INTO THE WOODS; Rally America offers an alternative to the WRC.(Competition)

Byline: ROGER HART

The World Rally Championship isn't the only option for U.S. rally fans, and you don't need to travel to another country for the action. Rally America officials in Minneapolis look forward to their 2008 season with great expectations, as several factors have come together to work in the sport's favor.

First, the weak U.S. dollar has several European rally drivers eyeing the series as an alternative to rallies on the Continent. That could help raise the car count, not that it's been bad in the past. About 20 cars regularly compete in the top-tier Open Class, with nearly 50 cars total showing up for an event. But having more participants should raise the competition level.

Second, the series' two-time champion, motorcycle and now rally maestro Travis Pastrana, is back to defend his title in his Vermont Sports Car-prepared Subaru WRX STI. He was able to participate in three World Rally Championship events in 2007 ("Time Will Tell,'' AW, Jan. 7) to help hone his rally skills further. Pastrana is by far the series' biggest name, although there are several talented drivers who should battle for the 2008 title, not the least of whom is teammate Ken Block, a founder of skateboard fashion brand DC, who finished third in the championship last year.

Also expected to contend is last season's runner-up, London-based Aussie Andrew Pinker, and Hollywood stunt driver Tanner Faust (The Dukes of Hazzard; The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift ), who finished fourth. Also, a couple of Pastrana's buddies from ESPN's X Games-freestyle motocrosser Kenny Bartram and BMX rider Dave Mira-are expected to compete this season. Longtime rally ace ...