A Historic Triumph: Block's Dominance at Ojibwe Forests Rally
A Breakthrough Performance in Minnesota
Lia Block's recent triumph unfolded at the challenging Ojibwe Forests Rally, a two-day spectacle in Minnesota. Competing in the highly competitive RC2 division, Block, alongside her experienced co-driver Alex Gelsomino, expertly navigated their Hyundai i20 N Rally2 to an impressive win. Their commanding performance saw them cross the finish line with a total time of 1:44:23.1, leaving their nearest rivals, Javier Olivares and Leah Brisset, more than two minutes behind.
A Streak of Success and Dedication
This victory at the Ojibwe Forests Rally is not an isolated incident but rather the culmination of consistent excellence. Block has now achieved four consecutive podium finishes in the national circuit, including strong showings at the 2026 Olympus Rally, the Southern Ohio Forest Rally, and Rally Colorado. Her perseverance and hard work are evident in this string of successes, particularly after facing earlier setbacks in the year.
Reflections from the Champion
Following her momentous win, Lia Block took to Instagram to share her excitement and gratitude. She expressed immense pride in securing her first overall ARA victory, acknowledging the intense competition and her consistent lead from the first stage. Block highlighted that this achievement felt like a long-awaited reward, especially after the disappointment experienced at the Snow Drift event earlier in the year. She extended heartfelt thanks to her entire team, praising the flawless performance of her vehicle.
A Legacy Continues: Building on Past Achievements
At just 19 years old, Lia Block continues to build an impressive racing resume. She previously made history in 2023 by becoming the youngest champion in the Open Two-Wheel-Drive (O2WD) division of the ARA, a testament to her early prowess in the sport. Beyond rallying, Block has also ventured into the single-seater racing world, participating in the F1 Academy championship in 2025. There, she secured a commendable ninth-place finish in the overall standings, including a significant victory in Singapore.
Leading the Championship Charge
The Ojibwe Forests Rally marked the sixth of eight rounds in the 2026 ARCA National Championship. With her latest win, Lia Block now holds a substantial lead in the standings, sitting 21 points ahead of Seth Quintero. The season is set to conclude with two more exciting events: the Overmountain Rally Tennessee, scheduled for September 18–19, and the Lake Superior Performance Rally, which will take place on October 9–10.