The Okemo Hill Climb with Justin and Ryan

Someone who is new to the motorsports world or is an inexperienced novice enthusiast may have never heard of many of the unique events that happen outside of the more commercialized motorsports genres. Others may be aware that some more unique forms of competition exist, but might not have taken an interest due to their focus on other aspects of automotive recreation. Fortunately for those who may be looking for something that blends the components of other competitions to build something as exciting and challenging in a different environment, there is always a stage open for inspired expression. With a goal to provide all the adrenaline, energy, and endurance junkies with a spirit that both track and off-road events deliver, a number of groups in today's car culture collectively organize what is familiarly called in the enthusiast world as a "hillclimb" event. In humorous conversation regarding the pursuit of excitement, feeling of success, and its possible cost, his gathering of thrill seekers may seem on paper to the uninformed onlooker, as a festival of insanity. But, as we all know, everything will go on as planned.

On October 25th and 26th, one of these events, notably the Okemo Hill Climb, the second of 2025, was hosted on Okemo Mountain Road in Ludlow, Vermont and attended by a group of brave and hardened enthusiasts from around the region. These individuals took on the cold and traveled to Vermont to participate in this competition where they can either observe the action course side, or if they are prepared and have been feeling and breathing in the inspiration, can race their chosen vehicle up Okemo's steep, challenging mountain road to clock in with the fastest time. This event was a successful collaboration of some New England-based groups; the Killington Sports Car Club (KSCC), The Sports Car Club of New Hampshire (SCCNH), and Sports Car Club of Vermont (SCCV), three organizations who have formed the overarching New England Hillclimb Association (NEHA). This event is known to experts and novice alike as one of the circuit's fastest hill climbs. Its nerve testing long straight sections bring drivers to speeds that often pass 100mph proving that victory is truly earned both physically and emotionally.

Adding to what has been mentioned, the Okemo Hill Climb is an unforgiving 2.7 mile time-trial course along the existing paved access road that ascends the mountain while testing the drivers with over 30 corners, intimidating tree lines, and violent suspension pummeling. Drivers of all levels of experience are welcomed and encouraged to bring their anxious desires to the mountain but reminded that skill and confidence are still very important ingredients in a successful run. Many were on site not just to drive, but also to lend enthusiastic support and take initiative by working on the crew to help when participants are in need. Traditionally, these events, like those within other genres, have a long tradition of community and participation which stems from the drivers and enthusiasts who have come down from decades of experience. Most often, those who participate are not interested in only this genre, but have also been bitten by the bug of motorsports and performance across the board. Our team at Subimods is populated with real enthusiasts from all corners of the car community. Some dedicated to drifting, some to time attack, some to the slower and survival-themed off-road world. Some dive into every pool and swim against the roughest surf.

Justin Rancourt and Ryan Stanson are two members of the Subimods family that are always involved in something interesting and challenging. When we think of individuals who bring extreme value to the Subaru community and contribute with both experience, knowledge of the brand, and understanding of mechanics, both Justin and Ryan stand out as the people you want on your team to get the job done. When they both shared that they would be hitting the road to attend and compete in the Okemo Hill Climb, we felt it was a great opportunity to hear about their experiences and chronicle their journey through that weekend as both drivers and diverse enthusiasts who have a wide view of multiple motorsports genres and how these events impact the overall spirit within the community. Justin has clocked some more time as both a driver and competitor, but as a duo they bring the same level of competitive spirit, car culture creativity, and technical ingenuity to an event that almost screams for its participants to think differently - since this type of competition is like no other. Hearing their stories about what led them to this event will be both inspiring and encouraging to those who may be contemplating the same journey.

When you meet someone who has taken the modifier's journey and truthfully taken a taste of every part of what both the Subaru community and car culture has to offer, even if you are not quite familiar with the life, you will be drawn to its appeal. Rancourt is one of these individuals who is simply inspiring through his actions and spirit. Learning that he would be involved in the Okemo event wasn't a surprise, but we were glad that he would be sharing his experience and insight with us about the event. Asking about what pushed him to get involved as a competitor opened a small window into his background which will definitely help those who may be considering a run in the future. "I initially started hillclimbing my 2004 Forester XT years ago," Rancourt explained, "but have been out of the game for about 7 years. I have a caged chassis that I have been building over the years but it still isn’t close to complete. I did not want that to be an excuse to not be back on the mountain." Pushing doubt and excuse aside, Justin's activity this year has been evident. During the 2025 season he participated in both the Ascutney Hill Climb - a mountain also located in Vermont which stands at 3,144 feet and the highest peak in Windsor County - and now, the Okemo hill climb. "I competed in my freshly completed 1999 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport that I had done a complete powertrain swap on using my XT motor/drivetrain!", he said with pride.

Experiencing a successful and problem free run at the Ascutney was a great injection of inspiration and confidence for Justin. Getting on the mountain for a weekend at Okemo (practice happens on Saturday and actual competition is Sunday) proved again that he was meant to live this life. "My times from Saturday were hovering right around the 2 minute 50 second mark but I was getting more comfortable with each run completed.", Rancourt confirmed. "My main goal for the weekend was to reach the “break out” time which for that mountain is 2 minutes 43 seconds.” As Justin clarifies, "The ‘break out’ time is meant for cars that do not have the proper safety equipment such as a cage, HANs device, etc. Luckily, if going slower than that time you can still have fun and race the hill with the others!", he explained. "Break out twice and you are not able to come back to that mountain till you have the proper safety gear in that car." This event did not go without some expected obstacles even though after a cold night of camping and a few hours sleep, Justin's overall experience and memories to take away were positive. "Saturday didn’t have as many practice runs due to accidents delaying racing sending a wrecker up the hill," he confirmed. "Sunday I managed to improve with each run gaining a few seconds each time!", his voice proudly proclaimed. "I unknowingly broke out with a time of 2 minutes 42.29 seconds! Once I hit that number on my 3rd run, I decided it was time to call it done and prepare to drive home under my own power!" An accomplishment and comeback experience that makes us proud.

