Subaru and Travis Pastrana first in class, second overall at 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed Hillclimb Shootout

July 19, 2023 by Subaru

In its second year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Subaru Motorsports USA 'Family Huckster' 1983 Subaru GL wagon retained its status not only as a top Hillclimb Shootout competitor, placing first in class and second overall, but as the definitive fan favorite. Driver Travis Pastrana entertained a jam-packed crowd with donuts and burnouts while dealing with inclement weather during an unpredictable week at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The 2023 Goodwood Festival kicked off Wednesday with crowds big enough for standing room only in a way usually reserved for Sunday's Hillclimb Shootout. Pastrana and the 862-horsepower Huckster set the pace early and were atop the leaderboard as Thursday came to a close with Pastrana pumping up the crowd with donuts in front of Goodwood House.

The rain increased in intensity through Friday, and forecasted heavy winds led organizers to cancel Saturday altogether, heightening anticipation for Sunday's Hillclimb shootout. Travis and the Huckster worked the crowd up further during an early Sunday run, Hooning and stopping to turn donuts on the way up the hill as a video tribute to the late, legendary Ken Block played.

The truncated event schedule shuffled starting times around for several cars, leaving The Family Huckster standing out even more than usual, lined up alongside Formula One cars driven by Sebastian Vettel, Jensen Button, and more. A last-minute entry from McLaren's $4-million F1-car-based concept Solus GT was the only thing that could keep Travis and the Huckster from the top of the Hillclimb, edging out the wagon for the overall win, but by just one second.

With a first-in-class and second place overall Hillclimb Shootout finish and autograph lines stretched around the pits, it was another great Goodwood Festival for Subaru Motorsports USA, Travis Pastrana, and The Family Huckster.

Driver Quotes:

Travis Pastrana: 'I thought we couldn't be more sideways than we were last year! I think I had more fun than anyone possibly could have. We couldn't leave anything on the table -- we're here for Ken Block, in tribute to Ken. It's just an honor to be driving that car up this hill. You couldn't ask for more.'