Travis Pastrana on the Subaru Brataroo, Gymkhana, and Ken Block's Legacy
Travis Pastrana talks about his experience with the Subaru Brataroo at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the impact of Ken Block's legacy on the Gymkhana project.
Key Takeaways
- Travis Pastrana competed in the Goodwood Festival of Speed with his Subaru Brataroo 9500 Turbo Gymkhana race car.
- The Brataroo features a bigger turbo, revised gear ratios, a new suspension tune, and a more aggressive front lip.
- Pastrana set a time of 46.77 seconds and placed sixth overall in the event’s timed shootout.
- The Brataroo’s active aero bits and adjustable wings help with cornering and jumping.
- Ken Block’s legacy continues to influence the Gymkhana project, with a focus on close proximity, high risk, and skilled driving.
What Makes the Subaru Brataroo Special?
The Subaru Brataroo 9500 Turbo Gymkhana race car is a unique vehicle that features a bigger turbo, revised gear ratios, a new suspension tune, and a more aggressive front lip. According to Travis Pastrana, the car’s active aero bits and adjustable wings help with cornering and jumping.
The Brataroo’s design is inspired by the Subaru Brat, a car that Pastrana has always wanted to own. He was finally able to get his hands on one and modify it to create the Brataroo.
How Does the Brataroo Handle?
Pastrana notes that the Brataroo has a slightly different handling characteristic compared to his previous car, the Airslayer. The Brataroo has a bit more weight in the front, which makes it more understeer-y, but also easier to control during full-send reverse entries.
The Brataroo’s adjustable wings and active aero bits help with cornering and jumping. Pastrana can adjust the wings to suit different driving conditions and terrain.
The Impact of Ken Block’s Legacy
Ken Block’s legacy continues to influence the Gymkhana project, with a focus on close proximity, high risk, and skilled driving. Pastrana notes that Block always emphasized the importance of building an amazing car and finding an unbelievable location to showcase its capabilities.
Block’s philosophy of “close proximity with high risk” is reflected in the Brataroo’s design and Pastrana’s driving style. The car is built to handle high-speed jumps and tight corners, and Pastrana’s driving skills are put to the test as he navigates the challenging terrain.
The Future of Gymkhana
Pastrana notes that the Gymkhana project will continue to evolve and improve, with a focus on building amazing cars and finding new and exciting locations to showcase their capabilities.
The Brataroo is just the latest example of the innovative and daring approach that Pastrana and his team take to building and driving cars. With Ken Block’s legacy as a guiding force, the future of Gymkhana looks bright.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Power | 750 horsepower |
| Engine RPM | 9500 rpm |
| Time | 46.77 seconds |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Subaru Brataroo?
The Subaru Brataroo is a modified Subaru Brat that has been turned into a Gymkhana race car. It features a bigger turbo, revised gear ratios, a new suspension tune, and a more aggressive front lip.
Q: How does the Brataroo handle?
The Brataroo has a slightly different handling characteristic compared to Pastrana’s previous car, the Airslayer. It has a bit more weight in the front, which makes it more understeer-y, but also easier to control during full-send reverse entries.
Q: What is the significance of Ken Block’s legacy in the Gymkhana project?
Ken Block’s legacy continues to influence the Gymkhana project, with a focus on close proximity, high risk, and skilled driving. His philosophy of “close proximity with high risk” is reflected in the Brataroo’s design and Pastrana’s driving style.
