Tag: American Rally Association

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Subaru Motorsports USA Unveil New Open Class Rally Car

Earlier today Subaru Motorsports USA and Vermont Sportscar unveiled the new VT23r chassis for competition in the American Rally Association.

What Is The New Chassis?

© Matthew Stryker, subaru.com/motorsports 2023

The VT23r is the newest iteration of a Vermont Sportscar built open class rally car. Subaru Motorsports USA and Vermont Sportscar would say farewell to the VA chassis of cars yesterday. Unveiling the new VB chassis today (VT23r). The new chassis sports a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder boxer engine producing 320hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. The engine also includes the ARA-mandated 33mm restrictor plate and a 22 psi boost limit. The VT23r will sport the iconic Blue and Gold Subaru livery, made iconic by drivers such as Petter Solberg, Richard Burns and Colin McRae. 

Driver Quotes

Both Pastrana and Semenuk would comment on the new VT23r chassis. Pastrana would say “So excited about the 2024 ARA rally championship. The new Subaru platform is amazing and the chance to bagle again with two-time and defending champion Brandon Semenuk is going to be so much fun. When Brandon joined the team, I was the veteran. But the tables have turned and I’m looking forward to learning a lot and hopefully getting back to the top. I’ve only been away from the sport for a year but a lot has changed and I’m ready for the new challenge.” 

2023 champion Brandon Semenuk would say “The release of the new car will bring an exciting future along with it. This platform has been completely reengineered and the car looks and feels more dynamic, which will translate to an even better show for the fans! We will also have Travis coming back to the championship next season, which I’m looking forward to. Not only is it more fun having a teammate, but you learn so much more with a two-car team and this will be important for the ongoing development of the platform.”

Debuting Soon

© Matthew Stryker, subaru.com/motorsports 2023

Subaru Motorsports USA would also confirm the new VT23r will debut at the ARA’s seventh round the Ojibwe Forests Rally later this month. The car will debut with 2022 and 2023 ARA Champion Brandon Semenuk behind the wheel. The Ojibwe Forests Rally takes place on the 25th and 26th of August. You can follow along with what should be another dominant rally by Brandon Semenuk right here on the Pitcrew Online. 

Surprise (Sort Of)

Along with announcing the new VT23r chassis, Vermont Sportscar and Subaru Motorsports USA would confirm that 6-time American Rally Champion Travis Pastrana will return to competition in a new VT23r in 2024. Pastrana would take the 2023 season off to focus on other things. This came after Pastrana failed to win a rally during the entire 2022 season. To be fair to Travis he was injured and Ken Block and Brandon Semenuk were blistering quick. Pastrana should be able to give Semenuk the competition he’s been missing this season next season. As Travis Pastrana is the only driver to beat 10-time champion David Higgins for a championship. 

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Oregon Trail Rally Semenuk Wins

The Oregon Trail Rally has come to an end. Brandon Semenuk would take all the stage wins and win the event with a 8 minute and 52.3 second lead over Jeff Seehorn. 

SS15, Boyd Loop Very Short

Stage 15 would see Brandon Semenuk take the win once again. Lia Block would finish with the second fastest time on the stage, setting a time 28.8 seconds slower than Semenuk. Jason Bailey would set the third fastest time on the stage, finishing with a time 1.6 seconds slower than Block. Andy Miller would set the fourth fastest time on the stage, that time would be 4.3 seconds slower than Bailey. Todd Hartmann would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 0.9 seconds slower than Miller. 

SS16, Shadow Buck

Brandon Semenuk would once again take the win on SS16. Semenuk would finish the stage with a time 16.5 seconds faster than Lia Block who placed second on the stage. Jason Bailey would set the third fastest time on the stage, finishing with a time 1.6 seconds slower than Block. Jacob Despain would set the fourth fastest time on the stage, finishing with a time 5.2 seconds slower than Bailey. Matthew Dickinson would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 1.3 seconds slower than Despain. 

SS17, Nagles Revenge

Stage 17 would once again see Brandon Semenuk on top. Semenuk would finish the stage with a time 18 seconds faster than Josh Bailey who would finish second on the stage. Lia Block would set the third fastest time on the stage, finishing the stage with a time 2.6 seconds slower than Bailey. Javier Olivares would finish the stage with the fourth fastest time, finishing with a time 3.2 seconds slower than Block. Matthew Dickinson would round out the top five on the stage, setting a time 0.4 seconds slower than Olivares. 

SS18, Starveout

Stage 18 would once again see Brandon Semenuk take the stage win. Jason Bailey would set the second fastest time on the stage, that time would be 50.6 seconds slower than Semenuk’s time. Lia Block would set the third fastest time on the stage, setting a time 4.6 seconds slower than Bailey. Andy Miller would finish with the fourth fastest time on the stage, finishing 1.7 seconds slower than Block. Jacob Despain would round out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.3 seconds slower than Miller. 

SS19, Starveout

Stage 19 would see Brandon Semenuk take his 19th consecutive stage win. Semenuk would finish the stage with a time 44.1 seconds faster than Jason Bailey who placed second on the stage. Matthew Dickinson would set the third fastest time on the stage, setting a time 11.8 seconds slower than Bailey. Jacob Despain would set the fourth fastest time on the stage, setting a time 0.3 seconds slower than Dickinson. Lia Block and Dave Clark would tie for fifth on the stage, with both drivers setting a time 4.4 seconds slower than Despain. 

Photography Credit:

Vlad Tyeryekhov: Facebook

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Oregon Trail Rally Semenuk Maintains Lead Through SS14

The first four stages of the final day of the Oregon Trail Rally have come to an end. Brandon Semenuk maintained his lead and now leads Jeff Seehorn by 5 minutes and 19.9 seconds. 

SS11, Boyd Loop Very Short

The eleventh stage of the Oregon Trail Rally and the first of day three would once again see Brandon Semenuk on top. Jeff Seehorn would set the second fastest time on the stage, 20.3 seconds slower than Semenuk’s time. Sam Albert would set the third fastest time on the stage, finishing with a time 3.6 seconds slower than Seehorn. Jason Bailey would set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 10.1 seconds slower than Albert’s time. Todd Hartmann would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 0.8 seconds slower than Bailey’s time. 

