
According to the team at Hoonigan, Gymkhana has been attempting to shoot scenes in Australia for almost ten years. It has finally occurred, resulting in nine expertly edited minutes of Travis Pastrana tearing through the Outback (the location, not the Subaru—but there’s a cameo at 1:45) in the land that introduced the concept to the automotive world. If you’re anything like me, you might feel a tad let down that they didn’t film the entire thing upside-down. But that’s fine. Welcome to Gymkhana: Aussie Shred.
While Pastrana is at the wheel, the highlight of this production is undoubtedly the vehicle: a ’78 Subaru Brat that received an extensive makeover at Vermont Super Cars, transforming it into the Subaru Brataroo 9500 Turbo. As is customary, this new chapter sets the stage quickly with an outrageous stunt—this time featuring a massive road train and some impressive airtime—and it only escalates from there.
This journey around the continent includes everything. There are jumps (both spontaneous and planned), grind sessions (seriously, that dock), obstacles, drifts, j-turns aplenty, and yes, he’s even fording rivers. What is this, The Outback Trail? (No, that’s not real.) Pastrana even makes a pit stop in Broken Hill, New South Wales, to do donuts around a kangaroo on a Segway. Why not?
If you’re anything like me, part of the fun of these videos comes from watching Pastrana’s expressions. Clearly, I’m not alone, as he plays it up even more than usual this time. Honestly, if you’ve ever been curious about what face you might make when thinking, “I’m about to lose five more teeth,” this video provides a good half-dozen examples.
And if you enjoy the theatrics, at around 3:30, Pastrana slides the Brataroo sideways into the middle of a V8 Supercars race, daring one of the competitors to a roll race on Mount Panorama’s Conrod Straight—so named for its high speeds that push drivers to test the limits of their engine parts. The Brataroo only has four cylinders and 2.0 liters available, but that boxer is generating 670 horsepower and 680 pound-feet of torque while revving up to 9,500 RPM. It’s no slouch.
Amidst moments of concern, we catch a few enjoyable glimpses of Pastrana genuinely relishing what could possibly be the coolest job in the world. After taking an impossibly tight line around a city corner at approximately 6:30, he unleashes a very straightforward “F*** YEAH!” along with a fist pump. Don’t worry if you’re in mixed company: his microphone wasn’t included in the final edit. And just to ensure you don’t think Pastrana consistently shows that level of accuracy, we quickly cut to him, ahem, kissing a planter with the rear bumper of the Brataroo, which only bends about six inches. Nothing to worry about here, everyone!
That barely scratches the surface of the video, but why would you want to read about it anyway? Check it out for yourself; it’s an absolute delight.
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**Travis Pastrana Showcases Subaru Brataroo’s Skills in Gymkhana ‘Aussie Shred’ Event in Australia**
In an exhilarating display of automotive talent and precision driving, Travis Pastrana seized the spotlight at the Gymkhana ‘Aussie Shred’ event in Australia, illustrating the impressive abilities of the Subaru Brataroo. This gathering, which captivated motorsport fans worldwide, underscored the distinctive attributes of the Brataroo, a modified vehicle merging the durability of a pickup with the nimbleness of a rally car.
**The Subaru Brataroo: An Exceptional Fusion of Features**
The Subaru Brataroo is a custom-engineered machine that integrates elements from Subaru’s rich motorsport background with innovative tweaks designed for ultimate performance. Equipped with a robust engine, advanced suspension, and all-wheel-drive capabilities, the Brataroo is built to handle various terrains, making it a perfect candidate for the dynamic demands of Gymkhana events.
**Pastrana’s Performance: A Masterclass in Driving**
Throughout the event, Pastrana demonstrated his remarkable driving prowess, steering the Brataroo through a series of complex obstacles and sharp turns. His performance featured high-speed drifts, exacting jumps, and astonishing stunts that left spectators in awe. The synergy between Pastrana’s skills and the Brataroo’s design facilitated a fluid exhibition of control and creativity, embodying the essence of Gymkhana.
**The Course: A Trial of Skill and Vehicle Performance**
The Gymkhana ‘Aussie Shred’ course was carefully crafted to challenge participants with a variety of technical maneuvers and wide-open stretches. Comprising tight bends, changes in elevation, and multiple surfaces, the course tested not just the vehicle’s performance but also the driver’s talent in navigating obstacles. Pastrana’s adeptness at adjusting to the course conditions highlighted the Brataroo’s versatility, confirming it as a serious competitor in the Gymkhana scene.
**Audience Engagement and Community Impact**
The event attracted a significant turnout, with fans eager to experience Pastrana’s electrifying performance. The energy in the air was palpable, as attendees cheered and captured all the action on their devices. Beyond the thrill of the occasion, the Gymkhana ‘Aussie Shred’ contributed to bolstering the motorsport community in Australia, nurturing a sense of togetherness among fans and participants alike.
**Conclusion: A New Dawn for Subaru and Gymkhana**
Travis Pastrana’s exhibition of the Subaru Brataroo during the Gymkhana ‘Aussie Shred’ event not only highlighted the vehicle’s remarkable capabilities but also illuminated the progress of motorsport entertainment. With Subaru continuing to innovate and expand the limits of performance vehicles, events like this lay the groundwork for upcoming advancements in the motorsports arena. The blend of Pastrana’s skills and the Brataroo’s engineering hints at an exciting future for both the driver and the brand in the competitive realm of automotive sports.