Both Subaru Motorsports USA teams could be found spraying the Champagne on the podium after this year’s Oregon Trail Rally. American Rally Association (ARA) championship leader Brandon Semenuk and co-driver Keaton Williams placed first overall and in the Open 4-Wheel Drive (O4WD) class. Exceeding expectations in only their second event in a new car and a new class, Travis Pastrana and co-driver Rhianon Gelsomino placed third overall and first in Limited 4-Wheel Drive (L4WD).
The opening night of the Oregon Trail Rally, held on Friday evening at Portland International Raceway saw its planned two stages condensed into one following an incident where a competitor’s vehicle overturned, resulting in considerable delays. Despite the setback, the enthusiastic Portland crowd still turned out in force and created a fantastic atmosphere.
Saturday saw the Oregon Trail Rally unleash its true character, as competitors traded the smooth asphalt for the high-speed gravel and relentlessly rocky terrain the event is famous for. “Tricky, fast stages but really fun,” said Brandon Semenuk of Saturday’s racing. “Ending the day up Maryhill Road was so much fun. That’s the best the car’s ever felt up there.”
Sunday’s action brought the Oregon Trail Rally to a thrilling conclusion on what Brandon Semenuk described as “America’s fastest stages.” Semenuk and co-driver Keaton Williams were clearly on their game, delivering a dominant performance to clinch the overall victory and further solidify their pursuit of another ARA championship. “Great weekend!” Semenuk exclaimed after the rally. “Really happy with the car. Clean sweep on all the stages and a Power Stage win. Amazing.”
For Travis Pastrana and Rhianon Gelsomino, the Oregon Trail Rally marked only their second event in the cutting-edge WRX ARA25L. “We’re working our hardest to do the best we can and have a lot of fun with this vehicle,”Pastrana commented early in the event. By the rally’s end, Pastrana and Gelsomino had clearly found their rhythm with the new ARA25L, and the results spoke volumes. “Third overall, first in class,” Pastrana reported with enthusiasm.
“This vehicle right here –“ he said, gesturing to the WRX ARA25L, “– absolutely awesome! So stoked to be able to drive it. Looking forward to seeing what it can do in the next races!” Gelsomino echoed his excitement, “Travis and I had a great event! We’re pumped. We love this event and we can’t wait for Ohio now! It’s gonna be awesome.”
The ARA schedule now heads back East to the June 12-14 Southern Ohio Forest Rally. Semenuk and Williams are keeping pace for a fourth straight championship while Pastrana and Gelsomino continue to find the speed in L4WD.