SS12, Shadow Buck

Stage 12 would once again see Brandon Semenuk on top. Semenuk would set a time 12.9 seconds faster than Sam Albert who placed second on the stage. Jeff Seehorn would finish with the third fastest time on the stage, finishing with a time 1.8 seconds slower than Albert. Lia Block would set the fourth fastest time on the stage, setting a time 3.4 seconds slower than Seehorn. Steven Redd would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 2.1 seconds slower than Block. 

SS13, Nagles Revenge

If you guessed Brandon Semenuk won SS14 you’d be correct. As Semenuk would set a time 7.7 seconds faster than Sam Albert to win the stage. Jeff Seehorn would set the third fastest time on the stage, finishing with a time 9 seconds slower than Albert’s. Lia Block would once again finish with the fourth fastest time on the stage, setting a time 3.7 seconds slower than Seehorn. Matthew Dickinson would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 0.2 seconds slower than Block. 

SS14, Starveout

Stage 14 would once again see Brandon Semenuk take the stage win. Jeff Seehorn would set the second fastest time on the stage, setting a time 30.8 seconds slower than Semenuk. Sam Albert would finish with the third fastest time on the stage, with a time 13.1 seconds slower than Seehorn. Lia Block would once again finish with the fourth fastest time on the stage, setting a time 13 seconds slower than Albert’s. Matthew Dickinson would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 3 seconds slower than Block. 

SS11 Times

  1. B. Semenuk, 4:15.6
  2. J. Seehorn, 4:35.9 (+20.3)
  3. S. Albert, 4:39.5 (+3.6)
  4. J. Bailey, 4:49.6 (+10.1)
  5. T. Hartmann, 4:50.4 (+0.8)
  6. A. Miller, 4:50.6 (+0.2)
  7. S. Redd, 4:52.3 (+1.7)
  8. L. Block, 4:54.9 (+2.6)
  9. M. Dickinson, 4:55.1 (+0.2)
  10. J. Despain, 4:55.2 (+0.1)

SS12 Times

  1. B. Semenuk, 3:36.3
  2. S. Albert, 3:49.2 (+12.9)
  3. J. Seehorn, 3:51.0 (+1.8)
  4. L. Block, 3:54.4 (+3.4)
  5. S. Redd, 3:56.5 (+2.1)
  6. J. Bailey, 3:59.7 (+3.2)
  7. T. Hartmann, 4:01.9 (+2.2)
  8. A. Miller, 4:02.4 (+0.5)
  9. J. Olivares, 4:03.3 (+0.9)
  10. J. Despain, 4:03.5 (+0.2)

SS13 Times

  1. B. Semenuk, 4:12.1
  2. S. Albert, 4:19.8 (+7.7
  3. J. Seehorn, 4:28.8 (+9.0)
  4. L. Block, 4:32.5 (+3.7)
  5. M. Dickinson, 4:32.7 (+0.2)
  6. S. Redd, 4:33.2 (+0.5)
  7. J. Bailey, 4:33.7 (+0.5)
  8. J. Olivares, 4:34.2 (+0.5)
  9. T. Hartmann, 4:35.1 (+0.9)
  10. D. Clark, 4:37.6 (+2.5)

SS14 Times

  1. B. Semenuk, 6:21.5
  2. J. Seehorn, 6:52.3 (+30.8)
  3. S. Albert, 7:05.4 (+13.1)
  4. L. Block, 7:18.4 (+13.0)
  5. M. Dickinson, 7:21.4 (+3.0)
  6. J. Bailey, 7:21.5 (+0.1)
  7. A. Miller, 7:22.9 (+1.4)
  8. S. Redd, 7:24.8 (+1.9)
  9. T. Hartmann, 7:26.1 (+1.3)
  10. J. Despain, 7:26.3 (+0.2)

Overall Times After SS14

  1. B. Semenuk, 1:10:34.6
  2. J. Seehorn, 1:15:54.5 (+5:19.9)
  3. S. Albert, 1:16:19.3 (+5:44.7)
  4. J. Olivares, 1:19:09.3 (+8:34.7)
  5. A. Miller, 1:19:48.5 (+9:13.9)
  6. M. Dickinson, 1:20:14.1 (+9:39.5)
  7. J. Despain, 1:20:20.7 (+9:46.1)
  8. L. Block, 1:20:32.3 (+9:57.7)
  9. D. Clark, 1:21:02.3 (+10:27.7)
  10. L. Block, 1:21:11.9 (+10:37.3)

Photography Credit:

Vlad Tyeryekhov: Facebook

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Oregon Trail Rally Semenuk Leads After Day Two

The first 10 stages of the Oregon Trail Rally have passed marking the end of the second day. Brandon Semenuk leads Jeff Seehorn by 3 minutes and 57.4 seconds. 

SS7, Dalles Mtn Up

Brandon Semenuk would once again take the stage win on SS7 to take his seventh consecutive stage win. Jeff Seehorn would place second on the stage, setting a time 33.7 seconds slower than Semenuk. Sam Albert would finish with the third fastest time on the stage, 16.8 seconds slower than Seehorn’s time. Jason Bailey would set the fourth fastest time on the stage, that time would be 3.6 seconds slower than Albert’s however. Javier Olivares would round out the top five on the stage, setting a time 4.9 seconds slower than Bailey. 

SS8, The Great Horseshoe

Stage eight would see Brandon Semenuk take the win once again. Sam Albert would set the second fastest time on the stage, 32.4 seconds slower than Semenuk. Javier Olivares would set the third fastest time on the stage, 9.5 seconds slower than Albert’s time. Jeff Seehorn would finish the stage with the fourth fastest time, setting a time 6 seconds slower than Olivares. Jacob Despain would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 1 second slower than Seehorn. 

SS9, Oak Flat Reverse

Stage nine would once again see Brandon Semenuk take the stage win. Semenuk would set a time 15.7 seconds faster than Sam Albert who placed second on the stage. Jeff Seehorn would set the third fastest time on the stage, with a time 6.3 seconds slower than Albert. Lia Block would set the fourth fastest time on the stage, finishing with a time 13.2 seconds slower than Seehorn. Jason Bailey would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 0.7 seconds slower than Block. 

