The 2025 Ojibwe Forests Rally in Minnesota was a grueling test of skill, nerve, and raw determination. For Subaru Motorsports USA, it was the kind of weekend that separates champions from contenders. Amid the sandy, high-speed stages of Detroit Lakes, Bemidji, and beyond, drivers Brandon Semenuk and Travis Pastrana faced relentless challenges, from mechanical failures to fierce competition. Yet, through sheer resilience, they delivered a stunning 1-2 finish, with Semenuk clinching the overall victory and his fourth consecutive American Rally Association (ARA) National Championship. This triumph marked Subaru’s 19th U.S. rally title in the past 25 years, cementing their legacy as a powerhouse in American rally racing.
A Battle Forged in Minnesota’s Forests
The Ojibwe Forests Rally, held from August 21 to August 23, 2025, is no ordinary event. Spanning three days, it kicks off with a thrilling Thursday evening spectator stage at Soo Pass Ranch, where fans get a front-row seat to the raw speed of rally cars tearing through the night. The real test, however, comes on Friday and Saturday, with drivers navigating 141.76 miles of stages across the sandy, gravelly roads of Detroit Lakes, Itasca, and Park Rapids. With a total distance of 400.55 miles, including 20 stages, the rally demands precision and endurance. The longest stage, Steamboat, stretches 12.28 miles, while the highest elevation reaches 1,919 feet, adding to the physical and mental toll on drivers and their machines.
Image credit: Subaru
This year’s event lived up to its reputation as a crucible for rally talent. The sandy surfaces, known for sapping power from even the most robust vehicles, forced drivers to push their cars—and themselves—to the limit. For Subaru Motorsports USA, the rally was a chance to showcase not just speed but the grit and teamwork that have defined their dominance in the sport.
A Fierce Three-Way Fight
From the opening stage, the 2025 Ojibwe Forests Rally was a slugfest. Brandon Semenuk, paired with co-driver Keaton Williams, faced stiff competition from teammate Travis Pastrana and rival Conner Martell, driving a Skoda Fabia RS. Martell came out swinging on Friday, trading stage wins with Semenuk and even building a slight lead. The back-and-forth battle kept fans on edge, with each driver pushing their car to the brink on the fast, flowing stages. Semenuk, the three-time defending ARA champion, stayed focused on the long game. “We tried to minimize risk on this one with the goal being to get the points and wrap the championship,” he said after the race, reflecting his strategic approach.
The tide turned late on Friday when Martell suffered a puncture on SS9, a costly setback that handed the lead back to Semenuk. The Subaru driver capitalized, building a time cushion that would prove critical later. Meanwhile, Pastrana, a rally veteran and extreme sports icon, was dealing with his own challenges. A puncture and power steering failure on Friday put him on the back foot, but his never-say-die attitude kept him in the hunt. By the end of the day, the stage was set for a dramatic Saturday showdown.
Survival of the Fittest
Saturday was where the rally became a true test of survival. Martell’s hopes of reclaiming the lead were dashed on SS12 when a major off-road excursion took him out of contention. For Semenuk, the path to victory seemed clear—until disaster struck on SS13. A power steering failure crippled his Subaru WRX, forcing him to limp through SS14 with sheer willpower. “It was an eventful one, but we got there in the end,” Semenuk said, understated as ever. His lead, built through calculated driving earlier in the rally, held just enough to secure the win.
Image credit: Subaru
Pastrana, meanwhile, was staging a comeback of his own. Despite the earlier mechanical woes, he and co-driver Rhianon Gelsomino battled through Saturday’s stages, clawing their way up the leaderboard. Their gritty performance paid off with a first-place finish in the Limited 4-Wheel Drive (L4WD) class and a hard-fought second place overall. “This was the longest rally day in the championship at 75 miles—really excited for a Subaru 1-2 and stoked for Brandon!” Pastrana said, his exhaustion tempered by adrenaline and pride in the team’s performance.
A Dramatic Finish in Bemidji
The rally culminated in downtown Bemidji, where thousands of fans lined the streets for a dramatic finish under the lights on the shore of Lake Bemidji. The scene was electric, with the roar of engines and the cheers of the crowd echoing through the night. Subaru’s 1-2 finish—Semenuk in first, Pastrana in second—was a testament to the team’s resilience and the reliability of their WRX rally cars. For Semenuk and Williams, the victory was more than just a rally win; it sealed their fourth straight ARA National Championship, a feat that underscores their consistency and skill.
