The 2024 ARA Season Kicks Off with an Icy Bang at Sno*Drift Rally
February 2, 2024
Atlanta, MI – Subaru Motorsports USA is back in U.S. rally racing action as the 2024 American Rally Association (ARA) Championship season begins February 9-10 with the Sno*Drift Rally in Michigan. The 2024 season is among the most highly anticipated ever: Driver Brandon Semenuk and co-driver Keaton Williams return to seek a third consecutive ARA title, while a second WRX ARA24 car sees Travis Pastrana come back to the ARA Championship with co-driver Rhianon Gelsomino.
Held in Montmorency County in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Sno*Drift has been run since 1973, and from 1997 it has been the traditional launching point for the U.S. rally season. If the challenge of racing over plowed snow and ice covered forest roads isn’t enough, the Sno*Drift Rally is the only National ARA winter event that disallows drivers from using studded tires. Weather breaks and course wear can have a huge impact on the performance of drivers and teams alike, raising the stakes even higher as everyone looks to start the new season strong.
Beyond being one of the toughest events on the ARA calendar, Sno*Drift is also a fan-favorite with unique locations from which to take in the racing, including the famous Bonfire Alley night stage, with campfires lighting up the five-mile route. The Super Special stage takes place in a gravel pit with fans lining the rim to take in the action, and much of this year’s event happens after dusk – adding to the challenge and the thrill.
Masterful car control and the ability to adapt to fluctuating lake-effect conditions will be key to keeping stiff competition at bay – both outside of the Subaru Motorsports USA team and within it – at this year’s Sno*Drift Rally, but the pressure shows no signs of lightening through the calendar year. Stay in touch for the latest updates by following Subaru Motorsports USA on Facebook, on Instagram @subarumotorsportsusa, and TikTok @subarumotorsportsusa.
Driver Quotes
Brandon Semenuk:Â "New year means new challenges and that starts with putting the WRX ARA24 on snow/ice for the first time! Also, good to have some familiar faces back on the team with Travis and Rhi, they're sure to add some excitement this year!"
Travis Pastrana: "Sno*Drift is my best rally in the championship. High speeds on the ice call for max attack when the conditions are good and caution when they aren’t. Rhi and I will be getting used to the new car but we can’t afford to give up any time. If we hope to get back the championship, round one is vital to our success."
Rally Info
NAME: Sno*Drift Rally 2024
DATES: 2/9/2024 - 2/10/2024
HOST TOWN: Atlanta, Michigan
TIME ZONE: Eastern Daylight Time (UTC -4)
NEAREST MAJOR AIRPORT: Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
WEATHER: Scattered snow showers. High near 42F. Low around 25F. Sunset 5:55pm.
2024 Sno*Drift Rally Stage Info
Total Distance: 286.4 miles
Number of stages: 15
Stage distance: 107.8 miles
Stage surfaces: Snow and ice
Longest stage: 14.72 miles (SS13/15 Camp 30 - East Branch)
Recce: Open
Service Parks: Atlanta HS (Sat)
Official Start: 18:00 on Friday
Superspecial: No
Power Stage: SS15
Stages in darkness: Yes (SS1-6 and 14-15)
About Subaru Motorsports USA
Subaru Motorsports USA is directed by Subaru of America, Inc., managed by Vermont SportsCar and proudly supported by MOTUL, Yokohama Tires, R53 Suspension, Triple-R Lights, DirtFish Rally School, Sparco USA, weBoost and Peplink. Follow the team online at www.subaru.com/motorsports.
Follow Subaru Motorsports USA on Facebook, on Instagram @subarumotorsportsusa, and on TikTok @subarumotorsportsusa.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $300 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged nearly 88,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do. For additional information visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
