Year 1998

In 1998 Jim Anderson decided to move to Group 5. Instead of Production class, which allows very limited modifications to the cars such as beefing suspension and minor exhaust changes (after the catalytic converter) Group 5 allows almost anything except four-wheels drive. Basically any vehicle with less then 5.1 liters and two-wheels drive can compete in this class. Of course, an unlimited budget would go along way to making a very fast Group 5 car. Here is the list of transformations was made to Jim Anderson’s Honda Prelude:

• Rear interior removal
• New in-car video camera system
• New intercom system
• New weld-in roll cage
• Remove sunroof and associated parts such as headliner and roof vents

Jim Anderson’s Group 5 debut was in June 5-6, 1998 at Susquehannock Trial Pro Rally. Jim with his co-driver Martin Dapot became victims of the cracked rotor. He was having hard time keeping up with class leaders Ralph Kosmides and Rick Davis. Kosmides was having his own problems in Toyota Supra, having to change the master cylinder at the dinner break and later DNFing stage #7 due to electrical problems. So Jim finished third in his class 16th overall.

Next event Maine Forest Rally was skipped so Jim’s next appearance was Ojibwe Forest Rally, which was held in August 27-30, 1998. Jim lost only 2 minutes to class winner Mike Hurst and his Mazda RX-7 and claimed second place in Group 5 and 10th overall.

That was Jim’s last outing in 1998 so with 2 starts and 14 points he claimed 8th final position in Group 5.