Pastrana set for Mexican recce.

Travis Pastrana, the 21-year-old X-Games star turned rally driver will head to Corona Rally Mexico this weekend to perform two days of reconnaissance ahead of the third round of the WRC season.

Pastrana will lead Subaru Rally Team USA in the 2006 Rally America National Championship, and the decision to take part in the recce in Mexico is part of a longer term plan to prepare Pastrana - who competed against WRC champion Sebastien Loeb in the Race of Champions - for WRC competition, with the team already looking at a possible Production Car World Rally Championship campaign in 2007.

Pastrana's rally exploits so far have proved to be impressive, clinching fourth overall on his maiden gravel event back in 2004. He completed a near full season of national rallying in 2005 with several podium finishes and numerous stage wins against strong competition in the Rally America National Championship and finished second overall on round one of the 2006 Rally America National Championship.

While in Mexico, Pastrana will perform two days of reconnaissance with his Subaru Rally Team USA team-mate Ken Block, with the trip representing an important learning experience towards developing skills necessary to successfully compete in the WRC.

"Participating in the recce portion at Mexico will prove a valuable experience for our team members and drivers in preparation for future PCWRC rounds," Subaru of America's James Han explained. "While the main focus of Subaru Rally Team USA is securing competitive results in the Rally AmericaNational Championship, the International rally environment can help Travis and Ken develop their driving abilities."