Lia Block wins Ojibwe Forests Rally, making history in ARA

Lia Block has made history by becoming the first woman to win an American Rally Association (ARA) National Championship rally outright. Driving a Hyundai i20 N Rally2 prepared by Block House Racing, the 19-year-old secured her first overall victory at the 2026 Ojibwe Forests Rally in Minnesota.

Alongside co-driver Alex Gelsomino, Block led the event from the start, maintaining a consistent advantage over the field. She finished more than two minutes ahead of runner-up Javier Olivares, with Daniel Shalev taking third place. This victory marks Block's fourth consecutive podium in the championship.

The win significantly strengthens her position in the title race. Following mechanical issues that forced her primary competitor, Seth Quintero, to retire from the event, Block has extended her championship lead to 21 points with two rounds remaining in the season.