The next-generation Subaru WRX rally car exceeded expectations at the 2023 OJIBWE Forests Rally Race.
In its debut race, the new Subaru WRX flashed ahead of the competition and took first place overall, exciting fans near and around the Hudson, Ohio.
Besides the new Subaru WRX getting all the attention and accolades around Cleveland, Ohio, there is one other person who deserves at least some praise and some of the credit for the new-generation Subaru WRX winning its debut race, and that is the driver of course!
Brandon Semenuk is the man Subaru put behind their new-gen WRX, along with Semenuk's co-pilot and driver, Keaton Williams. With the win that Brandon Semenuk brought the Subaru team in this rally, Mr. Semenuk had achieved Subaru's second American Rally Association (ARA) championship in Subaru's history around the Bedford area.
The race kicked off on a Friday at the 2023 Ojibwe Forests Rally, with a fast and lengthy first race. The day could not have gone better for Semenuk, Williams, and the Subaru team. It would seem that fate itself was smiling on the Subaru team that day.
As Friday's eight-stage race began, the Subaru team was unstoppable as Brandon and Williams kept the Subaru WRX and the Subaru team at the top of the leaderboard for the entirety of the first stage. This was all accomplished without mechanical issues, almost unheard of for a car's debut race. Beechwood fans were excited to hear about this development.
On Saturday, there was only a single mechanical issue in the form of a tire puncture, but that did very little to slow down that WRX! Quickly fixing it, Brandon and Williams sped through narrow, rocky terrain. By the end of the weekend, the entire Subaru team was celebrating their nearly flawless debut ARA Championship victory. You can experience the glory of a new Subaru WRX today near Shaker Heights.
