The iconic Gymkhana series, which propelled rally driver Ken Block to global fame in 2008, has resurfaced with a new installment starring Travis Pastrana. This time, the action unfolds across Australia’s dramatic landscapes in a heavily modified Subaru Brat, pushing the limits of automotive stunts like never before. The long-awaited return marks a turning point: Australian authorities initially blocked a 2014 attempt to film there, citing strict anti-hoon laws. Now, ten years later, the series was welcomed with open arms.
A Long-Delayed Debut
For years, Australia remained a coveted but unattainable location for the Gymkhana franchise. Co-founder Brian Scotto explains that the initial rejection stemmed from the country’s aggressive stance against reckless driving. However, a decade later, the climate had shifted, and Pastrana was given the green light to film. This turnaround is not just about access—it represents a shift in how Australia views extreme motorsports.
Stunts That Redefine “Shred”
The film opens with Pastrana executing a jaw-dropping jump over a massive road train in the Australian outback. From there, the stunts escalate quickly. A callback to earlier Gymkhana films includes drifting around a Segway rider—this time, the rider is hilariously dressed in a kangaroo suit.
The real spectacle begins at Mount Panorama, home of the Bathurst 1000 race. Pastrana doesn’t just drive on the track; he invades it during a live Supercars race, powersliding alongside V8-powered machines in an adrenaline-fueled showdown. The sequence culminates in a high-speed drag race against a Chevrolet Camaro, further blurring the lines between controlled chaos and calculated precision.
Sydney’s Streets and a Turbocharged Finale
The crew then moved to Sydney, where Pastrana tears through city streets before unleashing the Brat at a wharf. This final act showcases the car’s custom-built 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, delivering a sound unlike any other Gymkhana vehicle. The result is a raw, unfiltered display of automotive performance.
“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.” – Brian Scotto, Hoonigan co-founder.
The Gymkhana series’ return to Australia is significant not just for the stunts themselves, but for the story behind them. The shift from outright rejection to enthusiastic support reflects a growing acceptance of extreme motorsports in a country once defined by its strict regulations. This latest installment isn’t just a film; it’s a symbol of evolving attitudes towards automotive culture.
