OLYMPUS RALLY

[Revman]

Experienced a new form of racing yesterday.....Went to the ARA Olympus Rally. Met Jari-Matti Latvala, Seth Quintero, and Jonne Halttunen. Admission was $0. Unbelievable access, fun experience, no bitching about attendance, cars, or race quality. Bliss.

 

[Revman]

Where Toyota goes, I go. For those not familiar with rally, this is Jari-Matti Latvala. He drove the first Toyota Yaris back in 2017 when Toyota re-entered the WRC. He is here developing the Tom Fowler designed GR Corolla for the American Rally Association series. He is also supporting Dakar Hilux driver turned rally hopeful Seth Quintero. The entire program is run by Jonne Haltunen who was WRC Champion Kalle Rovamperä's co-driver. The chirping sound is the waste gate maintaining optimal intake pressure, and the popping is the anti-lag keeping the turbo spooled. The cars are fascinating. As this was a regional rally it was special to see the level of quality of a world class build. Tom Fowler is a genius.

 

[Revman]

Jonne was so gracious. This is access as it should be honestly.

 

[Revman]

Jari-Matti won the rally by 7 minutes--which is an eternity, but expected. Seth had a very nice second place. The GR Corolla was flawless. A great weekend for Toyota. The coolest part of all of this is that my home Toyota dealership hosted the event. Proud weekend for this lifetime Toyota guy.