What can a 17 year old race car driver accomplish in a Subaru rally car? List includes: kick butt, take names.

A Flashback to 17-Year-Old Driving “Achievements”

At 17, I had my share of gold-standard driving moments—like bumping into another car at a Whole Foods light trying to merge onto Rt. 7 West (that tiny little turn, you know the one). Or getting completely, hopelessly lost on the three-mile drive home from my birthday party and calling my dad from a payphone—while he laughed so hard he could barely get the directions out.

Let’s not forget running out of gas smack in the middle of Chain Bridge during rush hour. And yes, I once used my built-in car phone (remember those?) to chat the entire two-hour drive to JMU… only to find out later it was for emergencies only. At $2.25 a minute. Ouch.

Enter Oliver Solberg: Subaru’s Rally Wunderkind at 17

Now let’s talk about what Subaru Motorsports driver Oliver Solberg did at 17. Hint: it’s a little more impressive. He won the Susquehannock Trail Rally in his Subaru WRX STI—his fifth win in six races alongside teammate David Higgins, also driving a WRX.

This wasn’t an easy victory either. With the rally moving to September, cool and damp weather turned the Pennsylvania backroads into ankle-deep mud, creating slick, dangerous conditions. But Solberg and Higgins charged through, showing that skill, grit, and the right car can conquer even the toughest terrain.

Subaru WRX STI: The Ultimate Rally Machine

Let’s be honest—having a world-class vehicle doesn’t hurt. The Subaru WRX STI has proven itself time and again on rally courses worldwide, delivering the precision, power, and control needed to dominate. Solberg and Higgins’ wins underscore why the WRX STI remains a top choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Looking Ahead

With one race left in the season—Michigan’s Lake Superior Performance Rally—Subaru Motorsports USA and its drivers are set to finish strong. Oliver Solberg may still be new to driving (legally speaking), but his trajectory makes it clear: he’s only getting started.

As for me? Let’s just say I’m still working on perfecting parallel parking—without my husband wildly gesturing from behind the car.