The legacy of Subaru's once-famed rallying Imprezas might be over in the UK but, across the pond at least, the company's competitive streak continues. It's received a sizeable boost this week, too, with the signing of Travis Pastrana - the petrolhead thrill seeker with motorcross, rallying and NASCAR experience under his belt - to Subaru's US rally team, with the 36-year-old American set to drive one of two officially-backed WRX STIs.
Any mention of a blue/gold Scooby has us excited, especially one driven by a man famed for his complete lack of fear behind the wheel. Pastrana's skills in rallying are not to be questioned, he's won the Rally America driver's title four times and competed in the WRC as well. So this year's efforts will be focussed on more than just providing some big angles and lengthy jumps.
Still, that's exactly why we'll be paying attention to next week's opening US round at the 100 Acre Wood Rally, where Pastrana and teammate - recent recruit from the equally dangerous world of freeride mountain biking - Brandon Semenuk will challenge for the top spots in their 2020 STIs. Prepare, then, for plenty more of the kind of depicted in our latest Pic of the Week...