All the ingredients were there for the ‘Aussie Shred’ Gymkhana to be something very special indeed. We knew Travis Pastrana would be driving, and he most definitely knows the score when it comes to behind-the-wheel insanity. We knew it would feature the Subaru ‘Brataroo’, a 9,500rpm retro pick up built by the same folk who make STI rally cars. Moreover, it was going to be in Australia. And when has Australia ever looked anything but extraordinary?
So here we have it, the latest and perhaps greatest Gymkhana yet. Apparently this one features the ‘biggest jumps, closest calls and craziest tricks’ yet seen in one of these videos, which feels like quite a bold claim, but then look at these stills: the Subaru is jumping across a canyon, for heaven’s sake. There’s plenty more to enjoy besides, including cameos from actual V8 Supercars at Mount Panorama, BMX stunts and the stunning red sands of the Outback. Granted, by now it can probably feel like you’ve seen all that Gymkhana can offer, but Aussie Shred certainly promises something different.
It’s been a long time coming, too. As far back as Gymkhana Nine, the Hoonigan crew wanted to shoot in Australia, but were rebuffed because of the country’s strict driving laws. Now, a decade later, they were met “with open arms” by the Aussie government, according to Hoonigan co-founder Brian Scotto.
“This combination of the unfinished business we had down under and this being Pastrana’s last film in the series not only makes it very special to me, but also puts the pressure on to push the limits of what we could do both in the car and behind the camera.” And when the actual Hoonigan folk are talking about pushing the limits, you know you’re in for one heck of a ride. Put the kettle on, get comfy, and be ready to see Australia like you’ve never seen it before.