David Higgins and Craig Drew stormed to a stunning victory in the Team Subaru USA Impreza on last weekend's Sno-Drift Rally near Michigan.

The event was the opening round of the North American Rally Championship and attracted a quality entry of 70 cars. 140 competitive miles spread over two days covering 24 special stages were full of ice and snow, making conditions extremely treacherous.

Friday's leg of 12 tests started at lunchtime and went well into the night, and from the off Higgins was embroiled in a battle with old sparring partner Antoine L'Estage in his factory Lancer Evo 10.

By the end of Friday evening, Higgins held a comfortable lead over L'Estage.

"(It was the) most treacherous event I have ever done, so easy to make mistake in these conditions, especially in the dark," said Higgins.

Day 2 saw a further 12 snowbound stages. L'Estage cut Higgins' lead to 56 seconds at one stage but then went off himself to give the Subaru driver a comfortable cushion of over a minute-and-a-half with three stages to go.

That was further extended to 1.48 by the time they reached the finish.

"Absolutely delighted to start the year with a win," said Drew.

"David drove brilliantly, it was so easy to go off. That was one of the toughest events I have ever done," said Drew.

Their next scheduled outing is on 24th and 25th February at The 100 Acre Wood Rally.

Picture courtesy of TWM Photography.