Stepping forward as a generous consummate enthusiast, professional creative, and true expert of the Subaru brand, an individual with these credentials exists by default as an educator for the community at large, but even the most well-informed amongst us always have a starting point when taking on new challenges. This is what makes them so effective and impactful to the car community. Stanson ventured into the hills of Vermont for a weekend of both competition and discovery since this event was somewhat a new taste to what he had experienced in the past. "The Okemo Hillclimb was a first of its kind for myself," Stanson explains. "Friends have been asking me to participate for years, including Justin during our time as coworkers," he said. "As a young adult, I spent a lot of my time preparing various cars I owned for Autocross and participated in a fair amount of events with CART, The Connecticut Autocross and Rally Team”. Stanson has kept a very busy schedule year after year with most summer seasons filled with travel to motorsports events serving as a professional photographer, videographer and marketing lead for Subimods. "It was hard for me to find myself behind the wheel competing," he explained. "I found myself watching all of my friends have fun while I was working hard capturing their cool competitive performances." In Ryan's case, what he captured from his camera lens was the ultimate, unexpected inspiration. He was not only giving something to the spectator, but also to himself. Acting on this prompt created by his own level of creativity and encouragement from peers was the next natural step.

Okemo was a return to the pure spirit which fuels an enthusiast’s heart and expands a view of a large community where he is embedded from all angles. His observational gifts were positively exercised, but this time from being in the seat as both a driver and a passionate participant in the performance loving lifestyle. Reflecting on the weekend, Stanson proclaimed, "As far as the driving goes, it’s pretty self explanatory. I had a great time. Combining a legal way to drive twisty backroads at full speed is never bad, especially when you have the friendly competition of your friends and the peace of mind knowing that you or your friends are able to support your repairs down in the pits should they be needed.", he shared joyfully. The most powerful aspect of the car culture is the fellowship and sense of accomplishment alongside like-minded individuals. "Justin and I shared a few great days of racing together, battling it out in semi competitive cars. Watching some extremely competitive cars make our times seem like phone numbers, and eating some warm food at the end of each day.", he remembered fondly. Finally, Ryan added, "Did I mention that I slept in the back of my Wagon and Justin camped in sub 40 degree weather? Nothing like starting your return to racing off with a chilly blast of Vermont winter.", he said with a smile. Gratefully, like Rancourt, Stanson reflected on the positive results of the event, "We decided to call it a half day on Sunday. We both ran decent times, our cars weren’t broken, and a hot dinner was waiting back home. Okemo was a great way to re-spark my love for driving." Another plate of inspiration served with a side of gratitude.

Even though these individuals share the same interests, serve in the same profession, and think of the car culture and its offerings with the same level of gratitude, Rancourt and Stanson are different personalities that are inspired by unique triggers. An event like Okemo, or even one that lies within a completely different environment or aesthetic, like Gridlife or Subiefest, it is proven that you pull out whatever you put in. You'll walk away with rewards that build upon your personal life as an enthusiast and will be motivated at a pace that propels you into personal victories if you choose to prepare, work hard, and do what is needed to get extreme enjoyment from your experience. "Hillclimbing is something anyone can come and try as long as your vehicle meets the minimum requirements of passing tech.", Justin advises. "The only items you need are a 'in spec' helmet, fire extinguisher with a metal bracket and a compressed air horn in case you have an accident or drive off the road and your factory horn doesn’t function.", he explains further. "No excessive wheel or tie rod play along with other basic requirements that to most are common sense." Reflecting on his own experience at Okemo, Justin sheds an important light while pointing out some changes he will make for the future by stating, "These hills are not smooth so you really learn about the issues your car has when racing up the hill. My main issue was wheel well clearance and my coilovers being tired.", he confirms. "I now have a decent list of things to fix and upgrade for the 2026 New England Hillclimb Association schedule."

With the Okemo event far distant in his symbolic rear view mirror, Stanson reflects on his experience with a similar spirit and with a sense of education in his back pocket to be exposed for use in the near future. "I'd be hard pressed to say I wouldn’t do it again!", he said with excitement. "Learning the hill, the car, where it's fast, where it's rough. It was a lot of fun and the strategy of 'survival' brings a fun element to Hillclimb racing. When I say 'survival', I'm not just talking about myself, but the mechanical nature of the car being thrashed as hard as it can be multiple times in a weekend, then driven home afterwards!", he confirmed with pride. The challenging climate of the weekend was also a factor since the outdoor life is woven into the event's equation and should not be taken for granted. As one who has experienced challenges of the New England cold before, Stanson adds, "For example, using my Luno Mattress made sleeping in my vehicle during the event a breeze. I was comfortable even in these adverse conditions." With a nod to the premiere makers behind the products we not only sell, but personally use, Ryan explains why participating in events like Okemo are proving grounds of confidence with results we naturally want to share. "This is a great example of why we back the parts we sell here at Subimods. It's not just the Subimods program out here testing. The entire staff of enthusiasts likes to put our foot down once and a while too!" To conclude with a positive summation of what Okemo gives to both enthusiasts and members of the larger community of interested drivers, Rancourt said, "It's truly one of the last few grass root motorsports out there that you can get into, be competitive and still not break the bank.", he said with affection. "If you are a 'Climb to the Clouds' or 'Pikes Peak' fan, then this genre is for you.”

Do thoughts of racing up Okemo Mountain inspire you to take your Subaru on a competitive journey? 

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