Subaru Rally Team USA announced today that team driver Bucky Lasek will make his gravel rally debut at the New England Forest Rally (July 15-16).
Lasek has driven for Subaru in the Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship since 2012 but has not competed in traditional stage rally until this year when he entered the ice and snow laden Sno*Drift Rally in January. Lasek will drive a 2016 Super Production class WRX STI presented by Subaru Parts Online with Co-driver Rhianon Gelsomino at his side.
“My first rally I watched in person was last year at New England Forest Rally, so it will be a special experience to return there as a driver,” said Lasek. “Driving in my first stage rally earlier this year at Sno*Drift was intense and thrilling experience. Snow and ice are very difficult to learn on so I’m definitely looking forward to slaying some gravel! Subaru has such a strong heritage in rally, and it’s just great to get a taste of it and be a part of it.”
Joining Lasek at the New England Forest Rally will be defending Rally America Champion David Higgins and co-driver Craig Drew in their #75 Open Class 2016 Subaru WRX STI rally car. Higgins will play the role of coach and mentor to Lasek at the rally and the two will spend some time together prior to the event testing and training. Higgins currently leads the Rally America Championship as he aims to earn his 6th straight Driver’s Championship in the series. Subaru driver Travis Pastrana will miss the New England Forest Rally due to previously scheduled commitments to his Nitro World Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.
“Through his race experience and testing with our partners at DirtFish Rally School, we know Bucky is well prepared to challenge this stage rally event,” stated Rob Weir, Subaru Motorsports Marketing Manager. “We’re excited to bring two SRTUSA drivers to New England Forest Rally.”
The New England Forest Rally consists of 100 miles of rugged gravel roads that snake through the forests near the Maine and New Hampshire border. The event is headquartered at the Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry, Maine. Subaru driver David Higgins is a three-time winner of the event, including the last two years in a row.