With its lineage from the Subaru RS Challenge in the early 2000s, Glenn Brinkman and Scott Beckwith claimed the honour of being the first to win a title in its reincarnation as the Subaru WRX Challenge winners of 2024.
The Queenslander became the fourth Subaru to win an ARC Cup in 2024 – with drivers Bodie Reading, David Thomas, Mitch Garrad also victorious in their respective cups. The one-make series made its first appearance at the midway point of the season at The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally, with Brinkman and Beckwith finishing as runners-up to Tim and Leonie Clark.
Brinkman and Beckwith transitioned seamlessly from their Production Cup Mitsubishi to the new WRX platform, and competed in the remaining two rounds in the WRX Challenge.
“It’s been pretty cool being involved from the start of it all,” said Brinkman.
“I believe we have helped fully develop the car and hopefully for the next championship, we can get at least half a dozen cars out there and have a proper go at it.”
It was a demanding year for Brinkman, who balanced an impressive motorsport schedule including the Dakar Rally, numerous state rallies, the SXS Championship and the Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship. Despite these commitments, the pair’s focus on the WRX Challenge paid off.
Consistency was key to their success, as they were the only crew to complete more than two rounds of the season. Their dominant performances aboard the aptly sponsored KickAss Products WRX at the Adelaide Hills Rally and Rally Tasmania sealed their WRX Challenge win with a total of 270 points.
Brinkman anticipates next season, hoping that the battle is more competitive.
“It’s been three great rallies we have done, and I can’t wait to get back next year,” Brinkman said.
“I’m hoping it will be a lot tougher next year.”
The Subaru WRX Challenge is set to return in the ARC for the Rally of Canberra on 21-23 March, 2025.
