Watch Travis Pastrana tackle Australia's most iconic locations in a custom 1978 Subaru BRAT, delivering death-defying stunts and honoring Ken Block's legendary Gymkhana series.

The Return of Gymkhana: Travis Pastrana Takes on the Outback

Hoonigan's legendary Gymkhana series roars back to life with Travis Pastrana behind the wheel of the extraordinary Subaru Brataroo 9500 Turbo, a heavily modified 1978 Subaru BRAT that's been transformed into a purpose-built drift machine. This latest installment takes the iconic automotive stunt series to Australia, where Pastrana tears through some of the continent's most recognizable landscapes in what might be the most ambitious Gymkhana production yet.

A Custom-Built Beast: The Subaru Brataroo 9500 Turbo

The star of this production is no ordinary vintage Subaru. The Brataroo 9500 Turbo represents months of engineering work by Vermont SportsCar, transforming a classic 1978 BRAT into a rally-spec monster. The flat-four engine has been tuned to rev like a Ferrari, producing a soundtrack that's both nostalgic and utterly modern. With all-wheel drive crushing acceleration from 0-80 mph and remaining competitive with V8 Supercars all the way to 160 mph, this retro rocket delivers performance that would have been unimaginable when the original BRAT rolled off the assembly line.

Iconic Australian Locations Meet Precision Driving

From the sun-baked red dirt of the Outback to the urban canyon of Sydney Harbour, Pastrana pushes the limits across Australia's most dramatic settings. The video features jaw-dropping sequences at Mount Panorama's legendary Bathurst circuit, where Pastrana actually joins an ongoing V8 Supercar race mid-lap, drifting alongside some of Australia's top racing drivers including Will Brown. The production team secured access to locations that showcase Australia's diverse landscape, from remote desert highways to waterfront docks where Pastrana dangles the BRAT off the edge in a tribute to Ken Block's iconic Gymkhana moves.

Death-Defying Stunts That Push Every Boundary

This isn't just another drift video—it's a masterclass in automotive audacity. Pastrana launches the BRAT over a massive road train semi-truck, skips across a deep pond hydroplane-style (with failed attempts shown at the end to prove it wasn't shallow water), and executes donuts around a kangaroo riding a Segway in what might be the most Australian stunt ever filmed. The zero-gravity moments captured as the car catches massive air demonstrate both Pastrana's fearless driving and the production team's cinematography expertise.

Honoring Ken Block's Legacy

Throughout the video, subtle tributes to the late Ken Block appear—from the Segway sequence echoing Block's 2011 Gymkhana III, to the dock hanging moment that references his earlier work, to the KENworth truck featured prominently. Travis Pastrana, who has taken over the Gymkhana series following Block's tragic passing, brings his own unique energy while respecting the foundation Block built. The emotional weight of continuing this legendary series shines through, with Pastrana's genuine excitement and occasional terror visible through helmet-cam footage.

World-Class Production Value

The cinematography elevates this Gymkhana beyond mere stunt driving into genuine automotive art. Multiple camera angles capture every slide, jump, and near-miss with crystal clarity. The color grading brings out the rich reds of the Outback dust and the deep blues of Sydney's waters. The sound design is particularly noteworthy—every gear change, tire squeal, and turbocharged surge comes through with visceral impact that makes you feel like you're in the passenger seat.

Community Response and Automotive Impact

The automotive community's reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with enthusiasts celebrating both the technical execution and the emotional resonance of keeping Block's vision alive. Cameos from Australian automotive personalities including Mighty Car Mods' Marty and Moog, plus participation from professional V8 Supercar drivers, demonstrate the respect this series commands across the motorsports world. The video represents not just entertainment, but a continuation of nearly 20 years of Gymkhana history that has inspired countless drivers, builders, and creators worldwide.

This latest Gymkhana proves that the series' spirit of innovation, risk-taking, and pure automotive joy continues stronger than ever, with Travis Pastrana carrying the torch forward while adding his own signature style to every slide, jump, and jaw-dropping moment.