On August 30, history was made at the Sanford Center parking lot in Bemidji, Minnesota, during the Sanford Center Super Special, a street stage event that concluded the 2026 Ojibwe Forests Rally. This unique competition showcased rally superstars racing on pavement, thrilling hundreds of fans with impressive drifts, high speeds, and the unmistakable sound of burnt rubber.
At the end of the weekend, it was 19-year-old Lia Block who stood atop the podium alongside her co-driver Alessandro Gelsomino, marking a significant milestone in rally history. Block's victory not only represented her first win in the American Rally Association (ARA) national overall class but also made her the first female driver to achieve this feat in the top class. "Unfortunately, it’s taken this long to happen," she remarked with a hint of humor. "We’ve been working toward it for a long time."
Block’s achievement is particularly noteworthy in a sport where female representation has been limited. Her father, the late Ken Block, was a renowned figure in rally racing, and Lia has been following in his footsteps since she began racing at the age of 11. After obtaining her driver’s permit, she transitioned to rally racing, where she has found her true passion.
Another notable figure on the podium was Vivan Campbell, the guitarist for the rock band Def Leppard, who secured third place alongside co-driver Michael Hordijk in their 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage. Campbell, who has faced challenges in previous rallies, expressed his surprise and delight at finishing strong this time around. "It’s been a tough year," he admitted. "I came here just with the express purpose of just finishing a rally, which I’m happy to say that we did. Better still, we finished pretty well and got on the podium. So it’s been a great weekend."
The Ojibwe Forests Rally is known for its rugged gravel roads that wind through the woods, with stages stretching from Detroit Lakes to Laporte. The Sanford Center Super Special, introduced in 2025, has quickly become a highlight of the event, providing a unique urban racing experience that brings rally cars into the heart of Bemidji. Rally Minnesota Chairman Scott Puttnam praised the venue, stating, "The facilities that you have up here are just — this is incredible. As far as what we’re able to do, it’s got plenty of space to sit there and do stuff like this."
Beyond the racing, the event showcased the warmth and friendliness of the local community, which left a lasting impression on competitors like Campbell. He shared a lighthearted encounter with a local police officer during his stay, highlighting the charm of "Minnesota nice."
Lia Block’s journey to this historic win has been marked by both triumph and tragedy. She competed alongside her father in 2022, when he won the Ojibwe Forests Rally, but the following year brought heartache with his untimely passing. Despite this loss, Block remains dedicated to the sport that has defined her family. She hopes her success will inspire more women to pursue careers in racing, emphasizing the inclusivity of the sport. "Racing cars, generally, all over the world in every kind of discipline, is so unique because there’s not really much of a barrier between being a woman or a man in the racing scene," she noted.
As the Ojibwe Forests Rally continues to grow in popularity, the Sanford Center Super Special is poised to become a staple in the rally calendar. With its combination of thrilling competition and community spirit, it promises to entertain fans and participants alike for years to come.
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