Travis Pastrana returns to Goodwood with his latest Gymkhana creation

We’ve seen the Subaru Brataroo 9500 Turbo drive on water as part of the latest Gymkhana release from Hoonigan, and now we’re going to see it in action at the Festival of Speed. 

“This car is meant to slide, it’s meant to walk on water and it’s meant to fly,” Pastrana said in his announcement. “We’re going to see how well it does on time against some of the coolest cars in the world. 

“If we’re not the fastest ICE car, I know we’re going to be the fastest ute.” That’s utility vehicle, for anyone not up to speed on the lexicon of Australia and New Zealand. 

Travis Pastrana's Subaru GL Wagon

Developed with the intention of continuing the legacy of Ken Block, this car, which has already accrued more than 11 million views on YouTube since it’s December debut, clearly takes a lot of inspiration from its predecessor. 

It features the same eye-catching active aero that we so love about the ‘Family Huckster’, and its turbocharged 2.0-litre boxer engine, developed and built by Vermont SportsCar (VSC), is a similar configuration, albeit slightly smaller.

It does however scream to more than 9,500rpm, which is going to sound absolutely insane when it’s charging its way up the Hill, spitting flames and emitting all manner of turbo-induced racket.  

In all it produces 670PS (493kW) and 922Nm (680lb ft) of torque, and although official performance figures haven’t been quoted, we imagine it gets a shift on when Travis puts his foot down. 

Much like the ‘Huckster’ took its foundations from a 1983 Subaru GL, the Brataroo takes its basis from a similarly unremarkable 1978 Subaru BRAT, a two-seat pick-up truck that produced around 70PS (51kW) from its 1.6-litre flat-four. It’s fair to say there’s probably very little of that original car left after Subaru gave it the full Gymkhana treatment. 

Pastrana’s intoxicating personality and enthusiasm for bombastic engineering, which is no doubt shared by every member of the team behind this new build, is simply oozing from every rivet of this machine. 

Its widened and lowered body has undergone quite the transformation. Penned by Khyzyl Saleem, the bodywork itself is constructed entirely from carbon-fibre, while the VSC-engineered chassis and roll cage meets the latest WRC safety regulations. 

The front end does retain the BRAT’s signature heavy duty front bumper, but it’s been engulfed by expansive bodywork additions and cooling. The active aero sections along the front wings are of course difficult to miss, as is the roof scop which basically replaces the entire span of what used to be the roof. 

Behind that, the roll bar also retains the look of the original BRAT, complete with two spotlights which give this car a stunning rallying aesthetic, while the rear end has also received a dramatic overhaul. 

A huge diffuser lays beneath more bulky carbon-fibre bodywork, upon which an even more substantial rear wing has been mounted. It’s an interchangeable setup, too, with options for high or low downforce depending on the requirements of the day. 

We imagine Pastrana will be affixing the larger appendage, which has its own active elements, for his runs up the tight and challenging Festival of Speed Hill. 

Everything, even the wheels on the Brataroo, which are forged 18-inch monoblocks from KMC Wheels, are bespoke. It’s all been built for a single purpose, performing stunts and manoeuvres to capture our imagination and send us all giddy with awe. 

We say everything, the stereo is fully restored in its original BRAT spec. 

“This BRAT’s completely unhinged - in the best way possible,” Pastrana said when the car was originally revealed. “It’s got the soul of a vintage Subaru with the tech to do things no Gymkhana car has ever done.  

“Every part of it is designed to take abuse, fly big, and come back for more. It’s hands down the craziest Gymkhana car we’ve ever built.” 

We can’t wait to see this car in action during the 2026 Festival of Speed from the 9^th-12^th July. Pastrana is always on it from the moment he gets out onto the Hill, and we’re sure he’ll be pushing hard for a quick time once again. 

Tickets for the Festival of Speed are limited. Friday, Saturday and four-day passes are now sold out and Thursday tickets are selling fast. If you’re not already part of the GRRC, joining the Fellowship means you can save ten per cent on your 2026 tickets and grandstand passes, as well as enjoy a whole host of other on-event perks.