Ryan Millen and his 2016 Toyota RAV4 SE have something else to boast about for 2016. The team recently took second place at the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally – a rally that is widely known as one of the fastest and most dangerous rally races in the U.S.
From slick, slippery clay and thick stones to sharp curves and uphill battles, the STPR course is no joke. However, just like previous races, Millen was able to put the RAV4’s pedal to the metal and forge ahead of several other competitors for a top spot at another very famous race.
As the green flags finally flew, the start of the competition got off to a shaky start for Millen. “It was really tricky. There was thick dust, and the surface didn’t allow us to get any heat into the tires. It was hard to get them to bite,” said Millen. “Typically we do well in handling, as the RAV4 makes a lot of grip, but this clay base really made it tough.”
Millen was in third place as the first stage came to a close. However, by staying the course and forging ahead, the duo was able to close a two-minute lag behind the first place winner to just 30 seconds at the rally’s finish line. It was an incredible feat for the Toyota team who recently took home first place wins in the 2WD Class at the Olympus Rally competition and Oregon Trail race. “What can I say…the RAV4 was again reliable…it never skipped a beat,” said Millen.
It now all comes down three more races, where Millen will have the chance to win the championship. The next stop is the New England Forest Rally in Newry, Maine on July 15. Check back with Crown Toyota’s blog to get all the details about the outcome of the two-day NEFR.