SS10, Maryhill

The final stage of the day would see Brandon Semenuk take the stage win once again. Semenuk would set a time 5.8 seconds faster than Sam Albert who placed second on the stage. Jeff Seehorn would finish with the third fastest time on the stage, with a time 5.7 seconds slower than Albert. Andy Miller would finish with the fourth fastest time on the stage, setting a time 4 seconds slower than Seehorn. Jason Bailey would round out the top five on the stage, setting a time 1.3 seconds slower than Miller. 

SS7 Times

  1. B. Semenuk, 8:17.1
  2. J. Seehorn, 8:50.8 (+33.7)
  3. S. Albert, 9:07.6 (+16.8)
  4. J. Bailey, 9:11.2 (+3.6)
  5. J. Olivares, 9:16.1 (+4.9)
  6. M. Dickinson, 9:18.3 (+2.2)
  7. N. Allen, 9:22.3 (+4.0)
  8. D. Clark, 9:23.1 (+0.8)
  9. G. Plsek, 9:23.7 (+0.6)
  10. J. Despain, 9:24.4 (+0.7)

Overall After SS7

  1. B. Semenuk, 38:11.0
  2. J. Seehorn, 40:47.6 (+2:36.6)
  3. S. Albert, 41:34.0 (+3:23.0)
  4. G. Plsek, 42:27.1 (+4:16.1)
  5. J. Olivares, 42:30.6 (+4:19.6)
  6. A. Miller, 42:48.9 (+4:37.9)
  7. M. Dickinson, 43:27.6 (+5:16.6)
  8. J. Despain, 43:28.5 (+5:17.5)
  9. N. Allen, 43:37.7 (+5:26.7)
  10. L. Block, 43:48.4 (+5:37.4)

SS8 Times

  1. B. Semenuk, 6:44.7
  2. S. Albert, 7:17.1 (+32.4)
  3. J. Olivares, 7:26.6 (+9.5)
  4. J. Seehorn, 7:32.6 (+6.0)
  5. J. Despain, 7:33.6 (+1.0)
  6. J. Bailey, 7:34.1 (+0.5)
  7. L. Block, 7:35.9 (+1.8)
  8. N. Allen, 7:38.2 (+2.3)
  9. D. Clark, 7:41.0 (+2.8)
  10. M. Dickinson, 7:44.0 (+3.0)

Overall After SS8

  1. B. Semenuk, 44:55.7 
  2. J. Seehorn, 48:20.2 (+3:24.5)
  3. S. Albert, 48:51.1 (+3:55.4)
  4. J. Olivares, 49:57.2 (+5:01.5)
  5. A. Miller, 50:41.3 (+5:45.6)
  6. J. Despain, 51:02.1 (+6:06.4)
  7. M. Dickinson, 51:11.6 (+6:15.9)
  8. N. Allen, 51:15.9 (+6:20.2)
  9. L. Block, 51:24.3 (+6:28.6)
  10. D. Clark, 51:32.6 (+6:36.9)

SS9 Times

  1. B. Semenuk, 4:22.4
  2. S. Albert, 4:37.5 (+15.1)
  3. J. Seehorn, 4:43.8 (+6.3)
  4. L. Block, 4:57.0 (+13.2)
  5. J. Bailey, 4:57.7 (+0.7)
  6. J. Despain, 4:59.9 (+2.2)
  7. M. Dickinson, 5:00.1 (+0.2)
  8. J. Olivares, 5:00.2 (+0.1)
  9. M. Brassfeild, 5:02.0 (+1.8)
  10. D. Clark, 5:02.8 (+0.8)

Overall After SS9

  1. B. Semenuk, 49:18.1
  2. J. Seehorn, 53:04.0 (+3:45.9)
  3. S. Albert, 53:28.6 (+4:10.5)
  4. J. Olivares, 54:57.4 (+5:39.3)
  5. A. Miller, 55:45.4 (+6:27.3)
  6. J. Despain, 56:02.0 (+6:43.9)
  7. M. Dickinson, 56:11.7 (+6:53.6)
  8. N. Allen, 56:22.6 (+7:04.5)
  9. L. Block, 56:27.9 (+7:09.8)
  10. D. Clark, 56:35.4 (+7:17.3)

SS10 Times

  1. B. Semenuk, 2:51.0 
  2. S. Albert, 2:56.8 (+5.8)
  3. J. Seehorn, 3:02.5 (+5.7)
  4. A. Miller, 3:06.5 (+4.0)
  5. J. Bailey, 3:07.8 (+1.3)
  6. M. Brassfeild, 3:07.9 (+0.1)
  7. M. Dickinson, 3:08.9 (+1.0)
  8. T. Hartmann, 3:10.0 (+1.1)
  9. R. Haines, 3:10.5 (+0.5)
  10. D. Clark, 3:10.6 (+0.1)

Overall After SS10

  1. B. Semenuk, 52:09.1
  2. J. Seehorn, 56:06.5 (+3:57.4)
  3. S. Albert, 56:25.4 (+4:16.3)
  4. J. Olivares, 58:09.1 (+6:00.0)
  5. A. Miller, 58:51.9 (+6:42.8)
  6. J. Despain, 59:17.9 (+7:08.8)
  7. M. Dickinson, 59:20.6 (+7:11.5)
  8. N. Allen, 59:35.0 (+7:25.9)
  9. L. Block, 59:43.8 (+7:34.7)
  10. D. Clark, 59:46.0 (+7:36.9)

Photography Credit

Vlad Tyeryekhov: Facebook

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Oregon Trail Rally Semenuk Maintains Lead Through SS6

The first six stages of the Oregon Trail Rally have passed. Brandon Semenuk remains in the lead, now leading Jeff Seehorn by 2 minutes and 2.9 seconds. 

SS5, Oak Flat Reverse

Stage five would once again see Brandon Semenuk on top to take his fifth consecutive stage win. Semenuk set a time 13.5 seconds faster than Sam Albert who finished second on the stage. Jeff Seehorn would take third on the stage, finishing with a time 4.1 seconds slower than Albert. Jason Bailey set the fourth fastest time on the stage, finishing 9.5 seconds slower than Seehorn. Lia Block would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 1 second slower than Bailey. 

SS6, Maryhill

Brandon Semenuk would once again take the stage win on SS6. Sam Albert would set the second fastest time on the stage, 8.5 seconds slower than Semenuk. Jeff Seehorn would set the third fastest time on the stage, 2 seconds slower than Albert. George Plsek would finish with the fourth fastest time on the stage, 4.8 seconds slower than Seehorn. Jason Bailey would round out the top five on the stage, setting a time 2.7 seconds slower than Plsek. 

