New Subaru WRX STI Gets a Shot at the Most Challenging Motorsports Event in America

After a three year hiatus, the new 2017 Subaru WRX STI rally car will get a shot at the most challenging motorsport event in America. What is it?

After a three year hiatus, SRT USA will send David Higgins and Travis Pastrana back to the Mt. Washington Hillclimb July 6-9, 2017. The new 2017 Subaru WRX STI rally car will get another shot at the most challenging motorsport race in the US. Higgins will attempt to break his record there in the new 2017 Subaru WRX STI rally car built by Vermont SportsCar. Pastrana also has experience on the dangerous mountain.

The rally race is called “Climb to the Clouds” and is one of the most extreme motorsports events in the world. Next to the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, it’s arguably even more difficult. The snake-like tarmac and gravel Mt. Washington Auto Road is lined with trees, rocks and dramatic drop-offs as it winds its way to the 6,288 ft. summit of the Northeast’s tallest peak.

Higgins holds the record

In 2014, Higgins broke his previous 2011 record at Mt. Washington with a time of 6:09.09 on the 7.4 mile course in a 2014 WRX STI VT14r rally car. Next season he will attempt to break it again in the newly-prepared 2017 Subaru WRX STI. Travis Pastrana, who set an unofficial record on Mt. Washington in 2010, will also be at the event pushing his new STI to the limit.

“Mt. Washington remains one of the greatest challenges in motorsport, it certainly is a very demanding road and it’s an accomplishment just to reach the top!”, said Higgins. “I am confident that Subaru will provide Travis and myself the ultimate weapon for the hill and I’m really looking forward to the event, it's certainly going to be a big part of my season getting ready for it.”

Both David Higgins and Travis Pastrana will be attempting to set a new record in their 2017 Subaru WRX STI rally cars. It’s arguably the most challenging motorsport event in America. Who will do it? Stay tuned.

Photo credit: Subaru