The Experience/
Watching A GRC Race
GRC events offer a unique and unparalleled viewing experience for fans at the track and watching broadcasts alike. Events are designed to produce the fastest and most exciting racing in all of motorsports, without lengthy breaks in the action.
Up Close and Personal
One of the core principles of GRC is the ability for fans to rub elbows with some of the biggest names in the sport. With a completely open paddock, fans are free to walk through, interacting with drivers and watching mechanics at work.
The Cars/
Global Rallycross cars roll out of the factory as production models, but receive significant improvements to chassis, engine, and safety features to bring them up to racing spec. GRC vehicles are incredibly versatile; they produce 600 horsepower and can accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in 1.9 seconds, but are also built to withstand 70-foot jumps and contact with other vehicles. Unlike many other racing series, they also do not feature the aid of electronic traction aids. Ford, Dodge, and Subaru serve as Official Manufacturer Partners of the series.
The Stars/
GRC drivers represent some of the most talented action sports athletes in the world. A significant number of GRC drivers have also had legendary careers in other action sports, from motocross to BMX to skateboarding. Rallycross provides its athletes with a similar thrill to other action sports, only with added control and safety measures. It's not uncommon to see drivers transition from another sport to rallycross with great success.
Many former World Rally champions also choose to race in GRC. These racing professionals balance their skills in car control with the added challenge of wheel-to-wheel racing. In 2013, GRC will also feature the “Star Car,” which will add a different driver to the already talented field in every race.
The Teams/
GRC teams are incredibly sophisticated and technically advanced organizations, capable of competing worldwide in various championships. GRC teams have experience competing in the World Rally Championship, Rally America, and European rallycross.
A GRC team is typically led by an engineer, who makes decisions on how to set up the car and race strategy, and is comprised of a handful of mechanics who perform maintenance work on the vehicle. An engine technician is also employed to keep the 2.0-liter engines performing at their maximum potential.
Current GRC teams include:
- Hoonigan Racing
- OldsbergsMSE
- Pastrana Racing
- Subaru Puma Rallycross
The Tracks/
GRC 101/
Qualifying
Qualifying is conducted over the course of one hour. The field is broken up into small groups that take to the track in 10-minute sessions. Seeding for heat races is determined by a driver's qualifying speed.
The Heats
Depending on field size and track schedule, race day begins with one or two rounds of four heat races, usually consisting of four cars and six laps each. Winning a heat race guarantees a driver one bonus point in the championship standings. The top two finishers transfer into the main event, giving their teams time to work on their cars while others continue to compete.
All drivers who do not make it into the main event via heat races will compete in the last chance qualifier for the final remaining qualifying spots. Ten cars then compete in the main event.
The Start
The start of a GRC race requires drivers to have great execution and incredible reflexes. All GRC action begins with a standing start, where drivers are given 30- and 10-second intervals before the green. During that time they must activate launch systems, including an anti-lag system, all while being ready to accelerate within a split second's time. The fastest driver in the previous session is given the inside lane to the first corner.
The Joker Lap
Each course is equipped with two routes: the main route, and the joker lap route, which each driver must take once per race. The joker lap route significantly shortens the length of the track, forcing a driver to make strategic decisions about when to take it. On one hand, taking it on the first lap allows a driver to get it over with; on the other, waiting until the end of the race can allow a driver to gain positions before the finish.
The Penalty Box
The Penalty Box is a new addition to GRC for the 2013 season, and is designed to deal with on-track infractions without having to red flag or restart the race. In event of a jump start or rough driving, offenders will pull into a 50 meter lane off track, where they will be held until a track official releases them.
Championship Points
Championship points are awarded to the top 16 finishers as follows:
| Pos. | Pts. | Pos. | Pts. | Pos. | Pts. | Pos. | Pts. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 20 | 5th | 12 | 9th | 8 | 13th | 4 |
| 2nd | 17 | 6th | 11 | 10th | 7 | 14th | 3 |
| 3rd | 15 | 7th | 10 | 11th | 6 | 15th | 2 |
| 4th | 13 | 8th | 9 | 12th | 5 | 16th | 1 |
In addition, each heat race winner receives one bonus point in the standings.
At the end of the season, the driver to score the most points will be crowned GRC champion. Each race, the top two cars per manufacturer also score points in the manufacturer's championship.
Race Format/
4 to 10 drivers line up at the starting line, each piloting 600hp compact cars through race traffic over the challenging short course with multiple obstacles and surface transitions. actual finish order determines advancement through a series of heat eleiminations, culminating with a winner-take-all main event.
Media/
All GRC events are broadcast live and internationally on the ESPN family of networks.