SS5 Times

  1. B. Semenuk, 4:32.2 
  2. S. Albert, 4:45.7 (+13.5)
  3. J. Seehorn, 4:49.8 (+4.1)
  4. J. Bailey, 4:59.3 (+9.5)
  5. L. Block, 5:00.3 (+1.0)
  6. J. Olivares, 5:00.9 (+0.6)
  7. G. Plsek, 5:05.0 (+4.1)
  8. M. Dickinson, 5:05.7 (+0.7)
  9. S. Redd, 5:06.0 (+0.3)
  10. D. Clark, 5:08.8 (+2.8)

Overall Times After SS5

  1. B. Semenuk, 27:01.9
  2. J. Seehorn, 28:54.3 (+1:52.4)
  3. S. Albert, 29:25.9 (+2:24.0)
  4. G. Plsek, 29:56.1 (+2:54.2)
  5. J. Olivares, 30:02.3 (+3:00.4)
  6. A. Miller, 30:07.2 (+3:05.3)
  7. M. Dickinson, 30:46.9 (+3:45.0)
  8. J. Despain, 30:48.0 (+3:46.1)
  9. L. Block, 30:58.4 (+3:56.5)
  10. N. Allen, 31:01.3 (+3:59.4)

SS6 Times

  1. B. Semenuk, 2:52.0 
  2. S. Albert, 3:00.5 (+8.5)
  3. J. Seehorn, 3:02.5 (+2.0)
  4. G. Plsek, 3:07.3 (+4.8)
  5. J. Bailey, 3:10.0 (+2.7)
  6. L. Block, 3:10.6 (+0.6)
  7. S. Redd, 3:11.8 (+1.2)
  8. A. Miller, 3:12.0 (+0.2)
  9. J. Olivares, 3:12.2 (+0.2)
  10. D. Clark, 3:12.6 (+0.4)

Overall After SS6

  1. B. Semenuk, 29:53.9
  2. J. Seehorn, 31:56.8 (+2:02.9)
  3. S. Albert, 32:26.4 (+2:32.5)
  4. G. Plsek, 33:03.4 (+3:09.5)
  5. J. Olivares, 33:14.5 (+3:20.6)
  6. A. Miller, 33:19.2 (+3:25.3)
  7. J. Despain, 34:04.1 (+4:10.2)
  8. L. Block, 34:09.0 (+4:15.1)
  9. M. Dickinson, 34:09.3 (+4:15.4)
  10. N. Allen, 34:15.4 (+4:21.5)

Photography Credit

© Trevor Lyden, Subaru.com/motorsports, 2023

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Oregon Trail Rally Semenuk Leads After SS4

The first four stages of the Oregon Trail Rally have come to an end. Brandon Semenuk continued his dominance, taking all 4 stage wins to take a minute and 34.8 second lead over Jeff Seehorn.

SSS1, Founders Olmstead Moore Nagle SSS

The first stage of the Oregon Trail Rally would be a 5.97km SuperSpecial stage at the Portland International Raceway. Brandon Semenuk would take the win on SSS1. Setting a time 13.8 seconds faster than Sam Albert and his Ferrari powered 2004 Subaru WRX STi. Regional driver Andy Miller would set the third fastest time on the stage, setting a time 2.9 seconds slower than Albert. Jeff Seehorn would finish with the fourth fastest time on the stage, setting a time 2.8 seconds slower than Miller. Jason Bailey would round out the top five on the stage, setting a time 0.6 seconds slower than Seehorn. 

SSS2, Founders Olmstead Moore Nagle SSS

The second stage of the Oregon Trail Rally would be the same 5.97km SuperSpecial stage at Portland International Raceway. Brandon Semenuk would once again take the stage win. This time setting a time 14.6 seconds faster than Sam Albert. Jeff Seehorn would set the third-fastest time on the stage this timearound. Finishing the stage with a time 1.6 seconds slower than Albert. Andy Miller would set the fourth fastest time, finishing the stage 2.7 seconds slower than Seehorn. George Plsek would round out the top five on SSS2, finishing with a time 2.1 seconds slower than Miller. 

SS3, Dalles Mountain Up

The first stage of the second day of the Oregon Trail Rally would see Brandon Semenuk on top yet again. Semenuk set a time 36.4 seconds faster than Jeff Seehorn who placed second on the stage. Javier Olivares would set the third fastest time on the stage, that time would be 19.5 seconds slower than Seehorn’s time however. Sam Albert would set the fourth fastest time on the stage. 0.8 seconds slower than Olivares time. Georgie Plsek would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 2.1 seconds slower than Albert. 

SS4, The Great Horseshoe

The fourth stage of the Oregon Trail Rally would see Brandon Semenuk take yet another stage win. This time Semenuk set a time 24.4 seconds faster than Jeff Seehorn who would place second on the stage. Javier Olivares set the third-fastest time on the stage, finishing 16.1 seconds slower than Seehorn. George Plsek would set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 0.1 seconds slower than Olivares time. Sam Albert would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 4.8 seconds slower than Plsek. 

Stage Times

SSS1 Times

  1. B. Semenuk, 3:37.0 
  2. S. Albert, 3:50.8 (+13.8)
  3. A. Miller, 3:53.7 (+16.7)
  4. J. Seehorn, 3:54.8 (+17.8)
  5. J. Bailey, 3:55.4 (+18.4)
  6. G. Plsek, 3:58.0 (+21.0)
  7. E. Bardha, 4:00.3 (+23.3)
  8. J. Olivares, 4:02.3 (+25.3)
  9. L. Block, 4:03.1 (+26.1)
  10. J. Despain, 4:03.2 (+26.2)

SSS2 Times

  1. B. Semenuk, 3:32.3 
  2. S. Albert, 3:46.9 (+14.6)
  3. J. Seehorn, 3:48.5 (+16.2)
  4. A. Miller, 3:51.2 (+18.9)
  5. G. Plsek, 3:53.3 (+21.0)
  6. J. Bailey, 3:54.4 (+22.1)
  7. J. Despain, 3:59.4 (+27.1)
  8. M. Dickinson, 3:59.9 (+27.6)
  9. J. Olivares, 4:02.3 (+30.0)
  10. L. Block, 4:02.5 (+30.2)
  11. L. Block, 4:02.5 (+30.2)

