The 2013 Sno*Drift Rally, round one of the 2013 Rally America National Championship, was an epic seesaw battle between defending Rally America Champion David Higgins in his Subaru WRX STI and his arch rival, Canadian Rally Champion Antoine L'Estage. Higgins won or tied eight of the event's 20 stages while trading the lead three times throughout the two-day rally. On the final stage, L'Estage pulled past Higgins to win the rally by a mere 6.2 seconds. Higgins settled for second place overall but was content with the fact that he'll get a rematch with L'Estage at the next six Rally America rounds.

The legendary Sno*Drift Rally...

After a hard fought snowy battle, David Higgins and Craig Drew ended the 2013 Sno*Drift Rally in second place. In the lead for most of the event, Higgins and Drew were confident headed into the final two stages. At the start of the penultimate stage the #75 WRX STI was 20 seconds ahead. Craig Drew commented after the event "We had just gained six seconds on the previous stage, so we figured if we did the exact same thing we would be ok". Surprisingly hard charging rival Antoine L'Estage gained back most of their advantage on the long 15 mile stage (Camp 30 - 2). After every twist, turn and icy road they had driven over the past two days it had come down to the very last stage. David Higgins and Craig Drew launched their Subaru...

David Higgins and Craig Drew are narrowly in the lead after Day 1 of the 2013 Sno*Drift Rally. SRT USA #75 had an off on Stage 6 (The Ranch) but thankfully were able to continue. Limited damage to the front of their Subaru WRX STI was handled my ace driver David Higgins between stages. Craig Drew explained "David did some DIY repairs using duct tape and my shoelace. We went all out winning the next two stages re-claiming our lead." Winning 5 of 8 stages and completing 54 competitive miles Higgins and Drew ended Day 1 on top by a mere 0.5 second!

Defending Rally America National Champion David Higgins will begin his title defense this weekend on the challenging snow and ice covered roads of the Sno*Drift Rally, round one of the 2013 Rally America National Championship. Higgins will fight for his third-straight Rally America Title in his Vermont SportsCar prepared 2013 Subaru WRX STI rally car with his trusted co-driver Craig Drew at his side. The title fight begins at the legendary Sno*Drift Rally, now in its 47th year, Jan. 25-26 in Atlanta and Lewiston, MI. The challenge of racing on the icy Northern Michigan roads that compose the Sno*Drift Rally are compounded by rules which prohibit studded or spiked competition ice tires...

Subaru Rally Team USA is set to unveil new graphics for the #75 Subaru WRX STI at the upcoming Sno*Drift Rally. With the Championship winning duo of David Higgins and Craig Drew piloting this impressive machine it's positively going to be an exciting season! Look for new photos next week as the team heads to snowy Northern Michigan.