Launch Control: Points to Prove - Episode 9.5

Coming off a loss at the Southern Ohio Forest Rally, Subaru Motorsports USA is focused on maximizing their championship points at New England Forest Rally. But a familiar face returns to the championship to throw a wrench in the works. Travis Pastrana and Brandon Semenuk face-off against McKenna, Higgins, and Block for a shootout in the mountains of Maine, and they've all got a point to prove.
The award-winning Subaru Launch Control documentary series returns for its ninth season, going inside the 2021 Subaru Motorsports USA rally and rallycross campaigns and starring team drivers Travis Pastrana, Scott Speed and Brandon Semenuk. The season’s first episode, kicking off the American Rally Association (ARA) season at the Sno*Drift Rally, debuts today on KZbin. New episodes will follow each Wednesday, covering the ARA and Nitro Rallycross (NRX) championship seasons as well as one-off events like Pastrana’s stunning record attempt at the 2021 Mt. Washington Hillclimb.
Follow the team on social media:
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Subaru Motorsports USA is managed by Vermont SportsCar and proudly supported by Subaru of America, Inc., MOTUL, KMC Wheels, Yokohama Tires, DirtFish Rally School, KÜHL, RECARO, weBoost and PepLink. Follow the team online at www.subaru.com/motorsports.
Produced by Formula Photographic Inc. and Bowes Media Inc.

[@mosesindecks]

Wow, Subaru‘s Launch control has got to be the best rally TV series on the planet.

[@jchrizzy6995]

It might be the only rally show ik of but at least it’s the best one

[@paulwolfie4395]

Yeah, absolutely luv this series too! Have watched it for a long time!! Cracking 👌 footage and great drivers! 👍

[@loganosborne164]

C how AMANY OSPAWWVHZDYTSYITSTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTSTYTIIIYYISTE E EV HZ

[@SubaruMotorsportsUSA]

Happy Launch Control Wednesday! ENJOY!!!! 💙

[@Urkardaddy]

We need footage of SOFR I cannot believe 😫 you skipped it!!

[@Subaruguy11]

Launch Control is one of my favorite things to watch. Subaru fan at heart.

[@ConnerSpeed6]

Travis is so nice, and kind, he apologizes to his co-driver after landing hard off of a big jump! What a guy

[@michellehawkins3866]

Exactly what I came to the comments to say!!! Such a great guy!!

[@thachester]

There's an old video of Travis clipping a inside corner berm and causing the car to roll like a dozen times. The car still in the roll Travis was asking his codriver if he was ok. Another time I've seen him give his trophy from one of the rallies to a young kid. Or in the last Mt. Washington hill climb he brought the ashes of a fan with him in the car that the father gave him right before the race. Travis is such a stand up person. Even in events where Travis crashes or dnf's he still pays attention to his fan base. There are plenty of great drivers and athletes out there, no doubt, but Travis is just on another level.

[@cute60666]

@@thachester this is why I love rally so much, it’s all about the sport, the love, the devotion to the fans, the cars, the track.

[@dwori]

Wow. Not a word of congratulations to David from the narrator or anyone... I'll do it myself then - Congrats David, well deserved mate!

[@cobeyoyo766]

Best rally series on the internet by far.

[@BigWarningSign]

Unfortunately you didn't quite do it this time, but all the luck for next time guys.

[@Johno144]

Pretty much the only rally series on the internet.

[@cobeyoyo766]

@@Johno144 my life as a rallyist is another great one. There are plenty just not this high budget.

[@mosesindecks]

David Higgins was such a good driver, same to hos codriver Craig Drew. I was a bit concerned about their career after Subaru and I’m totally glad they had a soft landing at McKenna Motorsport. This is very very good competition and it pushes everyone forward.

