Snowshoe, WV, July 29rd, 2013: Erika Detota with navigator Mary Warren took and early lead that they held to the finish on the mountain roads at Rally West Virginia, July 27-28.

This year was the the first time Detota or Warren tested their skills on the roads of West Virginia. The duo completed 167 competitive stage miles with the majority being among technical mountain passes of the beautiful Allegheny Mountains. They raced through rain and heavy fog without any major complication on the first days push. “The night section was hard,”says Warren, “it was difficult to see and was foggy in a few sections of the 23 mile stage. But we made it with a good enough time to hold onto our lead for the first day.”

Day two the sun came out and dried up the moisture from the previous day, leaving the dirt logging roads dusty by the end of the rally. “Due to the elevation of the mountains, with steep, winding roads the conditions changed throughout the weekend; figuring out how to adapt was a big accomplishment for us” says Detota. The teams lead was cut on the final gravel stage where they were forced to change a punctured tire on the clock. The two woman set a fast pace swapping out an on board spare as witnesses claim it took them only 3 minutes to complete. The final result for the only all women team is first place in 2 wheel drive and an impressive 6 overall in the rally.

“Mary and I went for it at this rally, we wanted to push and work hard together in the car for a top result. We are glad to be able to come away with the 2 wheel drive win thanks to our crew and sponsors” says Detota.

The event was part of 2013 NASA National Rally Championship and the top three in each 2WD and 4WD category received an invitation to the final run off round at Prescott, AZ later in the year. Detota and Warren have secured an invitation.

Erika Detota and her team are supported by Ruge’s Subaru of Rhinebeck, NY, Keep a Breast Foundation, Exedy Racing Clutch, HMS Motorsport, DBA USA, Exedy Racing Clutch, and Tony’s Mufflers.

Ruge’s Subaru Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/RugesSubaru

HMS Motorsport Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/HMS-Motorsport/190769387617

DBA USA Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DBAUSA

Exedy US Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/exedy.us

Tony’s Mufflers Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TonysMufflers

Erika Detota Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RallyErika

For more information about Erika Detota go to www.RallyErika.com