Travis Pastrana Tackles Goodwood in Subaru Brataroo
Motorsport star Travis Pastrana talks about racing his 750-horsepower Subaru Brataroo at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and honoring Ken Block.
Travis Pastrana drives his custom Subaru Brataroo race car during a high-speed run.
The Evolution of the Brataroo
The custom vehicle is based on the classic Subaru Brat pickup. Engineers modified the truck specifically for the Hillclimb event with a larger turbocharger and revised gear ratios.
Pastrana said the engine sounds like a vintage Formula 1 car when it revs up to 9,500 rpm. The modified suspension and aggressive front lip helped the pickup secure a shootout time of 46.77 seconds.
Active Aerodynamics and Weight
The Brataroo features an advanced active aerodynamic system. A retractable rear wing and adjustable hood flaps help control downforce and stabilize the vehicle during jumps.
Pastrana explained that the vehicle carries four percent more weight on its front end than his previous race cars. This changes the handling characteristics, making the vehicle more stable during high-speed drifts but slightly harder to turn.
Carrying on Ken Block Legacy
The project represents a continuation of the Gymkhana series created by the late Ken Block. Pastrana said Block entrusted him with the franchise and expected high-risk driving in unique locations.
The design of the Brataroo reflects Block's philosophy of pushing technical boundaries with wild vehicle builds. Pastrana hopes the Gymkhana series will eventually transition to Block's children.