Overall After SSS2

  1. B. Semenuk, 7:09.3 
  2. S. Albert, 7:37.7 (+28.4)
  3. J. Seehorn, 7:43.3 (+34.0)
  4. A. Miller, 7:44.9 (+35.6)
  5. J. Bailey, 7:49.8 (+40.5)
  6. G. Plsek, 7:51.3 (+42.0)
  7. J. Despain, 8:02.6 (+53.3)
  8. J. Olivares, 8:04.6 (+55.3)
  9. L. Block, 8:05.6 (+56.3)
  10. M. Dickinson, 8:11.9 (+1:02.6)

SS3 Times

  1. B. Semenuk, 8:32.3 
  2. J. Seehorn, 9:08.7 (+36.4)
  3. J. Olivares, 9:28.2 (+19.5)
  4. S. Albert, 9:29.0 (+0.8)
  5. G. Plsek, 9:31.1 (+2.1)
  6. A. Miller, 9:33.8 (+2.7)
  7. N. Allen, 9:41.1 (+7.3)
  8. M. Dickinson, 9:44.7 (+3.6)
  9. L. Block, 9:45.3 (+0.6)
  10. D. Clark, 9:46.6 (+1.3)

Overall After SS3

  1. B. Semenuk, 15:41.6  
  2. J. Seehorn, 16:52.0 (+1:10.4)
  3. S. Albert, 17:06.7 (+1:25.1)
  4. A. Miller, 17:18.7 (+1:37.1)
  5. G. Plsek, 17:22.4 (+1:40.8)
  6. J. Olivares, 17:32.8 (+1:51.2)
  7. L. Block, 17:50.9 (+2:09.3)
  8. M. Dickinson, 17:56.6 (+2:15.0)
  9. J. Despain, 17:59.9 (+2:18.3)
  10. N. Allen, 18:00.1 (+2:18.5)

SS4 Times

  1. B. Semenuk, 6:48.1
  2. J. Seehorn, 7:12.5 (+24.4)
  3. J. Olivares, 7:28.6 (+16.1)
  4. G. Plsek, 7:28.7 (+0.1)
  5. S. Albert, 7:33.5 (+4.8)
  6. A. Miller, 3:37.8 (+4.3)
  7. J. Despain, 7:39.0 (+1.2)
  8. M. Dickinson, 7:44.6 (+5.6)
  9. S. Redd, 7:44.9 (+0.3)
  10. N. Allen, 7:45.6 (+0.7)

Overall After SS4

  1. B. Semenuk, 22:29.7
  2. J. Seehorn, 24:04.2 (+1:34.8)
  3. S. Albert, 24:40.2 (+2:10.5)
  4. G. Plsek, 24:51.1 (+2:21.4)
  5. A. Miller, 24:56.5 (+2:26.8)
  6. J. Olivares, 25:01.4 (+2:31.7)
  7. J. Despain, 25:38.9 (+3:09.2)
  8. M. Dickinson, 25:41.2 (+3:11.5)
  9. N. Allen, 25:45.7 (+3:16.0)
  10. L. Block, 25:46.2 (+3:16.5)

Photography Credit

© Trevor Lyden, Subaru.com/motorsports, 2023

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Patrick Gruszka At Olympus Rally

Patrick Gruszka would race the Olympus Rally for the first time in his career two weeks ago. He would come out of the event third overall and first in the RC2 class. Find out about Gruszka’s time at the event below. 

What Was Gruszka’s Favourite Moment At Olympus?

Patrick Gruszka would say his favourite moment of the Olympus Rally would be the railroad crossing on SS11 and SS12. 

What Was Gruszka’s Biggest Challenge?

The length of the stages at Olympus would be Gruszka’s biggest challenge. As the stages were more of a marathon than what he has gotten used to. 

Does Gruszka Have Any Regrets?

Patrick Gruszka would say he regrets not being brave enough at Olympus. He feels like he held back on some of the stages just to get the finish. 

Did Gruszka Follow His Strategy?

Gruszka would follow his strategy pretty well. As the main goal at Olympus was to finish and get points for the RC2 and National championships. 

Was Gruszka Happy With His Final Position?

Gruszka would be happy with his final position of third. Although he feels he could’ve gotten second if he was a little less cautious. 

Gruszka’s Favourite Stage?

Patrick Gruszka’s favourite stages at Olympus would be SS8 and SS10 Dayton. 

What Can We Expect From Gruszka For The Rest Of The Season?

He hopes to have more good finishes. As well as trying to maintain the points lead in the RC2 championship with the hope of winning the championship. 

A Valley Of First Times

Patrick Gruszka’s first time competing at Olympus wasn’t the only first for him this weekend. As he would also break out the back window without touching anything, drove a 30km stage, and drove a stage with rain, mud and fog on one stage. 

Launching A Protest

Patrick Gruszka would receive 3 minutes and 30 seconds in penalties at Olympus for speeding during transit. Gruszka would ultimately decide to protest this. As the speed limit wasn’t posted on the advanced event packet given to the drivers and a truck was parked in front of the speed limit sign. Normally if Gruszka doesn’t know the speed limit he sticks to recce speeds of about 30 mph. Gruszka alongside Michael Hooper and Lucy Block would win their protests for these penalties. Even with 3 minutes and 30 seconds removed from Gruszka’s time, he would still remain in third behind Jeff Seehorn. 

Photography Credits:

Hunter Courtin, Coachworksphoto: Instagram

Travis Gallatin, Gallatin Images: Instagram

Jacob Worrall Photo: Instagram

Aj Barker, PurpleCynMedia: Instagram

Mike Boyd, Quad Time Media: Instagram

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Olympus Rally Recap: Stories

The Olympus Rally has ended, marking the end of the third round of the 2023 Green APU American Rally Association season. Brandon Semenuk would take a dominant win once again. 

Semenuk Wins His Third Straight

Brandon Semenuk would take home his third straight win of the 2023 Green APU American Rally Association season at Olympus. Semenuk now leads the championship by a 35-point lead. Now this may seem like a large points lead, and you’d be correct, but this is rally and anything is possible. Brandon Semenuk knows that better than anybody else, as he has had it happen to him in the past. If Semenuk continues to drive at this pace he should have the championship clinched by the end of the New England Forest Rally.

