Red Bull Global Rallycross Media Day hits LA

Red Bull Global Rallycross held it's first media day earlier this week. The event at the Port of LA provided teams, drivers, sponsors, and the series itself with the perfect platform to make several new announcements with just over a month until the first round of the season.

Television coverage

NBC revealed their full plans for this season's coverage. All but four rounds will be broadcast live on the NBC network, with Top Gear Festival Barbados, Seattle and the season finale in Las Vegas all being shown by tape delay whilst the X Games Austin round will once again be on ESPN. Coverage will also be available on mobile devices through NBC's NBC Sports Live Extra app. Tes Sewell will present the coverage alongside IndyCar star Townsend Bell.

 

New sanctioning body

The United States Auto Club was announced as the new sanctioning body for Red Bull Global Rallycross. USAC has a rich history in motorsports, founded in 1956, it has been the sanctioning body for the Indianapolis 500 for over 40 years.

Speaking of the announcment,USAC CEO/President Kevin Miller “USAC has a long and diversified past of sanctioning some of racing’s greatest series, Indycar, Grand Am, Stick Cars, Road and Rally racing have all called USAC their home. We are proud to be associated with the next generation of racing with our new partnership with Red Bull Global Rallycross.”

Volkswagen Rallycross DC

Volkswagen and Andretti Autosport have teamed up to take Red Bull Global Rallycross to Washington DC.

Volkswagen Rallycross DC, which will mark the return of major motorsport to the capital city, will take place around the RFK stadium on June 22.

“We’re thrilled to hold a race with such an historic backdrop and to bring this extreme motorsports to the forward-thinking environment of D.C.,” said Tim Mayer, General Manager, Andretti Sports Marketing. “In addition to putting on a spectacular show, the Volkswagen Rallycross DC event is committed to being a good neighbour and we look forward to some great initiatives we’ll have in support of the race with a focus toward giving back to the community.”

Driver/Team announcements

Former IndyCar racer turned team owner Bryan Herta will take his Barracuda Racing squad into Red Bull Global Rallycross for the first time this year with rookie Austin Dyne behind the wheel.

Dyne, a former NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Rookie of the Year competed in GRC Lites last year and sounded thrilled to be moving into the Supercars class for 2014
 
“It is exciting to be driving for Barracuda Racing this season,” he said. “This is an outstanding team of people put together here and we are looking forward to getting the Red Bull Global Rallycross season underway in Barbados, May 18.”

Herta himself was equally enthusiastic about the season ahead.

“I am really excited to be expanding into GRC, and to do it with friends and partners like Barracuda and Austin Dyne is ideal. The car looks fantastic and the schedule and TV platform for the series is extremely compelling.”


Series sponsor Red Bull has teamed up with multi-championship winning squad Olsbergs MSE for the 2014 season. 

The Austrian energy drinks firm, which will also sponsor Rhys Millen this season will sponsor the Ford Fiesta ST Supercars of Patrik Sandell and GRC Lites champion Joni Wiman, as well as the GRC Lites entry of  Mitchell DeJong.



“Moving into the top class of competition this year after having such a great run in the 2013 GRC Lites is an amazing opportunity,” said Wiman, who took the GRC Lites crown last year after winneng every single round. “Joining the elite Red Bull athlete roster as I take this important step in my career is a dream come true.”

 
Brian Deegan and Steve Arpin were also confirmed to be returning to the series.





Photo credit: Alison Padron, Red Bull Global Rallycross