415717.html
Statement on Mark Lovell and Roger Freeman
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13 July 2003
Mark Lovell and his co-driver, Roger Freeman, were both tragically killed yesterday (Saturday) when their rally car left the road and struck a tree shortly after the start of the first stage of the Oregon Trail Rally in the USA. The two drivers were competing with Subaru Rally Team USA in the fourth round of the SCCA ProRally series.
Prodrive, which runs the team on behalf of Subaru USA, is working with the event organisers and the authorities to establish what led to the accident. Next of kin for both families have been informed.
David Richards, chairman of Prodrive, said: "Everyone at Prodrive is shocked at the news. Mark and Roger have been a part of the team at Prodrive for many years and they will both be sorely missed. Our thoughts and sympathies are with both families and friends."
Mark and Roger first drove together in the British Rally Championship in 1986 when they won the series in a Ford RS200. The two renewed their partnership earlier this season to drive for Subaru in the US series.
Mark had been a part of the Subaru Rally Team USA since the beginning of 2001, winning the championship that year. Roger had also worked with Prodrive for many years, previously co-driving Japanese driver Toshihiro Arai in the World Rally Championship.
Team Sporting Manager, David Campion, said, "Today is the saddest day's rallying I can ever remember. I have been competing with both Mark and Roger for twenty years now and for their careers to be cut short like this is a tragic, tragic blow. Both were complete professionals in their preparation and approach to what they regarded as a life-long passion. Words cannot describe the feelings of everyone within the team from Subaru, STI and Prodrive. What more can I add to say, except that both have left a huge gap in the team. Our thoughts are with Julie and Alison and their children at this time."