Salem, MO Since Ken Block and Alex Gelsomino s first race at the 100 Acre Wood Rally in 2006, the two have dominated the competition, consistently taking first place every year since. This weekend they re looking to secure a repeat performance, a.k.a. the 5-peat.

I absolutely love this rally, says Ken Block. The stages here in Missouri fit my driving style perfectly they are fast and the gravel here allows me to go flat-out and sideways, just the way I like it.

This year, a thrilling change for Ken and Alex will be the new machine they re piloting through the narrow wooded stages. Not only will it be their first year racing the Monster World Rally Team Ford Fiesta, it s the first time Ken and Alex will get to race it on gravel. To prepare for the event, the team headed out to Sayers Brook Bison Ranch just east of the 100 Acre Wood Rally earlier this week to shakedown the Fiesta on something other than ice and snow. The two days of testing proved successful, creating a team eager to get out on stage. Especially since the pair finished 43 seconds ahead of second place last year and have hopes to either
match or improve upon that lead this weekend. Even if 43 does have a nice ring to it.

The Rally in the 100 Acre Wood, which takes place in the Ozark Mountain area of Missouri, is the second calendar event on the 2010 Rally America Championship. Immediately following, the Monster World Rally Team will be traveling to Mexico to compete in the team s first WRC race. Follow the team through both events at monsterworldrallyteam.com

Here's the 100 Acre Wood Shakedown video clip: