Brandon Semenuk would be forced to retire from STPR on the second stage due to a crash.
What Happened
Just two stages into the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally disaster would strike for ARA National Championship leader Brandon Semenuk. Semenuk would crash out on SS2 forcing him to retire. This is the worst possible outcome for Semenuk on a weekend he could’ve won the championship. Semenuk finished SS1 0.5 seconds behind Ken Block.
What Does This Mean For The Championship?
Brandon Semenuk had a chance to clinch the 2022 ARA National Championship at STPR. He would’ve done this if Ken Block was the one to crash out. Unfortunately, Semenuk was the one to crash out. This means even if Semenuk rejoins he will only be able to gain minimal points. Forcing LSPR to a battle between Block and Semenuk for the title as a result of Semenuk’s retirement. Although Semenuk retiring is bad on paper, mathematically it could help him win the championship. As heading into STPR both Block and Semenuk were set to drop 17 points as the ARA only counts the driver’s top six scores. Due to 17 being the least for both drivers they would’ve dropped that, but now Semenuk can drop fewer points or no points at all. Upping his chances at the championship as a result.
Will Brandon Semenuk Be Back?
Currently, Brandon Semenuk’s retirement is only marked as a temporary retirement. Meaning he will likely rejoin on day two or the second loop of day one. If he were to rejoin on the second loop of day one it would up his chances of finishing higher. Thus more championship points. That will all be decided by how fast the Subaru Motorsports USA crew can fix Semenuk’s car.
My name is Joe Moore. I am a writer for Belly Up Hockey, Belly Up Racing, and Belly Up Sports. You can find me on Twitter.
