Rallycross to rev up on Australian shores

Having enjoyed considerable popularity in Europe and North America in recent years, Rallycross is heading to Australia with the Sidichrome Extreme Rallycross Championship due to begin in August and run until February.

Following a successful test day at the Sydney Motorsport Park at the beginning of May, promoters Global Rallycross Australia have confirmed a seven round championship that will include two events in Sydney and Melbourne, plus other races in Adelaide, Brisbane and on the Gold Coast.

Fans, drivers and partygoers alike will be treated to two days extreme action at each championship round.

The series has already attracted sponsorship from tool brand Sidchrome and organisers have secured a television package on SBS.

15 drivers have expressed an interest in signing up for the new championship, including former World Rally Championship competitor Alistair McRae. The Scot, younger brother of late WRC champ Colin, is now based in Australia and drove the test car the recent Sydney Motorsport Park trial.

Rallycross was invented back in the 1970s by a BBC producer looking for Sunday afternoon content, and has enjoyed a boom period in recent years.

The racing combines spectacular sliding, jumping, rally cars with wheel-to-wheel circuit racing on tracks that combine tarmac, gravel, mud and jumps.

The short, action-packed races drew the attention of sport's promoters IMG, who took over the low-key European championship in 2013 and quickly evolved it into an officially sanctioned world championship in 2014.

Introducing the series, Global Rallycross Australia Managing Director David Ridden stated “we have been working closely with venues and our track designer has been working overtime.

 “We’re kicking it off in a big way … at Lakeside Park in Brisbane (which) is going to be a massive event and the track design is guaranteed to deliver some wild overtaking moves and big jumps.

Lakeside Park owner John Tetley explained “we’re very excited to be hosting two rounds of the Rallycross Championship and to make sure it’s a success we are investing heavily to make the Rallycross circuit both challenging and rewarding for the drivers with lots of places to make a daring move.

“The viewing areas will provide spectacular viewing of the whole track for both fans and Other venues in the series include Calder Park Melbourne, Sydney Motorsport Park (Eastern Creek) and the a temporary circuit at the Adelaide Showgrounds.

Ridden added “we’re particularly excited about the Adelaide round.

“There is a massive motorsport fan base in South Australia proven by the popularity of Clipsal. We reckon that hosting it at the Showgrounds will be a fantastic way for fans to join in the party.”

Circuits for the series have been designed by decorated and respected co-driver Mark Stacey.

Commenting on Stacey’s role, Ridden added “getting Mark on board in the role of Motorsport Manager was fantastic.

“He brings with him a wealth of experience and when it comes to track design, there is no one more qualified in Australia. When you team Mark with Chris Atkinson who has helped design the Lakeside circuit, you know that things are spot on.”  

Sidichrome Extreme Rallycross Championship Series Calendar

Round 1: 4th and 5th September - Lakeside Park, Brisbane 
Round 2: 25th and 26th September - Calder Park, Melbourne  
Round 3: 30th and 31st October - Sydney Motorsport Park
Round 4: 13th and 14th November - Lakeside Raceway, Brisbane 
Round 5: 11th and 12th December - Wayville Show Grounds, Adelaide
Round 6: 15th and 16th January - Calder Park, Melbourne 
Round 7: 19th and 20th February - Sydney Motorsport Park

Image shows the Extreme Rallycross Series' test car in action at Sydney Motorsport Park.

For more information go to www.extremerallycross.com.au/

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