Global Rallycross Championship Testing New Class For Future Expansion

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Rallycross Championship (GRC) will conduct a test of a potential second class to be added to select GRC events. This new Lites class has been created to provide the perfect training ground for drivers to familiarize themselves with the dynamic sport of rallycross. The cars will be built by OMSE and will be a tightly controlled "spec" class with an emphasis on driver skill and reduced low running costs.

"This concept is exactly what is needed to continue to propel the growth of GRC," said Colin Dyne, GRC CEO. "It will give new drivers a chance to make a name for themselves in cars that are serious racecars in their own right before they step into the Supercar class."

The naturally aspirated cars feature all-wheel drive, sequential transmissions, and fully adjustable suspension. Their power-to-weight ratio and grip levels make them a true driver's car and there is sure to be plenty of action-packed racing.

In addition to designing and developing the car, OMSE would provide trackside technical assistance and a spares program. This will further lower the initial investment for new owners.

GRC is working closely with OMSE to gauge the interest in the new series and take the input of drivers and teams to create an optimal package.

The Lites cars are fast, nimble, and exciting to watch, but are less powerful and more affordable for developing stars than the GRC's Supercar class, which features 600 bhp, turbocharged all-wheel drive cars that go 0-60 in two seconds. Manufacturers including Subaru, Ford, Dodge, Citroen and Hyundai have fielded Supercar cars in the series.

GRC and OMSE plan an open test of the cars on January 11-12 at Elsinore Speedway in Lake Elsinore, CA. For more information, please contact Chip Pankow at +1.213.745.2123 or [e-mail].

About Global Rallycross Championship

Global Rallycross Championship (GRC) features the world's top racing drivers and action sport athletes and combines them with the best elements of circuit racing, off-road racing and rally competition to deliver intense action in a variety of fan-friendly environments.  Action sport stars including Travis Pastrana, Tanner Foust, Brian Deegan, Dave Mirra, Bucky Lasek, and Ken Block have described the sport as "motocross – with a roll cage."

About OMSE

Olsbergs Motorsports Evolution (OMSE) is a leading automotive innovation company based in Nynashmn, Sweden, with operations in Huntington Beach, California. Led by Swedish rallycross champion Andreas Eriksson, OMSE is recognized as one of the top rallycross outfits in the world. A respected front-running team in Europe, OMSE burst onto the United States competition circuit five years ago with its powerful, 600 horsepower rallycross Ford Fiestas and continues to revolutionize the sport with its aggressive technological advancement and professional operations. Fielding top drivers including Tanner Foust, Brian Deegan and Marcus Gronholm, the team has won the 2011 and 2012 Global Rallycross Championships since the sport of rallycross came to the United States and has finished in the top ranks at X Games every year since OMSE debuted there in 2008. 

CONTACT: Chip Pankow [e-mail] +1 [phone]

SOURCE Global Rallycross Championship

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