Day one of the New England Forest Rally had many things going for it. First on most peoples’ mind was the fact that Ken Block would be back this year after a couple year hiatus. Secondly was, will David Higgins be able to defend his title? On top of all that it’s the 25th running of the New England Forest Rally with some old stages that people and drivers haven’t seen in years.

The competitors list included over 60 entries at the start of the rally. I’m not sure if people were dialing up their intensity this year or if the stages were particularly brutal, but about 1/3 of the entry field were DNF by the end of the day one. Some unable to return for the next day.

Below you will find photos from day one. Let me know which ones are your favorite and be on the look out for a recap of Day two with more photos.

Ford service area was full of some nice rides
Ford service area was full of some nice rides
Oldie but a goodie, BMW
Oldie but a goodie, BMW
James Robinson / Brian Penza hitting South Arm hard and rocking a MLAS sticker to boot!
James Robinson / Brian Penza hitting South Arm hard and rocking a MLAS sticker to boot!
Ford's new 1 liter iceboats was quite impressive. Piloted by Brendan Reeves. Thank you M-Sport for bringing this over.
Ford’s new 1 liter iceboats was quite impressive. Piloted by Brendan Reeves. Thank you M-Sport for bringing this over.
David Sterckx / Renaud Jamoul. Flat tire? What flat tire?
David Sterckx / Renaud Jamoul. Flat tire? What flat tire?
Higgins on the move
Higgins on the move
Ken Block And Alex Gelsomino
Ken Block And Alex Gelsomino
Not your average rally car. We need MOAR!!
Not your average rally car. We need MOAR!!
Nameless Performance's BeastRZ on Icicle Brook
Nameless Performance’s BeastRZ on Icicle Brook
John Cassidy and Last DItch Racing attacking the stage in his home state, Maine.
John Cassidy and Last DItch Racing attacking the stage in his home state, Maine.
Tingwu Song / Martin Brady
Tingwu Song / Martin Brady
Not deterred by a little dust
Not deterred by a little dust
Nick Roberts / Rhianon Gelsomino
Nick Roberts / Rhianon Gelsomino
David Higgins and Craig Drew, working together to stay on course for the win.
David Higgins and Craig Drew, working together to stay on course for the win.
Ken Block And Alex Gelsomino
Ken Block And Alex Gelsomino
Ken Block And Alex Gelsomino
Ken Block And Alex Gelsomino
Ken Block And Alex Gelsomino
Ken Block And Alex Gelsomino
Adam Yeoman / Jordan Schulze
Adam Yeoman / Jordan Schulze
Adam Yeoman / Jordan Schulze
Adam Yeoman / Jordan Schulze
Newcomer Stalyn Orellana celebrating his birthday by running this years New England Forest Rally
Newcomer Stalyn Orellana celebrating his birthday by running this years New England Forest Rally
This need to become commonplace in rally
This need to become commonplace in rally
Brendan Reeves was very smooth with this fine automobile
Brendan Reeves was very smooth with this fine automobile
David Sterckx / Renaud Jamoul getting Big air at Concord Pond
David Sterckx / Renaud Jamoul getting Big air at Concord Pond
Higgins had huge air at Concord Pond
Higgins had huge air at Concord Pond
Travis Pastrana and Chrissie Beavis at Concord Pond
Travis Pastrana and Chrissie Beavis at Concord Pond
Travis Pastrana and Chrissie Beavis at Concord Pond
Travis Pastrana and Chrissie Beavis at Concord Pond
Adam Yeoman / Jordan Schulze
Adam Yeoman / Jordan Schulze
Adam Yeoman / Jordan Schulze
Adam Yeoman / Jordan Schulze