Four-time American champion Brandon Semenuk will not return to the ARA in 2026
Photography by Subaru Motorsports USA & SM-Ralli
Words by David Evans, DirtFish Head of Media
Four-time American champion Brandon Semenuk will not defend his latest US title, deciding instead to move away from Subaru Motorsports USA in search of a European program and potential path to the World Rally Championship.
Having driven for the Vermont-based Subaru squad since the top of the 2020 season, Semenuk admitted it was a tough call to walk away from a series he’s dominated.
“I talked to Subaru and I’ve told them I won’t be continuing with the program,” said the Canadian. “The door’s not completely closed, if there’s some development or special projects and I have the bandwidth then we’ll keep in communication – that’s open.
“But racing with them, it’s done.”
In his six seasons with Subaru, Semenuk has taken four straight titles, won 23 rallies and enjoyed the perfect 2023 season when he won all eight rounds, led for 118 of 120 stages and set 110 fastest times.
Semenuk hasn't been beaten to an ARA title since 2021
“The reason I’m making this decision is growth,” added Semenuk. “There’s so much energy and passion in the ARA, it’s great… but I don’t know where I stand outside of America and I want to change that. Specifically, I would love to pull together a longer program of events in Europe, not necessarily WRC events, but rallies with great roads, great drivers, big competition and a team with experience at that level that I can learn from.
“Until I step outside of America, until I put a season in, I’m not going to truly know what my potential is. I know how this might look: I’m turning down a factory seat with Subaru and it’s not like I’ve got this big program that I’m heading out to. I could stay with Subaru and keep on competing in America and that would be a blast, but I’d always be wondering what if…
“I’ve learned so much from what I’ve been doing, I need to go to the next level – whether that’s the rallies, the competition or whatever. I want to keep on learning, to keep on growing as a driver.”
Semenuk got a glimpse of life outside of America when he tackled the O.K. Auto-Ralli in Finland in July. Finishing second, just 17.4 seconds behind two-time World Rally winner Esapekka Lappi – and drawing plenty of plaudits from the Finn – Semenuk felt there was still more to come from his time in the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2.
Semenuk's last European outing was in Finland - and he impressed
“Finland was an amazing experience,” he said. “I went there having never driven the car before. I didn’t feel comfortable to start with and I honestly didn’t feel like I drove particularly well. There’s so much potential and the good result was a positive despite not being super-committed with the car. This is another reason I would love to get a season in a Rally2 car, to have the chance to refine that rally craft and to build the speed I know is there. I’m ready to commit to this.”
Semenuk was quick to praise Subaru Motorsports USA for the last six years, adding: “They took me on as a privateer – I’m not even American! I’m so grateful to the whole team for the belief they showed in me. [David] Higgins’ seat was not an easy one to fill after he basically had a decade of success with the team, but they picked me, gave me the tools and taught me a lot.
“I also want to thank Travis [Pastrana] for advocating for me in the beginning, he’s been a great team-mate and somebody who has really helped me progress. It’s very fair to say I wouldn’t be at this point in my career without all those guys.”
Subaru’s James Tate thanked Semenuk for the last six years, and added that further collaborations remained on the horizon.
He said: “We’re incredibly grateful for everything Brandon has brought to Subaru Motorsports USA over the past six seasons. His commitment, his focus, and the results he delivered speak for themselves. Four consecutive championships and more than twenty wins don’t happen without total dedication.
“He’s an obvious talent operating at the highest level, and we’re proud of what we accomplished together. This next step is a logical progression, and we’re genuinely excited to see what he does as he pushes himself on bigger stages. Our relationship with Brandon is strong, and fans can look forward to the likelihood of future collaborations.”
Words:David Evans
Tags: Brandon Semenuk
Publish Date November 25, 2025 DirtFish 
https://dirtfish-editorial.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/2025/11/WWVOmsIF-Matt_Stryker_Olympus_2025_MSPR0810-780x510.jpg November 25, 2025
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