The stopwatch is usually banned at DirtFish Rally School - but not for the DirtFish Rally Sprint
Photography by DirtFish
Words by David Evans, DirtFish Head of Media
Ignoring the slightly ghoulish individuals sharing the top step with him, Rob Biles picked up the bottle, gave it a shake and popped the cork. This was the moment he’d been waiting for: first overall, 2025 DirtFish Three Day Rally Sprint.
On the steps below, Michael Rose and Chris Carney did the same thing. The champagne shower began.
Once a year, we set practice aside and get the stopwatch out. Last week was that moment, when nine students were invited to take part in DirtFish’s only timed event of the season. It means a lot to us. And more to them.
And most of all to defending winner Biles. Driving the #81 Subaru WRX STI, he led from start to finish – and demonstrated towering consistency finishing the first three stages (identical route) on the same second. The only blot on an otherwise perfect copybook was an SS7 cone-clip which cost him five seconds.
Behind him, Rose took plenty of stage wins on his way to second while Carney was the master of rear-wheel drive. Demonstrating the true international appeal of DirtFish – and especially the Rally Sprint – Chris had flown in all the way from Australia to compete. Third overall and a class win made the journey home all the sweeter.
We don't often get the stopwatch out at School - but when we do, we celebrate appropriately!
It had been close in the BRZs though; Ron Tanemura kept Carney on his toes throughout and only missed out on the class win by 0.71 seconds after close to an hour of competitive driving.
Organized and run by our brilliant instructor crew of Nate Tennis, Sean Edwards, Michelle Miller and Eric Schofhauser – most of whom double as expert co-drivers for the competitors – the Rally Sprint is a highlight of the season.
“We have run this program under a few different titles for around eight years,” explained chief instructor Tennis. “It was originally created to satisfy the overwhelming desire for competition from a great group of clients. It grew from that initial attempt at running a ‘rally’ to the specialized, structured event it is now.
“Our Rally Sprint program is an invite-only event for our most experienced customers. Most have gone through at least the Three Day, Three Day Advanced or Three Day Elite and some have taken multiple private one-on-one programs to build the similar levels of skill. Some have done all the above!
“The first day is largely about a warm-up. For some of the participants, it might have been several months since they were out here and in the car – although we also have some who pack out our private programs the weekend before to get back up to speed. This is a serious business!
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“The second day ramps up the intensity quickly and ends with a round of qualifying runs to set the road order for the final day. Day three is run as close to a rally as we can make, complete with recce, timing, and unique scoring.
“This is our only program in which timed competition is allowed, so creating a safe environment to do this while still having proper competition is a fine balance. The courses used are unique to this program, where the margins for error are much less forgiving, hence the reason for the selection process. That we’re able to run this program safely is entirely due to the capabilities of those invited.”
What now for last week’s big nine, which also included Zach Blacksten, Monika Brunnenkant, Mark Hofer, Llew Powers and Brent Thiemer?
“Some already compete in various forms of motorsport,” said Tennis. “And several are getting ready to make the full plunge. Our overall and AWD winner Rob is in the process of rebuilding an ex-Vermont SportsCar Subaru, and is targeting his stage debut next year. Our third overall and RWD winner this year, Chris Carney, rallies in Australia, and came all the way here do it! At the same time, a few are here for the fun of it, and use this event to scratch the competitive itch.”
Itch scratched, we’re done for another year. And the ghoulish top-steppers? Blame Halloween.
Words:David Evans
Tags: DirtFish Rally School, DirtFish Rally Sprint
Publish Date October 28, 2025 DirtFish 
https://dirtfish-editorial.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/2025/10/rCG6Oyeo-Group1-28-780x520.jpg October 28, 2025
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