Rally America Sno*Drift 2010: The Aftermath

Rally America Sno*Drift 2010 – Click above for high-res image gallery

With the ~~dust~~ snow settling from the inaugural event of Rally America’s 2010 season, four things are certain. This year’s Sno*Drift will go down as one of the slickest events in the history of U.S. rally racing. It will also be remembered as one of the highest-attended Sno*Drifts in the event’s 24-year history. More than a few people are questioning Ken Block’s new Fiesta after it broke less than halfway through the event. And with four Sno*Drift trophies since 2006, Travis Pastrana now officially owns winter time rally racing.

Based in Atlanta, Michigan, the Sno*Drift is actually three events in one. There is of course the Sno*Drift national rally, spanning two days and 20 stages. Running simultaneously, however, is the Sno Regional on Friday, followed by – wait for it – the Drift Regional on Saturday. Thirty three cars were signed up for the whole enchilada, but factor in the regional events and the car count swelled to 55 entries. And lest you think these are all high-dollar race teams – grassroots racing doesn’t get more grassroots than the likes of ’80s Volkswagens, or pretty much any turbocharged Chrysler front-wheel-drive machine. Sure, it’s cool to watch Evos and Subies in four-wheel power slides, blow-off valves chattering like steam locomotives. But then a bright yellow Acura Integra Type-R comes screaming around the corner, followed by a mint condition 1980 Volvo 242, and suddenly everything is right with the world.

Gallery: Rally America Sno*Drift 2010