Red Bull Global Rallycross has officially arrived in Austin, Texas as part of the X Games package after drivers shook down their cars in first practice.
With a 19-car strong entry list (was previously 20, but Sarah Burgess will not be taking part) featuring the likes of Tanner Foust, Ken Block, Scott Speed, Brian Deegan and Britains very own Liam Doran the X Games moves to Austin, Texas and the Circuit of the Americas.
“We look forward to participating at X Games this weekend in Austin as part of our multi-year collaboration,” said Colin Dyne, Red Bull GRC CEO. “Circuit of the Americas is one of the greatest race circuits in the world, and we are proud to be competing at a venue of such incredible caliber.”
Talking after first practice Scott Speed told fans “Practice in the books, we have a ton of speed, just need to stay clean through the weekend” via his Instagram account. Speed will be hoping to add another victory to his 2014 season after winning in Barbados.
Emma Gilmour had a baptism of fire in her opening weekend but was happy with her first run in Austin. “Never as much track time as I’d like but kept improving and making changes to the car that I was happy with.
“Track is very narrow, tight and slippery – will make for interesting racing tomorrow!” she added.
Patrik Sandell felt confident after his first time out on the new Rallycross circuit. “Just finished up the last few laps of practice and feeling confident for a shot at the GOLD” he said.
Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr. will be keeping busy this weekend following his fourth place finish in the opening round. The ex-F1 and NASCAR driver will be taking part in both the main Supercar class along with the GRC Lites races. In doing so Piquet Jr. becomes the first driver in the series history to compete in both classes on the same weekend.
Series regulars Mitchell deJong and Kevin Eriksson will resume battle in the Lites race following a thrilling 2013 season which saw plenty of action between the two. Eriksson will be looking to get his own back after deJong made his European debut in the RX Lites race at Lydden Hill and fought of the competition to take the overal victory.