Lia Wins Her First

Lia Block would take her first O2WD class win at Olympus. This will likely be the first of many wins for the 16-year-old Block. This is only Lia’s second year of rallying and only her second event in the Subaru BRZ she’s running this season. She’s gonna have a fight on her hands the rest of the season if she wants to take the O2WD Championship home. As Lia will have to fend off more experienced drivers such as David Clark and Micah Nickelson to achieve this. 

Two Blocks In The Top 10

Both Lia and Lucy Block would finish in the top 10 at Olympus. With Lia finishing seventh overall and Lucy finishing ninth. This is the first time this has happened this season and it likely won’t be the last. As both drivers have what it takes to consistently finish in the top 10 at every event in which they attend. 

Bailey Came To Play

Jason Bailey would put on a show at the Olympus Rally. With the Canadian finishing fourth overall and first in the L4WD class. Bailey will be one to keep an eye on for the LN4 Drivers Championship, as he currently sits second, 10 points back from Matthew Dickinson who leads the championship. Although Bailey isn’t actively chasing the title as the ARA isn’t his primary focus. 

Bad Luck Continues For Williams

Tom Williams would, unfortunately, be forced to retire from his second straight event. As Williams would be forced to retire from The Rally In The 100 Acre Wood due to a turbo issue. This would ultimately cost him what would’ve probably been a RC2 class win. At Olympus, Williams would be forced to retire on the final stage of the event. This would come as a result of Williams rolling his car after a 11G impact. Williams car would end up blocking the road causing both Patrick Gruszka and Jeff Seehorn to transit the rest of the stage, causing both drivers to get the same time as Brandon Semenuk. Therefore causing a three-way tie for first on the stage, meaning all three drivers would get the 5 extra championship points. 

Living Up To Its Reputation 

The Olympus Rally has gained a reputation for being one of the harder events on the American Rally Association calendar. As the event takes place through mostly forest and logging roads and are very technical in nature. It’s an event that can reward those willing to take a risk, but some risks may end your rally early. Olympus is an unforgiving event, as one wrong move could spell the end of your event. We saw this a few times this weekend, as 34 drivers would retire at the event at some point. With retirement reasons varying from a little mechanical failure to their car burning to the ground. Stage DNFs would cause 30 out of the total 38 retirements. The remaining 9 would be caused by 7 mechanical retirements and 1 MPL retirement. It’s worth noting a DNF retirement can mean basically anything, as it just means the driver didn’t finish the stage. In some cases, this could mean the DNF is due to an off while in other cases it could be caused by a mechanical issue, or in rare cases the car burning to the ground. 

Photography Credits

© Trevor Lyden, Subaru.com/motorsports, 2023

Hunter Courtin, Coachworksphoto: Instagram

Travis Gallatin, Gallatin Images: Instagram

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Olympus Rally Recap: Championships

The Olympus Rally has ended, marking the end of the third round of the 2023 Green APU American Rally Association season. Brandon Semenuk would take a dominant win once again. 

National Championship Standings

Brandon Semenuk would take his third event at win of the season at Olympus. This would allow Semenuk to extend his points lead over Patrick Gruszka from 27 to a comfortable 35-point lead. If Semenuk continues this pace he should have his second ARA championship in the bag by the end of the New England Forest Rally. Matthew Dickinson would remain third in the championship, although he would retire from Olympus meaning he took 0 points home from the event. Jeff Seehorn would move into a tie for fourth with Barry McKenna. With both drivers having 22 points under their belts. Tom Williams would get pushed out of the top five after once again retiring from the rally, therefore not taking home any points. 

National Championship Points After Olympus

  1. B. Semenuk, 80
  2. P. Gruszka, 45
  3. M. Dickinson, 23
  4. J. Seehorn, 22
  5. B. McKenna, 22

RC2 Championship 

The RC2 class would see Patrick Gruszka take his second class win of the season. Gruszka now sits 39 points above Tom Williams in the championship standings. It won’t be easy for Williams to regain those championship points, but it is possible, as anything is possible in rally. For Williams to regain those points he would need a shift in luck from bad to good. 

RC2 Championship Points

  1. P. Gruszka, 64
  2. T. Williams, 25
  3. K. Tilley, 17
  4. M. Georgakopoulos, 17
  5. R. Cordero, 12

O2WD Championship 

Lia Block would take a hard-fought O2WD class win at Olympus. This would allow Lia to both move into second place in the O2WD championship. As well as close the 30-point gap between her and leader Micah Nickelson down to just 5 points. With Nickelson not attending the Oregon Trail Rally next month it shouldn’t be hard for Lia to move into first overall in the championship. Lia will have to fight off more experienced drivers first, however. As Nick Allen who sits third in the championship, just 10 points back from Block will also be in Oregon next month. Other notable names attending the Oregon Trail Rally next month include Dave Clark, Michael Hooper and Tim O’Neil 

O2WD Championship Points 

  1. M. Nickelson, 47
  2. L. Block, 42
  3. N. Allen, 32
  4. D. Clark, 17
  5. M. Hooper, 14
  6. T. O’Neil, 14

LN4 Drivers Championship 

Matthew Dickinson will remain first in the LN4 Drivers Championship although the wouldn’t take home any points from Olympus. This would allow Jason Bailey to take the class win and move into second overall in the championship. Bailey now sits just 10 points back from Dickinson. With both the top two drivers attending Oregon Trail next month, it should be a fun battle to keep an eye on. Javier Olivares would technically fall to third overall, as the driver would sit tied for second in the championship heading into Olympus. Olivares would take second in the class at the event. Ele Bardha would move himself and his 2000 Subaru Prodrive GC8 into fourth place in the championship at Olympus.

LN4 Drivers Championship Points

  1. M. Dickinson, 47
  2. J. Bailey, 37
  3. J. Olivares, 34
  4. E. Bardha, 26
  5. V. Trudel, 17

Photography Credit

© Trevor Lyden, Subaru.com/motorsports, 2023

Hunter Courtin, Coachworksphoto: Instagram

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Olympus Rally Recap: Stages

The Olympus Rally has ended, marking the end of the third round of the 2023 Green APU American Rally Association season. Brandon Semenuk would take home all 12 stage wins. 




