New England Forest Rally, Day One

Not your average rally car. We need MOAR!!

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

Oldie but a goodie, BMW

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.

David Sterckx / Renaud Jamoul. Flat tire? What flat tire?

Higgins on the move

Ken Block And Alex Gelsomino

Not your average rally car. We need MOAR!!

Nameless Performance’s BeastRZ on Icicle Brook

John Cassidy and Last DItch Racing attacking the stage in his home state, Maine.

Tingwu Song / Martin Brady

Not deterred by a little dust

Nick Roberts / Rhianon Gelsomino

David Higgins and Craig Drew, working together to stay on course for the win.

Ken Block And Alex Gelsomino

Adam Yeoman / Jordan Schulze

Newcomer Stalyn Orellana celebrating his birthday by running this years New England Forest Rally

This need to become commonplace in rally

Brendan Reeves was very smooth with this fine automobile

David Sterckx / Renaud Jamoul getting Big air at Concord Pond

Higgins had huge air at Concord Pond

Travis Pastrana and Chrissie Beavis at Concord Pond

Adam Yeoman / Jordan Schulze

Jason Brackett

I've been addicted to power and speed ever since the first time my head got pushed back into the seat under acceleration. I grew up with an affinity for engines and the arts, blending them together into my passions. Photography, writing and motorsports. I've traveled the country in pursuit of my passions and paid the price with my health. I'm a living marvel of modern medicine and a beacon of the human spirit. I was down and out for sometime but now, I'm back! With new hips, a slightly shorter digestive track and a drive to further my own ability. I'm from Maine. I have a small farm with 57 acres in the foothills of the White Mountains. I have a beautiful wife with a little girl, 2 dogs, one cat, ten chickens, and garage space to build something terrifyingly awesome. So ya, I'm living my American Dream. I don't particularly care for long walks on the beach Sunsets are cool but I prefer the smell of race fuel. One of my favorites songs is the sound of a Audi five cylinder at 9000 RPMs under wide open throttle, spitting hellfire and brimstone between gears. That always puts a smile on my face.