Greatest Subaru Rally Car Stories of All Time
When you think of rallying, Subaru likely comes to mind. Few brands have left such a lasting mark on the sport. From thrilling victories to heart-stopping crashes, Subaru rally cars have delivered unforgettable moments. Who could forget Colin McRaeโs daring comeback in 1995 or Pat Richard flipping his car and still winning? These stories arenโt just about trophiesโtheyโre about resilience, passion, and the bond between drivers and fans.
Subaruโs achievements speak for themselves: three WRC driverโs championships, three consecutive manufacturer titles, and 15 U.S. national rally championships in 17 years. But itโs not just the stats. Itโs the way Subaru connects with you, whether through iconic drivers like Petter Solberg or the roar of an Impreza tearing through a stage. Every moment feels personal, like youโre part of the journey.
Punti di forza
Colin McRae’s 1995 WRC win was Subaru’s first big title. It showed how hard work and teamwork can lead to success.
Pat Richard’s amazing flipped car win in 2005 showed true grit. He inspired fans by never giving up, even in tough times.
Petter Solberg’s 2003 comeback proved that staying strong matters. It showed how failures can turn into big victories.
Subaru’s wins at the Mount Washington Hillclimb showed their great car designs and skilled drivers.
The 1990s rivalry between Subaru and Mitsubishi made both brands better. It led to famous rally cars and exciting moments.
Colin McRaeโs 1995 WRC Title: Subaruโs First World Championship
The Rise of Colin McRae and the Subaru Impreza 555
You canโt talk about Subaruโs rallying legacy without mentioning Colin McRae and the Subaru Impreza 555. In 1995, McRaeโs fearless driving style and the Imprezaโs unmatched performance created a perfect storm. Together, they dominated the World Rally Championship, leaving fans in awe.
McRaeโs journey to the top wasnโt easy. His speed and consistency throughout the season set him apart. He overcame mechanical issues during critical stages, proving his resilience. The Impreza 555, with its iconic blue-and-gold livery and unique sound, became a fan favorite. It wasnโt just a car; it was a symbol of Subaruโs rallying spirit.
Few cars in World Rally Championship history have as large a cult following as the machine Colin McRae made famous. Its iconic design and raucous soundtrack cemented its place in rallying history.
The 1995 season saw McRae and his co-driver, Derek Ringer, achieve incredible milestones. They secured multiple stage wins, showcasing the Imprezaโs power and reliability. By the time they reached the RAC Rally, McRae was ready to make history.
The Dramatic Final Stages of the 1995 Season
The 1995 World Rally Championship came down to the wire. Colin McRae and his teammate Carlos Sainz entered the final event, the RAC Rally of Great Britain, tied on points. The stakes couldnโt have been higher.
McRae delivered a stunning performance, taking the lead on Day 3 of the rally. He won 18 out of 28 stages, finishing with a time of 5h09m19s. Sainz, driving another Subaru Impreza 555, finished just 36 seconds behind. This victory secured McRaeโs first driverโs championship and Subaruโs first world championship.
Position | Driver/Co-driver | Veicolo | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Colin McRae/Derek Ringer | Subaru Impreza 555 | 5h09m19s |
2 | Carlos Sainz/Luis Moya | Subaru Impreza 555 | +36s |
3 | Richard Burns/Robert Reid | Subaru Impreza 555 | +6m39s |
This wasnโt just a win; it was a defining moment for Subaru. The teamโs hard work and McRaeโs fearless driving paid off. The Impreza 555 became a rallying icon, and Subaru cemented its place in motorsport history.
Subaru Rally Car Comebacks That Defined Resilience
Pat Richardโs Flipped Car Victory
Imagine flipping your car during a rally and still managing to win. Sounds impossible, right? Well, Pat Richard made it happen. In 2005, during the Rally of the Tall Pines in Canada, Richard faced one of the most dramatic moments in his career. His Subaru rally car flipped onto its roof after a high-speed corner went wrong. Most drivers wouldโve called it quits, but not Richard.
With the help of his co-driver, Alan Ockwell, and some quick-thinking spectators, they flipped the car back onto its wheels. The damage was severe, but the Subaru Impreza held together. Richard pushed on, driving with unmatched determination. Against all odds, he crossed the finish line and secured the victory.
This moment wasnโt just about winning. It showed the resilience of both the driver and the car. Itโs a story that reminds you why Subaru has such a loyal fanbase.
“Itโs not over until itโs over” โ Pat Richardโs performance at Tall Pines proved this in the most spectacular way.
