Global Rallycross Returning to Charlotte

Global Rallycross driver Ken Block wrecked in spectacular fashion during last year's GRC event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. (CMS/HHP Photo)

Global Rallycross Returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway Sept. 22; Stakes Raised with Sylvania Mini-Series Bonus

-- For Immediate Release

CONCORD, N.C. (June 28, 2013) – The high-octane action of the Global Rallycross (GRC) series will return to Charlotte Motor Speedway Sunday, Sept. 22 to show fans a combination of the energy of motorsports and the attitude of action sports.

“We’re looking forward to bringing the excitement of the Global Rallycross series to the Dirt Track at Charlotte,” said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. “These action sports stars really know how to put on a high-flying thrill show, and the combination of racing, drifting and jumps is sure to wow the fans at one of the world’s premier racing facilities.”

The series will compete on a custom-built course at The Dirt Track at Charlotte in conjunction with the final day of the Charlotte AutoFair. Regular Global Rallycross competitors include extreme sports stars Tanner Foust, Brian Deegan, Ken Block and Dave Mirra.

“What a difference a year makes. It's amazing to see the growth of GRC in only its third year,” said Foust. “Last year we broke new ground with the (Speedway Motorsports, Inc.) partnership, and now international X Games and The Dirt Track at Charlotte. Who can imagine a better playground for these amazing rallycross cars?”

The special event, GRC’s eighth race of the 2013 season, will be televised live on ABC. It’s also the final race in the Sylvania Silverstar® zXe GRC mini-series, in which drivers face off in a four-race points battle at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway. The points leader at the end of the four-race series will be awarded $20,000.

“Everyone at Sylvania Automotive is so happy to team with Charlotte Motor Speedway and GRC to bring these high performance cars and skilled drivers to the fans,” said Joe Verbanic, Sylvania Automotive Marketing Manager. “Nothing matches the edge-of-your-seat GRC racing for full course action, and our customers really encouraged us to be a part of GRC again this year. Charlotte becomes an extra-special event as we will award $20,000 to the driver racking up the most points in the Sylvania Silverstar® zXe GRC mini-series.”

The 600-horsepower, all-wheel drive, turbocharged compact cars go from 0 to 60 in less than two seconds as drivers steer through hairpin turns, across jumps, over walls and through a series of chicanes and water features designed to test every driver’s focus and control. Each event features timed heats to set the lineup for a final winner-take-all feature race.

“Global Rallycross is excited to be racing in Charlotte at The Dirt Track,” said Colin Dyne, Global Rallycross CEO. “It is going to make for an exciting show for the fans as we continue to build on the momentum of Global Rallycross.”

At last year’s season-opening event at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Marcus Gronholm ran away with the victory over Foust.

“Charlotte is one of the few GRC venues we are coming back to this year so I'm looking forward to bringing Rallycross back for all the new fans we made last year,” Foust said.

Call today to get reserved seats for just $25. Children 13 and under are admitted for $10. Each ticket is a paddock pass, allowing access to see the teams and drivers work on the cars before the green flag drops. The drivers will also participate in autograph sessions throughout the event.

To purchase tickets, call the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com. To stay up to date with everything going on at the Greatest Place to See the Race, log on to www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CLTMotorSpdwy or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/charlottemotorspeedway.

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John Davison

Long-time RIS staffer, beginning in the mid-80s. Charlotte, NC area local contact.

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Volume 2013, Issue 6, Posted 4:22 PM, 06.28.2013