Quintero Seals ARA Title on LSPR Power Stage

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT) secured the 2026 American Rally Association (ARA) National Drivers’ Championship with Seth Quintero at Lake Superior Performance Rally (October 9–10), where the American clinched the title on the rally-ending Power Stage in the GR Corolla Rally RC2, completing a championship-winning inaugural ARA season for both driver and team.

Quintero entered the season finale needing to overcome a 17-point deficit to championship leader Lia Block, and immediately established himself near the front of the competition. Quintero and co-driver James Morgan took second on every contested stage on Friday as increasingly heavy dust caused growing visibility issues in the evening loop, eventually leading to the cancellation of the final two stages of the day.

On Saturday, Quintero and Morgan opened with a stage victory on SS11, Mt. Marquette, and continued to hold second overall through the remaining forest stages, keeping Block behind them as the championship battle came down to the final points available on the Power Stage.

Still two points behind in the championship entering the rally-ending Power Stage, the American set the second-fastest time to earn four bonus points. The result moved him two points ahead of Block and secured the 2026 ARA National Drivers’ Championship, while Quintero and Morgan completed LSPR second overall.

Quintero made his stage rally debut at Rally in the 100 Acre Wood in March before earning his first podium at Olympus Rally and claiming back-to-back victories at Southern Ohio Forest Rally and Rally Colorado. Further podium finishes and Power Stage points through the second half of the season kept him in contention, setting up the final-round championship fight with Block at LSPR.

Quintero’s title crowns an inaugural ARA campaign that exceeded TGR-WRT’s expectations. What began as a new North American program focused on developing the GR Corolla Rally RC2 and gathering experience across unfamiliar conditions ultimately delivered four victories, seven podium finishes and the National Drivers’ Championship, while demonstrating the car’s pace and reliability throughout the season.

The championship is a remarkable achievement for a team that did not exist twelve months ago. TGR-WRT’s North American operation was built from the ground up ahead of 2026, bringing together a new crew around a brand-new car to take on established teams across unfamiliar events, with almost every rally on the calendar a first for the team as well as its drivers. To finish that first season as champions, with the GR Corolla Rally RC2 proving both fast and reliable at every round, is a testament to the effort and professionalism of every team member across the campaign.

Quotes:
Seth Quintero (Driver, car No. 103)
“It’s been an absolutely amazing year. The team worked so hard with me and was so patient, welcoming and open throughout the whole season. I’m just so thankful to be part of this team, and it was nice to repay all their hard work by bringing home the championship. I’m kind of speechless, to be honest. It’s been an amazing year, and I’m looking forward to doing more in the future, hopefully getting a few more wins and wrapping up a few more championships.”

Jonne Halttunen (Program Manager)
“The 2026 ARA season was more than we could have hoped for. We came in with a new team and a new car, and the team and drivers delivered more than we expected. The fight was tight throughout the whole season, and all the best to Lia Block after a very strong season. Rally is rally, and although it was quite a dramatic end to the championship, we truly wish her all the best.

“I want to thank the whole team. Everyone has done an amazing job and every individual has played their part. With Toyota, we have shown that the car is reliable and fast, and every driver and co-driver who has worked with us has done a fantastic job. We can be very happy and very proud of what we achieved this season.”

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