12 Feb American Rally Association Drivers Headline Subaru Winter Experience

Article originally written for American Rally Association website here.

Eagle River, Wisconsin (February 12, 2019)

The Subaru Winter Experience is back for the second year in a row boasting higher attendance, more classes, and longer courses. From now until March 1st, 200 attendants will drive onto the frozen surface of Dollar Lake and its specially prepared surface to receive training from Subaru Motorsports rally and rallycross drivers.

Founded in 2018, the Subaru Winter Experience is a driving clinic put on by Subaru Motorsports to share the team’s knowledge and driving skills with a select group of students. The classes take place in a specially prepared facility on Dollar Lake, a frozen lake near Eagle River, Wisconsin. Attendants come from around the world to take classes from Subaru drivers like Patrik Sandell, David Higgins, Travis Pastrana, and Chris Atkinson.

Designed with input from three-time ARA rally winner Patrik Sandell, the program at this year’s Subaru Winter Experience packs a lot onto the ice at Dollar Lake. Several car control courses, a challenging slalom, and an icy braking zone teach drivers how to handle their vehicles on the slick surface. 

“The winter conditions in Eagle River are ideal for everything we’re looking to do,“ said Sandell.  “We’ll be able to produce a series of increasingly challenging layouts that gradually allow drivers to get more comfortable behind the wheel.”

After honing their skills in the handling tests, students can then put their lessons to the test on two purpose-built rally stages and two rallycross courses; one tailored for the rear-wheel drive Subaru BRZ and the other for the all-wheel drive Subaru WRX line. As a bonus, all cars in the Subaru Winter Experience have been equipped with studded tires for added grip.

“Driving on frozen lakes in Sweden was my first step toward rally and rallycross glory,” said Sandell. “Snow and ice driving is a great way to push your limits.”

The Subaru Winter Experience is a great bit of fun while we wait for the 100 Acre Wood Rally, Round 2 of the ARA National Rally Championship Presented by AMSOIL. 100 Acre starts in one month’s time in Missouri and runs from March 15-16, 2019. 

Photo Credit: Subaru Winter Experience