Subaru Motorsports USA came out swinging at the tough Oregon Trail Rally, putting both of its factory teams on the podium after a wild weekend of racing.
The crews battled through everything from slick tarmac stages at Portland International Raceway to punishing high-speed gravel, showing off what their WRX rally cars can do in the American Rally Association (ARA) championship.ARA championship leader Brandon Semenuk and co-driver Keaton Williams flat-out dominated in their Subaru WRX, taking first overall and the Open Four-Wheel Drive (O4WD) class win.
Semenuk was pumped about the car’s handling all weekend. After tackling the rally’s famous punishing gravel on Saturday, he said the stages were “Tricky, fast stages but really fun,” adding that “Ending the day up Maryhill Road was so much fun.
That’s the best the car’s ever felt up there.” After sealing the deal on Sunday’s fast stages, Semenuk exclaimed, “Great weekend! Really happy with the car. Clean sweep on all the stages and a Power Stage win. Amazing.”Meanwhile, teammates Travis Pastrana and Rhianon Gelsomino had a stellar run in their new WRX ARA25L. In only their second event with this new car, they impressively snagged third overall and won the Limited Four-Wheel Drive (L4WD) class.
Pastrana had commented early in the event about the team “working our hardest to do the best we can and have a lot of fun with this vehicle.” That effort clearly paid off.
A thrilled Pastrana later reported, “Third overall, first in class … This vehicle right here … absolutely awesome! So stoked to be able to drive it.”
Co-driver Rhianon Gelsomino shared his enthusiasm, noting they both loved the event and were already looking forward to the next round in Ohio.The strong performances in Oregon significantly boost both teams. Semenuk and Williams extended their lead in their quest for a potential fourth straight ARA championship, while Pastrana and Gelsomino quickly proved they were finding serious speed in their new L4WD entry.
This big Oregon Trail Rally win gives both Subaru Motorsports USA crews a serious shot of confidence as the ARA championship heads east.
Next up is the Southern Ohio Forest Rally on June 12-14, and you can bet Subaru will be looking to keep their hot streak going.