Restored Subaru S209 hits the track for tribute laps six years after owner was killed by drunk driver – Jalopnik

Ryan Stewart never made it to his first track day after cheating on his Subaru WRX STI S209. He was killed by a drunk driver while changing a flat tire on the side of the road. Although Stewart is no longer with us, his car will complete its journey to the track this weekend after friends restored it in his honor, according to Fox 10.

Ravi Tomerlijn van We don’t lift racing in Tempe, Arizona, led the effort. Stewart was a regular at the shop, which helped outfit his rare S209 for the track. The car went sideways in the crash and was a total loss, but Tomerlin and his team are still restoring it. Part of their motivation comes from the S209 being such a rare model, but above all it’s a labor of love. Tomerlijn has one GoFundMe established to help finance the restoration, but he never doubted that he would complete the restoration no matter what the cost.

Following Stewart’s death in May 2020, the car was seized by police while the drunk driver’s trial took place. The driver was found guilty of negligent homicide and sentenced to 18 months in prison. Tomerlin then took possession of the car, which was now damaged not only from the crash, but from years of sitting outside in the elements. He showed the condition of the car and the beginning of the restoration in a series YouTube videos.

The car is driveable again and will make its debut on the… Southwest Speed ​​Festival this weekend. Tomerlin will be there to drive it, as will Stewart’s brother, who will eventually bring the car to Colorado. While it may be easy in some cases to put a previously totaled car back on the road, the history of this car will likely make the process a little more challenging.

I know from experience how devastating a loss in a car community like this can be. I also know how good it can feel to see their car there again and tear it into their memories. Not only will it be great to see this S209 on the track instead of sitting in a junkyard or collecting dust in a garage, but it will also be good to see his friends finish what Stewart started.