The popular Global RallyCross Championship (GRC) has attracted the attention of Volkswagen, who will join the series this year through the partnership of Andretti Autosport and the development of the Beetle GRC.
The new RallyCross alliance already has an ace up its sleeve in that the Beetle will likely share the some of the World Rally Championship-winning Polo WRC’s DNA, and because the Beetle GRC isn’t ready for the season opener in the Barbados on 18 May the team will temporarily field modified rally Polos. When it is completed, the Beetle could send in excess of 400 kW to all four wheels.
Volkswagen and Andretti Autosport have also secured the services of two-time champion Tanner Foust and former F1 driver Scott Speed to do battle against the Ford Fiestas and Subaru Imprezas that are firm favourites in the series.
“Red Bull Global Rallycross is the perfect form of motorsport for a youthful, exuberant, and growing brand in the US market. We’re excited to partner with Andretti Autosport, one of the great names in American motorsport, and delighted that we will be running the iconic Beetle in the series,” says Michael Horn, Volkswagen Group America CEO.
