TGR-WRT takes second consecutive ARA victory as Quintero and Luhtinen claim breakthrough win

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT) secured its second American Rally Association (ARA) victory at the Southern Ohio Forest Rally (SOFR) (June 11-13), where Seth Quintero and co-driver Topi Luhtinen claimed victory in the GR Corolla Rally RC2, marking Quintero’s first rally win.

Competing in car No. 103, Quintero and Luhtinen delivered a strong and controlled performance on SOFR’s fast and flowing stages, where gravel roads are mixed with short tarmac sections throughout the rally. After the opening super special stages, the crew moved into the lead during Friday’s first full loop and went on to win eight consecutive stages, building a commanding 46.9-second advantage heading into the final day.

Saturday brought a new challenge as the crew started first on the road, resulting in less grip for them and making the competition very close. A mechanical issue during the opening loop cost the crew time and reduced their lead. Quintero and Luhtinen repair it and complete the remaining stages, balancing pace and control to secure the overall victory by 9.4 seconds.

The result continues a rapid progression for Quintero and Luhtinen in the ARA National Championship. After making their ARA debut at Rally in the 100 Acre Wood and securing their first podium finish at Olympus Rally, the crew converted their growing experience into a breakthrough victory in only their third event together.

In addition to Quintero’s first rally victory, the result marks another milestone for the GR Corolla Rally RC2 program in the United States. Following Jari-Matti Latvala’s victory at Olympus Rally, the win at SOFR gives TGR-WRT two consecutive ARA victories with the newly developed car. Achieved on two very different rallies, the results continue to demonstrate the GR Corolla Rally RC2’s strong pace and reliability in competition.

The team now turns its attention to Rally Colorado (July 18-19), where Quintero and Luhtinen will look to build on their breakthrough victory as the ARA season enters its second half.

Quotes:
Seth Quintero (Driver, car No. 103)
“We ended up getting away with a win, which is super awesome. The team has been working their butt off for a long time already, so it’s really nice to be able to bring them a win. The first day went really well, and we put a lot of time down, then we had a little bit of an issue at the beginning of the second day that got my heart going. But that’s good for you: it means you’re alive and walking away with a win. I’m looking forward to the next one.”

What’s next?
The ARA National Championship continues with Rally Colorado (July 18-19), where TGR-WRT returns with the GR Corolla Rally RC2 as the team continues its North American rally program.

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