SS1, Nahwatzel 1

Stage one would see Brandon Semenuk take the stage win, beating Tom Williams by 24.1 seconds. Patrick Gruszka would finish third on the stage, 44.2 seconds back from Williams. Alejandro Perusina would finish fourth on the stage, 2.1 seconds back from Gruszka. Jeff Seehorn would round out the top five on the stage, finishing 13.6 seconds back from Perusina. 

 

SS1 Top 10 Times

  1. Semenuk, 15:31.1 
  2. Williams, 15:33.2 (+24.1)
  3. Gruszka, 16:39.4 (+1:08.3)
  4. Perusina, 16:41.5 (+1:10.4)
  5. Seehorn, 16:55.1 (+1:24.0)
  6. Bailey, 17:25.0, (+1:53.9)
  7. Plsek, 17:28.9 (+1:57.8)
  8. Olivares, 17:43.5 (+2:12.4)
  9. Miller, 17:47.2 (+2:16.1)
  10. Bardha, 17:48.4 (+2:17.3)



SS2, Cougar Meadow 1

Stage two saw Brandon Semenuk win the stage once again, beating Tom Williams by 10.6 seconds. Jeff Seehorn would finish third on the stage, 7.5 seconds back from Williams. Patrick Gruszka would finish fourth on the stage, 1.8 seconds back from Seehorn. Alejandro Perusina would round out the top five on the stage, finishing 5.8 seconds back from Gruszka. 

 

SS2 Top 10 Times

  1. Semenuk, 4:21.5 
  2. Williams, 4:32.1 (+10.6)
  3. Seehorn, 4:39.6 (+18.1)
  4. Gruszka, 4:41.4 (+19.9)
  5. Perusina, 4:47.2 (+25.7)
  6. Olivares, 4:57.6 (+36.1)
  7. Dickinson, 5:01.0 (+39.5)
  8. Bailey, 5:01.9 (+40.4)
  9. Block, 5:05.6 (+44.1)
  10. Bardha,  5:05.9 (+44.4)



SS3, Nahwatzel 2

Stage three would see Brandon Semenuk once again take the stage win, beating Tom Williams by 22.7 seconds. Patrick Gruszka would finish third on the stage, 30.3 seconds behind Williams. Jeff Seehorn would finish fourth on the stage, 26.5 seconds behind Gruszka. Alejandro Perusina would round out the top five on the stage, finishing 19.8 seconds behind Seehorn. 

 

SS3 Top 10 Times

  1. Semenuk, 15:27.8
  2. Williams, 15:50.5 (+22.7)
  3. Gruszka, 16:20.8 (+53.0)
  4. Seehorn, 16:47.3 (+1:19.5)
  5. Perusina, 17:07.1 (+1:39.3)
  6. Bailey, 17:10.9 (+1:43.1)
  7. Olivares, 17:16.6 (+1:48.8)
  8. Miller, 17:36.3 (+2:08.5)
  9. Bardha, 17:40.6 (+2:12.8)
  10. Trudel, 17:52.0 (+2:24.2)



SS4, Cougar Meadow 2

Stage four saw Brandon Semenuk once again take the stage win, beating Tom Williams by 9.1 seconds. Jeff Seehorn would finish third on the stage, eight seconds back from Williams. Patrick Gruszka would finish fourth on the stage, 5.8 seconds back from Seehorn. Javier Olivares would round out the top five on the stage, finishing 10.6 seconds back from Gruszka. 

 

SS4 Top 10 Times

  1. Semenuk, 4:21.3
  2. Williams, 4:30.4 (+9.1)
  3. Seehorn, 4:38.4 (+17.1)
  4. Gruszka, 4:44.2 (+22.9)
  5. Olivares, 4:54.8 (+33.5)
  6. Perusina, 4:54.9 (+33.6)
  7. Bailey, 4:57.5 (+36.2)
  8. Block, 4:59.4 (+38.1)
  9. Hooper, 5:00.5 (+39.2)
  10. Block, 5:01.8 (+40.5)



SS5, Stillwater 1

Stage five would see Brandon Semenuk take the stage win, beating Tom Williams by 28.4 seconds. Patrick Gruszka and Jeff Seehorn would tie for third on the stage, with both finishing 44.8 seconds back from Williams. Jason Bailey would round out the top five on the stage, finishing 48.1 seconds back from Gruszka and Seehorn. 

 

SS5 Top 10 Times

  1. Semenuk, 13:12.9
  2. Williams, 13:41.3 (+28.4)
  3. Gruszka, 14:26.1 (+1:13.2)
  4. Seehorn, 14:26.1 (+1:13.2)
  5. Bailey, 15:14.2 (+2:01.3)
  6. Olivares, 15:17.4 (+2:04.5)
  7. Block, 15:40.3 (+2:27.4)
  8. Bardha, 15:42.0 (+2:29.1)
  9. Honn, 15:44.3 (+2:31.4)
  10. Miller, 15:48.1 (+2:35.2)



SS6, Stillwater 2

Stage six saw Brandon Semenuk once again take the stage win, beating Tom Williams by 25.9 seconds. Jeff Seehorn would finish third on the stage, one minute and 55.1 seconds back from Williams. Patrick Gruszka would finish fourth on the stage, finishing 7.5 seconds back from Seehorn. Jason Bailey would round out the top five on the stage, finishing 19.1 seconds back from Gruszka. 

 

SS6 Top 10 Times

  1. Semenuk, 13:34.4
  2. Williams, 14:00.3 (+25.9)
  3. Seehorn, 15:55.4 (+2:21.0)
  4. Gruszka, 16:02.9 (+2:28.5)
  5. Bailey, 16:22.0 (+2:47.6)
  6. Clark, 16:49.3 (+3:14.9)
  7. Olivares, 17:08.1 (+3:33.7)
  8. Hooper, 17:17.6 (+3:43.2)
  9. Sperry, 17:20.3 (+3:46.0)
  10. Allen, 17:21.0 (+3:46.6)



SS7, Wildcat

Stage seven would see Brandon Semenuk take another stage win, beating Tom Williams by 32.6 seconds. Jeff Seehorn would finish third on the stage, 1 minute and 15.5 seconds back from Williams. Javier Olivares would finish fourth on the stage, 33.3 seconds back from Seehorn. Patrick Gruszka would round out the top five on the stage, finishing 21.6 seconds back from Olivares. 