Petter Solbergโs 2003 WRC Comeback
Petter Solbergโs 2003 World Rally Championship season was a rollercoaster. Early in the year, things didnโt look great for the Subaru team. Mechanical issues and tough competition put Solberg at a disadvantage. But if thereโs one thing you learn from rallying, itโs that comebacks are always possible.
Solbergโs turning point came mid-season. He started racking up podium finishes, showing the world what Subaru rally cars could do. By the time the season reached its final event in Wales, Solberg was within striking distance of the championship.
In a nail-biting finale, Solberg delivered a flawless performance. He won the rally and clinched his first WRC driverโs title. This victory wasnโt just about skill; it was about heart, perseverance, and the unwavering support of the Subaru team.
Moments like these define rallying. They remind you that no matter how tough things get, thereโs always a chance to turn it around.
Record-Breaking Feats of Subaru Rally Cars
Mount Washington Hillclimb Dominance
When it comes to hillclimbs, Subaru has a reputation for rewriting the record books. The Mount Washington Hillclimb, one of the oldest motorsport events in the U.S., has seen Subaru rally cars dominate its treacherous course. This 7.6-mile climb, with over 150 turns and an elevation gain of 4,500 feet, is no joke. Itโs a test of both driver skill and vehicle performance.
Subaruโs success here is legendary. Drivers like Travis Pastrana and David Higgins have shattered records on this mountain. In 2017, Pastrana set a blistering time of 5 minutes and 44.72 seconds in a specially-prepared Subaru WRX STI. This car wasnโt just fast; it was built to handle the mountainโs unpredictable conditions. With over 600 horsepower and advanced aerodynamics, it was a beast designed for one purposeโbreaking records.
These feats arenโt just about speed. They showcase Subaruโs engineering and the bond between the driver and the machine. Watching a Subaru rally car tackle Mount Washington is like witnessing art in motion. Itโs a reminder of why Subaru continues to inspire rally fans worldwide.
Mark Higginsโ Isle of Man TT Lap
Mark Higginsโ record-breaking lap at the Isle of Man TT is the stuff of legends. In 2016, he piloted a Subaru WRX STI Time Attack car around the Mountain Course, setting a new record of 17 minutes and 35 seconds. Thatโs almost two minutes faster than his previous record! With an average speed of 128.73 mph, Higgins pushed the limits of whatโs possible on this iconic circuit.
The car itself was a masterpiece. Subaru designed it specifically for this attempt, equipping it with over 600 horsepower and cutting-edge aerodynamics. But it wasnโt just about the car. Higginsโ skill and bravery played a huge role. The Isle of Man TT course is notorious for its narrow roads, sharp turns, and high-speed straights. One mistake could mean disaster.
This achievement wasnโt just a win for Higgins. It was a testament to Subaruโs commitment to pushing boundaries. Moments like these remind you why Subaru remains a dominant force in motorsport. Whether itโs on a rally stage or a record-breaking lap, Subaru always delivers.
Rivalries That Shaped Subaruโs Rallying Era
Higgins vs. Pastrana: Subaruโs Modern Rally Stars
When you think of modern Subaru rally legends, Travis Pastrana and David Higgins probably come to mind. These two drivers have defined Subaruโs dominance in the American rally scene, and their rivalry has been nothing short of thrilling.
Pastrana, known for his daredevil stunts and larger-than-life personality, brought excitement to the sport. Higgins, on the other hand, was the picture of precision and consistency. Their battles on the rally stages showcased two very different driving styles, but both shared one goal: to push Subaru to the top.
Hereโs a quick look at some of their most memorable moments:
Anno | Evento | Risultato | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
2006-2009 | U.S. Rally Championships | Pastrana wins four consecutive titles | Dominated with Subaru Rally Team USA |
2017 | ARA Championship | Pastrana crowned champion | Edged out Higgins in a close battle |
2021 | ARA National Championship | Pastrana and Gelsomino win | Secured championship at Ojibwe Forests Rally |
Their rivalry wasnโt just about winning. It was about pushing each other to be better. You could see it in every corner they took and every stage they completed. Together, they elevated Subaru rally cars to new heights, proving that the brandโs legacy is alive and well.
Subaru vs. Mitsubishi: The 1990s WRC Rivalry
The 1990s were a golden era for rally fans, and the rivalry between Subaru and Mitsubishi was at the heart of it all. Both brands introduced iconic carsโthe Subaru Impreza and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutionโthat redefined what rally cars could do.