[@fabioschwarz21]

It’s only for one Rally so it’s nice to have him back for one but it doesn’t really matter for the rest of the Season…

[@mosesindecks]

@@fabioschwarz21 Wow.... I wish he could have come back for the whole season

[@fabioschwarz21]

@@mosesindecks yeah would have made it even more intense and mixed up battle

[@tommytoofar]

@@fabioschwarz21 are you who I think you are? Son of the Octavia king?

[@substratepreparation856]

@@tommytoofar yes

[@14AllanD]

Yo im so happy for Semenuk! I always love seeing the "Underdog" of sorts prevail and he seems like such a humble and great person.

[@theglassmaker1122]

"3 wins in the first 4 events". Launch control "let's scooch right on by that 4th event"

[@envoy3]

Yea what the heck? What happened there?!

[@ernestointeriano2777]

This is fire deserves way more attention

[@dillon8212]

The production of this series just keeps getting better and better!!

[@MKNYC_]

After all these years watching Subaru dominate these rallys with David behind the wheel, nice to see him back up on top of that podium.

[@-ink.-3948]

The competition between Travis and David is just next level... these races were epic - making me nervous 😅

[@donswier]

Props to Subaru for staying in the fight every event, every season, win or lose.

[@matthunt7390]

Gotta listen to your mentors! Semenuk is a beast! Can't wait to see his full potential!

[@s_u_b_z_e_r_0896]

Glad to see David Higgins an Craig drew , coming back showing who the kings are in rally, yeah Subaru we made you guys to the top remember that 😮‍💨💯

[@matthewrourke9641]

Holy heck I made it into an episode of Launch Control :O All the Subaru folk were so awesome and thanks for signing my flag & poster Travis and Brandon!!!

[@the30Amechanic]

It’s crazy admirable that Semenuk being possibly the greatest freeride mountain biker ever is now consistently at the top of the game in such a short time. Really amazing stuff

[@Ryansanders80]

I remember "watching" from home, and that evening when at dinner suddenly my Facebook feed is full of David Higgins photoshopped into a meme of a guy giving a peace sign on a grave with "subaru" on it. I sent him a text and it was confirmed :). that brought me serious joy. so deserved

[@craphell12]

What a beatiful series and I love it, showing some of the parts of rally I've never got to see. Thank you for uploading these!

[@slashertt]

Great to see the Double D's (David & Drew) are back even though it's not in a Subaru

[@littlefella420]

Dave Higgins is still my favourite driver

[@niiphox93]

Damn imagine the feelings going through them as they pas trough the corner wondering whats wrong in order to see their teammates car fully flipped over at 16:31 and getting followed up by that "oh" , you could really feel it in his voice.

[@almostJDM]

Every time I see LC pop up on my reed I get giddy, I love watching

[@paulwolfie4395]

Thanks to all involved with making these programmes for subaru!! Great footage 👏 as always! Cracking job! Hopefully there are many more series 🙏 to follow! Brilliant !!! Cheers 🍺 🍻 to all those involved and to all those fellow subaru friends, and supporters out there!!🇬🇧🇺🇲🏁👍

[@Real__ATF]

The only ad I don’t regret clicking:

[@05GDF]

Brandon not only the steeziest rider, rally driver too get it B🤘🙌

[@sxzy460]

So good to know that Travis and his Co driver is ok.

[@helidevil123]

Greatly organized. Freaking love the work you guys put out. Thanks, Launch Control!

[@CashedOutCars]

Epic stuff, and my favorite rally of the year! It was awesome to see this live!

[@sl-je5fg]

Glad to see safety standards have actually translated into saving lives, that crash was big

[@WayneCarolan]

Fantastic content as always, I honestly don’t know why Subaru didn’t have a European team in US series as well? David Higgins could have lead it and brought the best out of everyone. It’s only a matter of time before Loeb is on Mckenna’s team too. Look at the analytics and see that folks are watching this globally not just in US. Those in power in Subaru could do with looking at the bigger picture, look at any good racing stable, there’s no such thing as to many champions/winners.

[@moonscar119]

There were lots of European teams there, just not for Subaru. More money can be made outside of America

[@bigtoepapa]

Higgins and McKenna wow!!

