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FOZ DO IGUACU, BRAZIL (April 19, 2013) — A quartet of newcomers to Global Rallycross dominated the first day of practice at the 2013 season opener at the X Games in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil.

Former Formula 1 and current NASCAR driver Scott Speed made his Global Rallycross debut in the #77 Ford Fiesta Star Car from Rdio and OMSE and was one of the newcomers to post a top-5 time.

“After my first lap I thought I wouldn’t make it around the track,” Speed said.  “However, by the end of the day, I really started feeling comfortable and had the most fun I’ve ever had on four-wheels.”

Three other Global Rallycross rookies to post impressive laps were Formula 1 and NASCAR competitor Nelson Piquet Jr. in the #12 Mitsubishi of X Team Racing; 2004 Indy 500 and 2009 24 Hours of Daytona winner Buddy Rice in the #29 Volkswagen of Marklund Motorsport; and Steve Arpin in the #32 Royal Purple Ford Fiesta of OMSE.

In addition to newcomers, the field for the Global Rallycross season opener includes two-time defending Global Rallycross champion Tanner Foust; 10-time X Games Gold Medalist and current NASCAR competitor Travis Pastrana; 2011 X Games Rally Car Racing Gold Medalist Liam Doran; World Rally Championship competitor Ken Block; and 2011 X Games Rallycross Gold Medalist Brian Deegan.

“We had a successful, safe, first day and everything went according to plan,” said Colin Dyne, Global Rallycross CEO.  “We look forward to an exciting weekend ahead and ending it with a successful race on Sunday.

Global Rallycross, which debuted at X Games 16 in Los Angeles in 2010, expanded nationally in 2012 and is holding its first international event this weekend. The race is scheduled for this Sunday, April 21, as part of X Games Foz do Iguacu.

Global Rallycross combines the best aspects of circuit racing, off-road racing and rally competition to deliver intense action in a fan-friendly environment.  Global Rallycross pits production-based, small cars against each other for door-to-door racing featuring elements such as dirt, asphalt and jumps.  Drivers progress through a series of heat races to advance into a final race, where winner takes all.