SS7 Top 10 Times

  1. Semenuk, 20:40.5
  2. Williams, 21:13.1 (+32.6)
  3. Seehorn, 22:28.6 (+1:48.1)
  4. Olivares, 23:01.9 (+2:21.4)
  5. Gruszka, 23:23.5 (+2:43.0)
  6. Bailey, 23:37.9 (+2:57.4)
  7. Trudel, 23:55.5 (+3:15.0)
  8. Miller, 24:00.0 (+3:19.5)
  9. Bardha, 24:11.8 (+3:31.3)
  10. Brassfeild, 24:18.1 (+3:37.6)



SS8, Dayton

Stage eight saw Brandon Semenuk take the stage win, beating Tom Williams by 13.7 seconds. Patrick Gruszka and Jeff Seehorn would tie for third on the stage, with both drivers finishing 19 seconds back from Williams. Jason Bailey would round out the top five on the stage, finishing 13.7 seconds back from Gruszka and Seehorn. 



SS8 Top 10 Times

  1. Semenuk, 5:47.3
  2. Williams, 6:01.0 (+[13.7)
  3. Gruszka, 6:20.0 (+32.7)
  4. Seehorn, 6:20.0 (+32.7)
  5. Bailey, 6:33.7 (+46.4)
  6. Olivares, 6:34.6 (+47.3)
  7. Hartmann, 6:41.8 (+54.5)
  8. Miller, 6:43.0 (+55.7
  9. Block, 6:45.2 (+57.9)
  10. Trudel, 6:46.5 (+59.2)



SS9, Wildcat

Stage nine would see Brandon Semenuk once again take the stage win, beating Tom Williams by 21.7 seconds. Patrick Gruszka would finish third on the stage 1 minute and 22.9 seconds back from Williams. Jeff Seehorn would finish fourth on the stage, 8 seconds back from Gruszka. Javier Olivares would round out the top five on the stage, finishing 27.4 seconds back from Seehorn. 


SS9 Top 10 Times

  1. Semenuk, 20:40.7
  2. Williams, 21:02.4 (+21.7)
  3. Gruszka, 22:25.3 (+1:44.6)
  4. Seehorn, 22:33.3 (+1:52.6)
  5. Olivares, 23:00.7 (+2:20.0)
  6. Bailey, 23:10.7 (+2:30.0)
  7. Block, 23:43.9 (+3:03.2)
  8. Miller, 24:03.9 (+3:23.2)
  9. Trudel, 14:16.3 (+3:35.6)
  10. Reavis, 24:16.4 (+3:35.7)



SS10, Dayton

Stage 10 saw Brandon Semenuk once again take the stage win, beating Tom Williams by 8.1 seconds. Jeff Seehorn would finish third on the stage, 11.7 seconds back from Williams. Patrick Gruszka would finish fourth on the stage, 2.1 seconds back from Seehorn. Jason Bailey would round out the top five on the stage, 17 seconds back from Gruszka.



SS10 Top 10 Times

  1. Semenuk, 5:47.4 
  2. Williams, 5:55.5 (+8.1)
  3. Seehorn, 6:07.2 (+19.8)
  4. Gruszka, 6:09.3 (+21.9)
  5. Bailey, 6:28.3 (+38.9)
  6. Olivares, 6:33.5 (+46.1)
  7. Block, 6:35.0 (+47.6)
  8. A Miller, 6:43.0 (+55.6)
  9. Hartmann, 6:45.2 (+57.8)
  10. Redd, 6:45.7 (+58.3)



SS11, SIP SuperSpecial 

Stage 11 would see Brandon Semenuk take the stage win, beating Tom Williams by 3.7 seconds. Patrick Gruszka would finish third on the stage, 7.4 seconds back from Williams. Jeff Seehorn would finish fourth on the stage, 10.1 seconds back from Gruszka. Jason Bailey would out the top five on the stage, finishing 2.4 seconds back from Seehorn. 



SS11 Top 10 Times

  1. Semenuk, 4:42.6
  2. Williams, 4:46.3 (+3.7)
  3. Gruszka, 4:53.7 (+11.1)
  4. Seehorn, 5:03.8 (+21.2)
  5. Bailey, 5:06.2 (+23.6)
  6. Block, 5:16.9 (+34.3)
  7. Olivares, 5:19.4 (+36.8)
  8. Block, 5:20.2 (+37.6)
  9. Bardha, 5:21.3 (+38.7)
  10. Redd, 5:27.1 (+44.5)




SS12, SIP SuperSpecial

Stage twelve would see somebody finally match Brandon Semenuk, technically. As a stoppage would force both Patrick Gruszka and Jeff Seehorn to transit the entirety of the stage. This came in accordance with ARA RCR 5.31. All three drivers would finish the stage with a time of 4:43.8. Jason Bailey would finish fourth on the stage, 27.2 seconds back from Semenuk, Gruszka and Seehorn. Lucy Block would round out the top five on the stage, finishing 7.3 seconds behind Bailey. 



SS12 Top 10 Times

  1. Semenuk, 4:43.8
  2. Gruszka, 4:43.8
  3. Seehorn, 4:43.8
  4. Bailey, 5:11.0 (+27.2)
  5. Block, 5:18.3 (+34.5)
  6. Olivares, 5:27.2 (+43.4)
  7. Block, 5:29.3 (+45.5)
  8. Brassfeild, 5:31.9 (+48.1)
  9. Bardha, 5:35.9 (+52.1)
  10. Clark, 5:41.3 (+57.5)




 

Stage One Cancelled

SS1 would be cancelled due to a car catching fire. That car would be car 282 driven by Mark Tabor. The cause of the fire is said to be because of a mechanical issue. Mark will not restart the rally, as well, he doesn’t have a car.

 

Stage Two Cancelled

SS2 would also be cancelled much like SS1. This time it was due to a time issue. As the stage was delayed due to a crash involving car number 307 driven by Spencer Crabb. This delay would ultimately take too long and too many drivers were backed up for the stage to run in enough time to be ready for SS4. 

Photography Credit

© Trevor Lyden, Subaru.com/motorsports, 2023

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