[@miguelolivares3831]

What a episode today , travis kind and humble guy 👏👏👏👏 Higgins is a legend

[@elementalsheep2672]

This episode was a rollercoaster!

[@stillbokes]

One of the most exciting rally events in U.S. history, in terms of the quality of competition, fan excitement, etc. Shame so many of the top cars ended up DNFing but it really shows what's possible for rally in America in the future.

[@VictorLiew]

somehow I just always can't wait for the next episode to be out

[@bigguydiy2184]

So mad I missed the 2021 Race in Maine. Will be there for 2022!!

[@neoncarrotgaming1128]

Amazing series of videos please dont stop! You guys put out some of the best content on youtube easily

[@jebus456]

Can we talk about that save @11:40

[@donlyl3]

Got me watching again! Glad to see the champ David higgins and Craig drew back in the race!

[@Urkardaddy]

Just in the wrong car...But oh well gives the boys some friendly competition.

[@andrewachilles3145]

Yes David what a 🏆

[@buddychubbs743]

FINALLY !!! Waited all week for this

[@paigejane173]

Amazing as per. Keep up the good work y'all!

[@buraionline]

You guys are much better than WRC+ All Live. Way way better to watch. Plus these recent constant uploads were insane. Best rally show ever! That Gran Turismo 7 referrence though made me laugh 😁

[@darrellgeerlinks1562]

Glad to see some more competition in the ARA! Keep up the great work on the cars and you tube series!

[@thachester]

I got to attend the New England Forest Rally some number of years ago. Ken Block was the only big name there that year. I got to see him on the Concord Pond stage and it was incredible just how much faster he was then anyone else.

[@metropolis10]

Fantastic episode!

[@andrewachilles3145]

Mental game on Travis worked

[@thestisfrankestein6137]

I love Subarus i have one 2015 sti And I love this guy I love this races they are awesome

[@donaldhart2310]

Not to shabby for a car commercial!

[@ch-ir8ld]

lol yea

[@NorthDakotaCarGuy]

1:24 bro is that a Galant!! Lets gooooo

[@cnobillbradley9673]

After watching these Launch Control videos I tell my honey to take the keys to my Forester XT and run! The neighbors wouldn’t understand!

[@LukeDupin]

Travis is so polite while rolling a rally car.

[@Zeal808]

Very professional

[@taylorjohnson5148]

Travis is right. This has to be the most competitive the rally has been.

[@14AllanD]

I wish I could find raw ootage from in car for a full race. It would be amazing to listen to Gelsomino make her calls and see travis respond in real time. I love beiong along for the ride in this but a full experience would be amazing

[@michaelvizcaino8382]

Crazy crazy episode

[@deathtoming2201]

Keep these vids up love it

[@lzappa9109]

10/10, grazie mille!

[@rzero21]

6:41 The day WRC comes to the U.S. That will be the wake up call. Barry bringing tuned-down WRC cars was just the nudge.

[@samsonian]

Sad to say, but this is a huge hole in Travis’ mental approach. If you want to win championships you need to know when to pull back just a tiny bit to maximize points. Yes, guys like McRae charged every stage and were loved for it…but Colin also threw away more than a few wins with that approach. Either way, hopefully Pastrana can rebound well because right now McKenna is 2 punctures away from being just about tied up in the champ. Great season!

[@louisbell1854]

can i buy a box set with more rally footage? OMG i cannot get enough of this!!!! Shoot, even a ridealong video would be dope

[@LiveFreeMoto]

so well made

[@carterw9148]

I'd like to see Higgins in a Subaru car but it's awesome to have all these amazing drivers competing against each other.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

New name you guys: Travis "FTW" Pastrana. Love the sound of that.. lol

[@bluespirit7008]

Waiting for next episode

[@joelbladimirhunter9555]

Love it love it love it

[@ks-bg5uk]

I miss Higgins in a Subaru. Glad Travis and his co-driver are ok. Travis had the win but pushed too hard.

