My post on Dirt 2 gave a little insight into the World Rally Championship which is popular over seas in Europe. However, over the past 6 years Rally has started to become more popular here in the United States with the involvement of recognizable stars such as motorsport master Travis Pastrana. Pastrana got involved in competitive rally racing through the Subaru-backed Vermont SportsCar rally team in 2004. In 2005 his involvement motivated another big name to get involved, his close buddy and sponsor, Ken Block founder of DC Shoes. A year after Block joined Vermont SportsCar he and his teammate Pastrana both signed a new sponsorship with Subaru to become "Subaru Rally Team USA". Since then both have gone on to dominate in Rally America, an auto racing organization that sanctions performance stage rallying events in the United States. This year Pastrana has won 3 of 4 events and Block went on to win the other.
Pastrana and Block are constantly expanding the recognition of the sport through viral videos that take rallying beyond its typical field. First they have shown more of what their cars can do on television shows such as Nitro Circus and Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory on MTV. However most recently Block has done two videos based on Gymkhana where it is required of drivers to perform reversals, 180 degree spins, 360 degree spins, parking boxes, figure 8s and other advanced skills throughout the predetermined course. These videos are amazing and really show what these cars are capable of. I'm sure many of you have already seen these videos, but just take some time and watch again because I know I will never get tired of hearing these Subaru's rip through these courses.
Gymkhana 1 (Practice)
Gymkhana 2 (The Infomercial)
Pastrana and Block (Nitro Circus)
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