AOIFE RAFTERY and LIA BLOCK Feature in Southern Ohio Forest Rally Drama

June 23, 2026

• AOIFE RAFTERY secured her first L4WD class victory at Southern Ohio Forest Rally despite catastrophic brake failure when her Element Rally Sport machine clipped concrete culverts, shearing the front hub three-quarters through.
• The Irish driver ran third overall ahead of Rally2 machinery before mechanical issues forced her to nurse the damaged car through remaining stages, losing podium contention while co-driver HANNAH MCKILLOP helped manage the crisis.
• LIA BLOCK’s co-driver Alex Gelsomino monitored RAFTERY’s deteriorating hub at each stage start, shaking his head as damage worsened, highlighting the rally community’s supportive nature during mechanical emergencies.
• RAFTERY analyzed upcoming WRC Greece action on SPIN podcast, backing Sébastien Ogier as favorite and noting Hyundai’s stronger gravel performance could tighten the manufacturer battle against Toyota’s dominant season form.

element rally sport, l4wd, southern ohio forest rally