Subaru Motorsports USA win at Olympus Rally

April 30, 2023 by Subaru

Subaru Motorsports USA driver Brandon Semenuk and co-driver Keaton Williams claimed overall victory over a wet weekend in Washington, sealing a three-race winning streak in the 2023 American Rally Association (ARA) championship. The team managed to stay at the top of the leaderboard through both race days, placing first in each of the twelve long stages.

Semenuk and Williams started strong, feeling at home in the steady rain that made up much of Saturday's weather. The day yielded new competition, including the 454-horsepower Ferrari-powered WRX of Sam Albert and Krista Skucas, which sounded otherworldly but tragically spun the rear wheel completely off the car seconds after launch at stage 1, forcing an early retirement. Contending with heavy mud and fog, the Subaru Motorsports USA duo focused on keeping a clean and steady pace, managing to capture first on each of the six long stages and wrapping up near 8:30 PM with lights blazing through the flying finish at dusk.

Day two opened on the rally's long and technical Wildcat stage, with brisker temperatures but clear skies that helped hide just how slick the stages still were from days of rain before. Recent road maintenance exacerbated the problem, leaving a loose top layer in place of hard-packed dirt and making things greasy and rough. Tire choice was a bit more complicated as soft rubber was best for conditions, but the stage length demanded a compound choice that would make it to the end.

Consistent rain returned mid-afternoon on Sunday. Wet or dry, the driving strategy remained the same: clean lines and a steady pace would allow the team to hold top position. 'We had a wet weekend; you never know what you're going to get here at Olympus,' said Semenuk after the victory. 'We're really happy to get the win, and happy to be back!'

Five rounds remain in 2023's eight-round calendar, with Semenuk and Williams currently leading the championship. Be sure to catch Subaru Motorsports USA back on the rally stages at Oregon Trail Rally, May 19-21.