Pastrana’s class win and overall podium finish added another layer to Subaru’s success. His return to the ARA series in 2024, after a hiatus, has been a story of redemption, and his performance at Ojibwe showed he’s still a force to be reckoned with. “Got the podium, and we’re off to Tennessee,” Pastrana said, already looking ahead to the next challenge.
Subaru’s Unmatched Legacy
Subaru Motorsports USA’s triumph at Ojibwe is the latest chapter in a storied history. The team, managed by Vermont SportsCar and backed by partners like MOTUL, Yokohama Tires, and DirtFish Rally School, has now claimed 19 national rally championships in the past 25 years. This dominance is no accident—it’s the result of meticulous preparation, cutting-edge engineering, and drivers who thrive under pressure. The WRX rally car, introduced in 2023, has been a game-changer, with its carbon-fiber widebody and advanced aerodynamics designed to maximize performance under ARA regulations.
The 2025 Ojibwe Forests Rally also highlighted the team’s ability to overcome adversity. From power steering failures to punctures, both Semenuk and Pastrana faced challenges that could have derailed lesser teams. Their ability to stay focused and push through speaks to the culture of toughness that defines Subaru Motorsports USA.
Looking Ahead to Tennessee
With the 2025 ARA championship in the bag, Subaru Motorsports USA is already gearing up for the Overmountain Rally in Tennessee, set for September 13-15. Formerly known as the Bristol Forest Rally, this event promises new challenges with its gravel roads and technical stages in the Cherokee National Forest. For Semenuk, it’s a chance to keep his winning streak alive. For Pastrana, it’s an opportunity to build on his Ojibwe success and close the gap in the championship fight.
The team’s momentum is undeniable, but rally racing is unpredictable. As Pastrana put it, “It could be close.” Fans can expect more heart-pounding action as Subaru Motorsports USA continues to chase victories and add to their legacy. For those who want to follow the journey, the team’s social media channels—Facebook, Instagram (@subarumotorsportsusa), and TikTok—offer a front-row seat to the action.
Why Ojibwe Matters
The Ojibwe Forests Rally isn’t just another race on the ARA calendar; it’s a proving ground where drivers and cars are pushed to their limits. The sandy, high-speed stages, combined with the unpredictable Minnesota weather—sunny with highs of 78°F and lows of 54°F this year—create a unique challenge. The rally’s 20 stages, including three superspecials and a power stage (SS19), demand a balance of speed, strategy, and durability. For Subaru, it’s a showcase of what their vehicles can do when the going gets tough.
For fans, Ojibwe is a spectacle. From the opening stage at Soo Pass Ranch to the dramatic finish in Bemidji, the rally offers plenty of opportunities to see these machines in action. The event’s accessibility, with the nearest international airport in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, makes it a must-visit for rally enthusiasts. Whether you’re drawn to the roar of the engines or the skill of drivers navigating narrow, rutted trails, Ojibwe delivers.
A Team Built for Victory
Subaru Motorsports USA’s success at Ojibwe is a team effort. Behind Semenuk and Pastrana are co-drivers Keaton Williams and Rhianon Gelsomino, whose navigational skills are critical to staying on pace. Vermont SportsCar’s engineering expertise ensures the WRX rally cars can withstand the punishment of stages like Kabekona (11.08 miles) and Steamboat. Sponsors like Sparco USA, R53 Suspension, and Triple-R Lights play a vital role in keeping the team competitive.
Image credit: Subaru
For the drivers, Ojibwe was a reminder of why they love the sport. “It was an eventful one, but we got there in the end for another win and another championship. Onwards and upwards!” Semenuk said, summing up the team’s mindset. Pastrana, ever the showman, added, “This was the longest rally day in the championship at 75 miles. Really excited for a Subaru 1-2!”
The Road Ahead
As Subaru Motorsports USA heads to Tennessee, the focus is on maintaining their edge. The Overmountain Rally, with its mix of packed gravel, dirt, and tarmac, will test the team in new ways. For fans, it’s a chance to see if Semenuk can keep his streak alive or if Pastrana can steal the spotlight. Either way, Subaru’s performance at Ojibwe has set the stage for an exciting end to the 2025 ARA season.
In a sport where every second counts, Subaru Motorsports USA proved once again that they’re built for the toughest challenges. The 2025 Ojibwe Forests Rally wasn’t just a race—it was a statement. With their 19th title in hand and a hungry team ready for more, Subaru’s rally legacy continues to grow, one dusty stage at a time.