[@mark11145]

Freaking fantastic as always. Love watching Launch Control.

[@derrickvermont9806]

Travis talked himself into making that mistake

[@Zeal808]

Insane

[@Gorillanaut]

At 12:57 … what is being sprayed onto the KMC logo to clean the car?

[@TMVinyl]

That save at 11:40 👌🏻

[@Zeal808]

🤦🏾‍♂️ going so fast

[@TMVinyl]

@@Zeal808 rallying for you boss

[@user-tu1ek9ur2j]

Many users hope that the Subaru WRX STI model will be released in City Racer, an online racing game that has been in service in Korea for 20 years. There are a lot of fans of the Subaru WRX STI model at City Racer.

[@ozzysgarage]

Happy HUMP Day Subaru Family!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@rieses88]

Its always interesting how theres always the drivers that push for the sake of pushing and then the drivers that "play the game." Arguably we all want everyone to be like Travis or in classic fashion who i think hes trying to emulate is Colin Mcrae, just a pure desire for speed and the "send it"mentality

[@dualer208]

Grand Turismo 7 trailer background music so fitting

[@DRcrimeinvestigate]

thanks to subaru for keeping the fire burning

[@stephengachomba3991]

Big up Subaru,

[@jamesamsler2418]

Screw stats....win em!!!

[@eightsnaps8813]

YESSSSS!!!!!

[@FiLLs18]

when season is going we need this

[@desert_jin6281]

As much as I root for Subaru, that bad luck for McKenna is heartbreaking.

[@Aliveandwelll]

glad Higgins won but feel bad for Travis

[@dodgeman1997]

Subaru left Higgins out to dry...I respect them but they should have praised Higgins on the win. Love Travis but still feel Subaru messed up getting rid of Higgins

[@Ceramicsmokeware]

That’s crazy to see David back after he left the year before. I’m curious how they got him back…

[@PlaySA]

He's not 'back' per se. Not with Subaru anyways, McKenna Motorsports signed him to be a second car and steal points from the Subarus. And it was a smart choice because Higgins knows most of these rallies inside and out.

[@Ceramicsmokeware]

@@PlaySA right I got that but they must be good buddies or paid him a lot to come back.

[@jchrizzy6995]

I hope “thanks john” becomes a meme

[@toddfranco7194]

Boom 👊🏻

[@v8_sami]

Hopefully Tortola joins in the American rally. Subaru really needs some good competition to step up their wrx game.

[@willsalazarramirez5139]

CHICLAYO PERU 🇵🇪 💪 💪

[@chapel976]

oh, that's why David was at NEFR!

[@DuncaR]

Travis is his own worst enemy.....

[@MidSouthUTV]

And not beating David is just going to make Travis push harder where he needed to be more conservatives (if David comes back for 2022) and just reminded myself it's for points. But for Travis it will always be for bragging rights and the $1 bets. It's the old saying the Student becomes the Master, but if the Master returns for one race can spook the Student, it doesn't matter. I'm glad Travis was able to win the Championship at the end of the season, but at what cost of getting a DNF just to try to beat David for one race. David said it best in his post race interview, Travis needed to finish and not worry about beating me.

[@rzero21]

3:23 biggest plot twist of the season

[@rzero21]

1:40 that is, assuming Pastrana gets to finish those rallyes...

[@GinoFoto]

ARA cars looks credibly basics from outside, really close to road legal STIs, huge contrast against those out of this world machines from today's WRC.

[@w1jim]

@7:30 South Arm Stage "No Crash Zone Next 9.65 Miles". Go team Black Sheep!

[@faekz]

Thx for killing the Sti geniuses!

[@lornecunningham326]

What happened with Higgins and Drew and Subaru?

[@Pierceprepper327]

This reminds me of the age old question. Who is faster? David or Travis idk but we both know who goes off more lol glad everyone was OK!

[@thinkingswede8762]

Is there no audience on the stages in America?