10 Things to Know About RallyCar’s U.S. Rallycross

The first-ever Rallycross race in the United States takes place this weekend (August 28-29) at the New Jersey Motorsport Park (NJMP) in Millville, NJ. Americans got their first taste of wheel-to-wheel Rally racing when RallyCar brought ‘SuperRally’, a condensed version of Rallycross, to ESPN’s X Games 16 this past July. The crowd’s enthusiastic response to what they witnessed in the L.A. Coliseum that night was overwhelming! To better prepare you for what to expect, here is a rundown of ten key things you should know about U.S. Rallycross as it makes its first mark on American motorsport history.

The Shift from “European-Style,” to American
Rallycross racing has its roots in Europe and the current world standard for this sport is the FIA European Rallycross Championship, a ten round series with each event held in a different country. When RallyCar introduces “U.S. Rallycross”, the competitive format will be very similar to the one used in Europe as we adopt their best practices. As the sport develops here over time, you will likely see it evolve into a variation unique to the U.S. as RallyCar tailors their series to engage an American audience. None of us can predict exactly how U.S. Rallycross will take its shape, but know that the world is watching.

The Difference Between Rallycross and RallyCross
Despite having the same name, there are significant differences between RallyCar’s U.S. Rallycross and the sport of RallyCross sanctioned by the SCCA, NASA, and by CARS in Canada. SCCA RallyCross, also referred to as RallyX, is similar to Autocross but is usually contested in an open area with an unpaved surface. The course at SCCA RallyCross events is marked by pylons (road cones) and cars are only permitted to run the course one at-a-time; no wheel-to-wheel.

This ain’t your Daddy’s NASCAR
Rallycross is nothing like conventional circuit racing because this exhilarating form of wheel-to-wheel combines elements of Rally, drifting, off-road short course, and road racing into one motorsport. Rallycross events are run on a mixed surface track: 70% of the course is tarmac and 30% is dirt or sand. RallyCar hopes that the same excitement and unpredictability that Rallycross gives European spectators will attract both American fans and competitors from various disciplines of mainstream motorsports. With action sports icons like Travis Pastrana and Dave Mirra participating in Rallycross, the sport will also appeal to the younger crowd who does not consider themselves to be traditional auto racing fans.

A Contact Sport
Like in all wheel-to-wheel motorsport, love taps happen. Part of the excitement that Rallycross offers is the potential for carnage when you have five +500bhp racecars fighting for the finish at the same time in a relatively confined space. Although some contact is inevitable, Rallycross isn’t a ‘Demolition Derby’ and rough driving will be penalized. Competitors who drive poorly or too roughly will get ‘Black Flagged’ by Officials, and be disqualified (DSQ) from that heat or possibly from the entire event. Event Officials’ decisions are final and unlike Stage Rally, there is no opportunity for competitors to file protests or inquiries in an attempt to get rulings overturned.

A Class Act
U.S. Rallycross has two classes: two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). While Rallycross in Europe boasts a more developed and varied class structure, we can expect that RallyCar will introduce new classes and divisions as competitor participation grows and the sport becomes established here. Currently, the restrictions in the rules apply to 4WD cars; any 2WD cars that meet existing Rally America specs are eligible for entry.

“Why So Serious?” The Joker Lap Explained:
During ‘Heat’ (Quarter-Finals) and ‘Main’ (Semi-Finals and Final) races, Rallycross features an additional, longer section of track known as the Joker Lap. The Joker is a detour from the primary course that each competitor is required to take once per Heat/Main event. The Joker serves as a variable and is meant to mix things up by changing the order of the race and adding a tactical element since competitors are free to choose at which point during the Heat/Main they will take this lap. The extended section adds approximately two seconds to a given lap time and usually includes a jump. Competitors who opt not to take the Joker Lap, which is mandatory, may be disqualified or receive a time penalty.

Rallycross Does Not Have Co-Drivers
Having a co-driver sit in the right seat and call notes is essential in Stage Rally, but not necessary for Rallycross since the course layout is not modified from heat to heat. You may see Rally and Rallycross cars that are equipped to seat a co-driver, but you won’t see a co-driver in the car during competition.

“Show me the money!”
There is a prize fund available to each class winner of the event. After the ‘A Main’ race, the top 2WD car will receive $1000 and the top 4WD car will receive $2500. The purse being offered will likely grow depending on ticket sales, number of entries, and sponsor contribution. These drivers don’t come out to race for money, but having the chance to win some cash to offset the costs of racing is always welcome incentive to push even harder.

Made for TV. Literally.
This discipline of Rally Sport is the perfect format to put butts in seats and eyes on screens. Rallycross made its world debut at Lydden Circuit in the United Kingdom during the late 1960’s and was specifically created as a television show for the British ITV Network’s ‘World of Sport’ program. Rallycross quickly gained popularity amongst Works teams and Rally drivers of the time, spreading through the UK and into the Nordic countries and eventually Australia. RallyCar is currently working on finalizing the TV deal for its U.S. Rallycross events; once the package is complete, the organization will announce the airdates and details to the public.

U.S. Rallycross in 2010 and 2011
As we make our foray into Rallycross racing, we can expect RallyCar to deliver three great events at NJMP as they gradually improve this new offering and prepare to launch their six-event Championship in 2011. This new sport will take time to grow and flourish, but the long-term benefits for American Rally as a whole will be monumental.

By Francisco La Torre
www.WorldRallySport.com

For more details about U.S. Rallycross and coverage throughout the weekend, visit:
http://www.rally-america.com/events/2010/NJMPRC1/

Buy your tickets for RallyCar’s NJMP Rallycross #1 – #3 online at:
http://store.njmp.com/store/category/9/157/

Photo Credit: Lars Gange/Shazamm/ESPN Images