Travis Pastrana's Full Record Run at 2021 Mt. Washington Hillclimb
Travis Pastrana set a new record of 5 minutes 28.67 seconds at the 2021 Mt. Washington Hillclimb, achieving overall victory driving the Airslayer STI, his 862-horsepower 2020 Subaru WRX STI. This time shaved more than sixteen seconds from his 2017 winning time on the steep, narrow, and challenging 7.6-mile Mt. Washington Auto Road. His run was over 45 seconds faster than the second-place competitor.
The Mt. Washington Hillclimb, held traditionally every three years, is the oldest hillclimb in North America and one of the most demanding motorsport events in the United States. The course is renowned for its notoriously unpredictable weather and a mixed surface that shifts from tarmac to gravel unexpectedly. It features an average grade of 12% with treacherous drops above the treeline, requiring exceptional courage, skill, and precise equipment.
The Airslayer STI boasts a highly developed aerodynamic package that provides significant downforce, a considerable power increase from Pastrana’s previous 600-horsepower WRX STI used to set the 2017 record, major suspension upgrades, and an ultra-light curb weight. These factors made the car tailor-made for the demanding nature of hillclimbs. Pastrana’s intense focus and commitment during his record run provided thrilling entertainment for the thousands who lined the roadside to watch.
Pastrana described the car as “the perfect machine” for this challenge and expressed excitement for future runs. His record-breaking performance cements both his skill and Subaru’s engineering prowess on one of the most formidable motorsport stages.nrsubaru+1youtube