This rivalry wasnโt just about cars. It was about strategy, innovation, and the drivers who brought these machines to life. Subaru took a balanced approach, fielding multiple successful drivers like Colin McRae and Richard Burns. Mitsubishi, on the other hand, focused on one star: Tommi Mรคkinen.
The competition between these two brands led to incredible advancements in rally car technology. Subaru and Mitsubishi pushed each other to improve performance, handling, and reliability. Hereโs what their rivalry brought to the sport:
The creation of legendary vehicles like the Subaru Impreza and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
A period of dominance, with both brands winning nearly all major titles from 1995 to 1999.
A passionate fanbase divided into โredโ (Mitsubishi) and โblueโ (Subaru).
You couldnโt watch a rally in the 1990s without feeling the tension between these two teams. Whether you cheered for Subaru or Mitsubishi, you knew you were witnessing history. Their rivalry defined an era and left a lasting impact on the sport.
Subaruโs Rallying Icons and Their Legacy
Colin McRae: The Fearless Pioneer
When you think of a legendary name in rallying, Colin McRae instantly comes to mind. His fearless driving style and unmatched determination made him a hero for fans and a cornerstone of Subaruโs rallying success. McRae wasnโt just a driver; he was a force of nature who pushed the limits of what a subaru rally car could do.
McRaeโs career with Subaru began in the early 1990s, and he quickly became a household name. He secured 16 rally wins with Subaru, including his first victory at the 1993 Rally New Zealand. His crowning achievement came in 1995 when he clinched the World Rally Championship, becoming the youngest driver to do so at the time. That year, McRae magic was on full display as he dominated the competition with the iconic Subaru Impreza 555.
Realizzazione | Dettagli |
|---|---|
First win | Rally New Zealand 1993 |
Last win | Acropolis Rally 1998 |
Number of wins | 16 |
Notable cars | Legacy RS, Impreza 555, Impreza S5 WRC |
Percentage of Subaru’s WRC wins | 34% |
McRaeโs fearless approach wasnโt just about speed. It was about resilience and adaptability. He famously won the 1999 Safari Rally without a single stage win, proving his ability to navigate challenges and stay composed under pressure. His partnership with Subaru elevated the brandโs reputation, turning the Impreza into a rallying icon and a fan favorite. McRaeโs legacy lives on, reminding you why Subaru remains a legendary name in rallying.
Petter Solberg: The Peopleโs Champion
Petter Solberg wasnโt just a driver; he was a showman. His charisma and passion for the sport earned him the nickname “Hollywood,” and his achievements solidified his place as one of Subaruโs greatest rallying icons. Solbergโs journey to the top started humbly, racing radio-controlled cars and competing in Norwayโs bilcross events. By 1995, he transitioned to rallying, and his talent quickly caught the attention of the motorsport world.
Solbergโs big break came in 1999 when he competed in the Safari Rally and finished fifth. From there, his career skyrocketed. In 2003, he achieved his greatest triumph by winning the World Rally Championship, becoming the only driver to defeat Sรฉbastien Loeb over a full season. Solbergโs success didnโt stop there. He later transitioned to rallycross, where he won back-to-back World Rallycross titles in 2014 and 2015.
Autista | Wins | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
Colin McRae | 16 | First win in Rally New Zealand 1993, World Champion in 1995, significant victories in Rally GB and Acropolis. |
Petter Solberg | 13 | Only driver to defeat Sรฉbastien Loeb over a full season, won the World Championship in 2003, notable wins in Cyprus and Japan. |
What made Solberg truly special was his connection with fans. His infectious energy and never-give-up attitude made him a beloved figure in the rallying community. Whether he was celebrating a win or bouncing back from setbacks, Solberg embodied the spirit of Subaru. His legacy reminds you that rallying isnโt just about speedโitโs about heart.
Subaruโs rallying legacy isnโt just about trophies or recordsโitโs about the culture it has built around motorsport. From Colin McRaeโs fearless 1995 championship win to Petter Solbergโs unforgettable 2003 comeback, Subaru has given fans moments that feel larger than life. The teamโs dedication to innovation, like their groundbreaking all-wheel drive technology and turbocharged engines, has redefined what rally cars can achieve.
Over the years, Subaru has inspired a loyal fanbase. Whether itโs the roar of an Impreza WRX on a rally stage or the resilience shown in moments like Pat Richardโs flipped car victory, Subaru has proven its heart and soul belong to rallying. Now, itโs your turnโwhat are your favorite Subaru moments? Share them with us and keep the spirit alive!
