Subiefest is the largest all-Subaru shootout and showoff event held annually at Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond, California. Organized by Subiesport, Flat4Vegas, TripleX, and Subaru of America, the event commanded what seemed like over 300 cars in attendance from different states all over the west coast.
Tons of Subaru enthusiasts from all over.
In addition to the usual car show, Subiefest features a track and racing experience open to Subaru owners of all levels of experience. For $150, you’re offered 4-5 sessions with your car on Willow’s big track, a high speed 2.5 mile road course. An extra $100 will get you in the Time Attack Challenge with two different classes separating street cars and race cars.
JC Meynet's 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STi.
This year’s competition brought back defending champions as well as many of those new to the sport. It’s the ultimate test of a car’s balance in power and handling, and of course driver skill. Many of the drivers felt the track was fastest in the morning, but surprisingly a few were able to drive their fastest laps in the finals. In time attack, all that matters is that one perfect lap.
Jonathan Gih’s 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi
Team SCS drivers Jonathan Gih and Vincent Tam competed in the Street Modified class with their 2008 STis. The class restricted tires to no less than 140 tread wear, full interior intact, stock turbo, and only minor aero modifications. While there were only 4 entries in the class, competition was fierce between Jonathan Gih and Kevin Tidwell of IWSTI, battling for time.
Team SCS takes first and third in Street Modified class.
In the final session, Jonathan was able to drop his time into the 1.34.432, besting Kevin’s 1.35.002. Team SCS would like to congratulate Kevin on his amazing time considering his limited suspension modifications consisting of only Racecomp Engineering springs and a small assortment of Whiteline suspension enhancements. Great driving Kevin as always!
Down on power, unable to shift to sixth; 1.35.774!
Vincent finished third in Street with his top mount intercooler blocked off, running a very close 1.35.774. Next time he’ll have to check that hood scoop when swapping hoods! In the practice sessions, Jonathan and Vincent swapped cars to get a taste for different suspension setups. Look for Vincent’s article documenting his driving impressions of different coilover suspensions for the 2008+ STi, stay tuned.
Ferdie Ang’s 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi
In Unlimited class, Team SCS driver Ferdie Ang competed in his 400WHP 2008 STi, despite ongoing issues with his transmission. Typically competing in Redline Time Attack’s Street class, it was definitely an exciting challenge for Ferdie to go head to head with Modified and Unlimited cars. Regardless, it was an extremely fun event for Ferdie and is looking forward to next year’s race season.
Russ Warr with an amazing 1.22.591 in the LIC/Crawford car.
Ultimately, our friend Russ Warr set the fastest time in Unlimited with the LIC Motorsports / Crawford Performance STi, driving a blazing fast 1.22.591. Speaking of Crawford Performance, Ferdie was invited to pilot their Tiger Time Attack Car in one of the practice sessions, the same car Tarzan Yamada races in the Redline Time Attack series. Ferdie will be releasing an article detailing his experience driving their amazing car shortly.
Spectators admiring Paul's 500whp engine.
On the show front, our own Paul Yim of YimiSport won best of show for 2008 Subaru STis. Looks like that new Laguna Seca Blue paintjob did the trick with paint matched intercooler piping. We look forward to seeing Paul’s car in competition at the Super Lap Battle Finals in a few weeks at Buttonwillow Raceway.
Team SCS would like to thank everyone that enables us to do what we do.
Overall, we consider Subiefest 2009 another success in its bringing together of Subaru enthusiasts across the nation. Sponsors of the event included Subaru of America, Clutch Masters, Subiesport, TripleX, Flat4, ACT, Endura-Tech, Cosworth, Snail Performance, and of course, Team SCS! We’d like to thank everyone involved and can’t wait for next year’s event!
