Joe Moore

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Rally Hungary Heikklä Leads After Day Two

The second day of Rally Hungary has come to an end. Mikko Heikklä took the event lead after the days six stages.

SS2, HEGYESD 1

Mathieu Franceschi topped the opening stage of the day, with a time 1.2 seconds faster than Mikko Heikklä. Hayden Paddon finished third fastest on the stage, 2.5 seconds slower than Franceschi and 1.3 seconds slower than Heikklä. Franceschi also managed to take the event lead after the stage. The Frenchman took a lead of 2.3 seconds over Hayden Paddon into SS3.

SS3, KISLÖTÉR 1

Simone Tempestini claimed the stage win on the third stage of Rally Hungary for his first of the weekend and season. Tempestini finished 1.3 seconds faster than Martin Sesks on the stage. Miko Marczyk set the third fastest time on the stage, 2.3 seconds slower than Tempestini and 1 second slower than Sesks. Mikko Heikklä moved into the event lead after the third stage. Heikklä led the event by 0.4 seconds over Martin Sesks after the stage. Simone Tempestini sat third overall after the stage, 3.1 seconds slower than Heikklä and 2.7 slower than Sesks.

SS4, VÁRPALOTA 1

Miklós Csomós topped the final stage of the morning loop at his home event. Csomós set a time 0.4 seconds faster than Simone Tempestini to claim the stage win. Mikko Heikklä and Martin Sesks tied for the third fastest time on the stage. With both drivers finishing 0.5 seconds slower than Csomós and 0.1 seconds slower than Tempestini. Heikklä was able to maintain the event lead heading into the afternoon service. Due to Heikklä and Sesks tying for third fastest on the fourth stage of the weekend Heikklä’s 0.4-second lead stayed the same. While Simone Tempestini was able to close the gap between himself and Sesks to 2.6 seconds.

SS5, HEGYESD 2

Mathieu Franceschi started the afternoon loop in the same fashion as the morning loop, by taking a stage win. Franceschi set a time 2.2 seconds faster than Martin Sesks to take his second stage win of the day. Hayden Paddon finished third fastest, 4.5 seconds slower than Franceschi and 2.3 seconds slower than Sesks. Martin Sesks was able to take the event lead after SS5. Sesks would take a lead of 2.7 seconds over Mikko Heikklä into the day’s penultimate stage. Simone Tempestini retained third overall after the stage, now sitting 8.8 seconds behind Sesks and 6.1 seconds behind Heikklä.

SS6, KISLÖTÉR 2

Martin Sesks was able to claim his first stage win of Rally Hungary on the penultimate stage of the day. Sesks would finish 1.1 seconds faster than Mikko Heikklä on the stage. Simone Tempestini was third fastest on the stage, 1.3 seconds slower than Sesks and 0.2 seconds slower than Heikklä. Sesks would remain in the event lead after winning SS6. With the Latvian now holding a 3.8-second lead over Mikko Heikklä heading into the day’s final stage. Simone Tempestini also remained in third, now 10.1 seconds behind Sesks and 6.3 seconds behind Heikkla.

SS7, VÁRPALOTA 2

Mathieu Franceschi capped off the second day of Rally Hungary with his third stage win of the weekend. Franceschi set a time 0.8 seconds faster than Miko Marczyk to claim the stage win. Simone Tempestini and Mikko Heikklä tied for the third fastest time on the stage. With both drivers finishing 2 seconds slower than Franceschi and 1.2 seconds slower than Marczyk. Mikko Heikklä was able to reclaim the event lead to cap off the day. Heikklä takes a 2.3-second lead over Martin Sesks into the final day. Simone Tempestini closed the gap between him and second overall, as Tempestini ended the day 4 seconds behind Sesks.

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Rally Hungary Cais Leads

The first day of Rally Hungary has come to a close. Erik Cais leads after the day’s lone stage. Find out more about the day and what’s to come below.

Qualifying

The qualifying stage opened Rally Hungary as it does every ERC event. This is used to determine the road order for the following day. Miko Marczyk topped the stage, with a time 0.5 seconds faster than Simone Tempestini. Marczyk will start 17th on the road tomorrow. Mathieu Franceschi finished third on the qualifying stage, 0.1 seconds slower than Tempestini. Behind Franceschi were Erik Cais and former Finnish Rally Champion Mikko Heikklä, who both finished 0.7 seconds slower than Franceschi.

SS1, Királyszentistván

The first round of the 2024 European Rally Championship season kicked off with a 2.05 km SuperSpecial stage. Erik Cais topped the stage with a time 0.1 seconds faster than Martin László. Reigning ERC champion Hayden Paddon was third fastest on the stage. Paddon finished 0.8 seconds slower than Cais and 0.7 seconds slower than László. Mathieu Franceschi set the fourth fastest time on the opening stage, 0.2 seconds slower than Paddon. Miklós Csomós rounded out the top five on the stage, 1.2 seconds slower than Cais and 0.5 seconds slower than Franceschi.

What To Expect From Rally Hungary Day Two

The second day of Rally Hungary will see drivers contest 104.25 km across six stages. Vladas Jurkevicius will be first on the road tomorrow. Hungarians Frigyes Turán and Martin László will be second and third on the road respectively. Reigning Champion Hayden Paddon will be eighth on the road. The first full day of action will likely go as expected. One driver will forge a lead and everyone else will try and catch up.

Østberg Out

Mads Ostberg has unfortunately withdrawn his entry to the opening round of the ERC season. The reason for the withdrawal is because Ostberg has fallen ill and has been in the hospital for the last few days. This decision wasn’t an easy one for the former WRC2 champion who has previously won Rally Hungary. Østberg has confirmed he will contest the second round of the season, Rally Islas Canaries next month.

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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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