Introduction
In 2006, Subaru Motorsports USA partnered with Vermont SportsCar (VSC) to build competitive rally cars for Rally America. Since then, VSC has been at the forefront of rally car engineering, consistently producing winning vehicles. With the recent redesign of the Subaru WRX and the revamping of ARA rules in 2022, VSC embarked on a new project to create a winning rally car for the 2024 ARA season. Dylan Edmiston, a rally car engineer at VSC, provided insight into the process of building the new champion-winning Subaru.
Anatomy of a Champion
The 2024 ARA season saw the debut of a new Subaru WRX built by Vermont SportsCar. The redesign of the WRX combined with the changes in ARA rules provided VSC with the opportunity to create a competitive rally car. The design process for the new vehicle started in late 2021 and took over a year. The new car was built from the ground up around ARA regulations, with only the WRX shell retained from the street car. The custom-built chassis was meticulously designed to maximize the car’s aero and suspension potential within the rulebook’s perimeters.
Test ‘N Tune
After the initial construction, the new Subaru WRX underwent a rigorous test-and-tune process. The rally car engineers at VSC were constantly making design changes based on feedback from the drivers, Brandon Semeneuk and Travis Pastrana, during testing. Mechanics were trained to quickly address any issues that arose during rallies to minimize downtime between stages. The feedback loop between drivers, engineers, and mechanics ensured continuous development throughout the season.
The Secret Sauce: Parts Tracking, Strangely
A key development in the new car was the meticulous documentation of the build process. This was the cleanest build of a racing car done by VSC, allowing for future replicability. With two ready-to-race WRXs and a third in development, VSC’s team of sixty people manages priorities based on the rally season, car performance, and other automotive projects. Documentation ensures that future cars can be built exactly the same, maintaining consistent performance standards.
Upcoming Events
The upcoming stage for the VSC Subaru is the Oregon Trail Rally on the outskirts of Portland. The VSC team continues to refine and develop the rally car throughout the season, with a focus on improving performance and reliability. Attendees at ARA events can witness the engineering marvel of a rally car firsthand by watching it race through the challenging terrains and obstacles.
Conclusion
Vermont SportsCar’s partnership with Subaru has been a long-standing success story in the world of rally racing. Through continuous innovation and dedication to performance, VSC has maintained a winning streak in rally championships. The recent redesign and rebuild of the Subaru WRX for the 2024 ARA season showcases VSC’s expertise in building competitive rally cars. As the season progresses, VSC will continue to push the boundaries of rally car engineering and strive for excellence on the rally stages.