International rally ace Alister McRae has locked in a test to put Australia’s first Supercar Lite through its paces at Sydney Motorsport Park on May 1.
“It’s hard to explain how excited I am about jumping behind the wheel of this purpose-built race car,” said Alister. “I have always been a massive rallycross fan and the time is right to bring this action packed sport to Australia’s shores.”
Alister will be just one of a number of drivers all taking part at the Sydney test with the goal of getting on the grid for the first round in August.
“Rallycross is huge in Europe and the States attracting drivers like Ken Block and Petter Solberg who are household names and considered amongst the best steers in the world,” remarked Alister. “What makes Rallycross so popular is the racing, the action comes thick and fast and the fans just live and breath the sport, nothing else compares.
“Pound for pound, Rallycross is the world’s most exciting motorsport,” he added.
“Racing side by side at over 160km an hour with 9 other drivers only millimetres apart will certainly get your attention,” said Alister. “Add massive jumps, a combination of dirt and tarmac and there is no other racing that puts a driver’s skill to the test as much as Rallycross.”
The tight, temporary circuits means that for the fans, Rallycross events offer a unique and unparalleled viewing experience.
Rallycross events are designed to deliver non-stop action and exciting racing with out lengthy breaks between races. From go-to-whoa every round is guaranteed to be one big party. This is great for fans as it gives them the chance to get up close and personal with their favorite drivers, putting them right in the heart of the action.
“We’re extremely excited about having Alister join us at the test day in Sydney,” explained David Ridden, managing director, Global Rallycross Australia. “He’s a world class driver with a wealth of experience across a number of motorsport discplines, on both two and four wheels.
“The fact that he is throwing his support behind the SIDCHROME EXTREME Rallycross Championship speaks volumes about the future of Rallycross in Australia,” David added.
The first Supercar Lite has just landed in Australia and Alister certainly champing at the bit to get behind the wheel.
“On paper and from what we’ve seen from overseas, the Supercar Lite looks like a beast!,” said an obviously excited McRae. “Starting with a tubular spaceframe, the team at Olsbergs MSE adds a naturally aspired engine that punches out 310BHP and 300Nm of torque.
“Next comes the drive train, I can’t wait to bang through the cogs using the 6 speed sequential SADEV gearbox, which ultimately puts the power to the ground through a permanent four-wheel drive system.
“This thing is going to be seriously quick,” Alister remarked.
In addition to the bullet proof drive train all Supercar Lites feature double wishbone suspension all round with OHLINS TTX adjustable dampers, 330mm ventilated disk brakes with four piston brake calipers and 8”x17” lightweight MOTEGI RACING rims.
“When you wrap this up in a high performance composite plastic body, you know drivers in the SIDCHROME EXTREME Rallycross Championship will be getting behind the wheel of something pretty special,” he added.
Alister has been keeping his eye in and in addition to racing a MkII Escort in Belgium earlier this year, he is also to New Zealand to compete in a few events before jetting off to Scotland mid-May to drive some of brother Colin’s old rally cars.
“It will be great to get behind the wheel of some of Colin’s old cars,” Alister said. “For many rally fans around the world these represent the sport at its most exciting and there’s no doubt that seeing them in action again will bring back some fond memories.”
Continuing our talks with Alister, it became obvious just how passionate he is about seeing Rallycross succeed in Australia.
“Personally I think Australian Motorsport fans are crying out for something new and exciting. In my mind the SIDCHROME EXTREME Rallycross Championship will deliver the fast and furious action that they’re craving,’ he added.
To find out more about the SIDCHROME EXTREME Rallycross Championship visit www.extremerallycross.com.au.
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