Atkinson’s Subaru WRX STI Finishes #4 in Atlantic City GRC; Sandell Gets Pushed Out By Foust’s VW Beetle

It was an exciting double header Red Bull Global Rallycross weekend at Atlantic City for Subaru’s WRX STI Supercars. Patrick Sandell got his first podium finish in the #18 Subaru WRX STI GRC Supercar on Saturday finishing second behind Scott Speed, and Chris Atkinson was able to secure a fourth place finish in the Final after starting from row 3 on Sunday.

In the Final on Sunday, Patrik Sandell set himself up for another podium after securing a P2 finish in the semi-final after a slow start and coming back from fifth place. Sandell started on the front row, while Atkinson was back on row 3. Sandell launched the #18 Subaru WRX STI and was in 4th place after turn one.

It was a continuous battle throughout the 10 laps, with rough driving and position swapping. Unfortunately, Patrik Sandell who was within striking distance of the podium Sunday, was hit hard on the final turn by Tanner Foust in the Volkswagen Beetle on the last lap.

The impact sent Sandell against the barriers so forcefully the #18 Subaru WRX STI was disabled within yards of the finish line. Foust was penalized for the hit and was given his second penalty of the day sending him to 9th place. Sandell finished P10 and was visibly upset after the Final. Subaru Motorsports said after the race, “This was a huge blow to Sandell and the rest of the Subaru team who had rightfully earned another podium finish with precise and fast driving all weekend.”

Patrik Sandell and Chris Atkinson fought hard in the Atlantic City double header and made progress against leaders Scott Speed, Tanner Foust and Steve Arpin. The Subaru WRX STI Supercars get a break before heading to the next round of Red Bull Global Rallycross action in Seattle, Washington September 8-10. Stay tuned.

Photo credit: Subaru Motorsports