Just What Is The GRC?

The GRC is about to kick off. Well, it kicked off 2 rounds ago at Charlotte. But I meant, grow in popularity. Not heard of it? You should have and if not, you were no doubt about to any time soon. GRC is the Global RallyCross championship (or should it be GRCC?) and that name is particularly interesting for two reasons.

First, it isn't technically Rallycross. Second, it isn't really Global either. In that usual great American tradition (such as the SuperBowl "World" Final, or something like that), the Global Rallycross Championship is in actual fact held in the US and only the US. Then, so far in 2012 anyway, the events have been purely on tarmac. Traditional Rallycross is held on a circuit that consists of both tarmac (or should that be "asphalt") and gravel, which is where the name originates from.

This has led to many hardcore fans openly mocking the GRC. Fortunately there are only 3 fans of Rallycross in the world. So while they post on YouTube comments, the rest of us motorsport fans can enjoy a properly marketed series, with big name sponsors, manufacturer support and star drivers from all forms of racing. The winner of the first two rounds this year is non other than double World Rally Champion, Marcus Gronholm. The lanky 44 year old Finn has certainly shown the pack that you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Yet, while Marcus has stolen the headlines in his Best Buy Mobile sponsored Ford Fiesta, a quick scan of the entry list is also extremely interesting. First, in another Fiesta, is Tanner Foust. He did some stuff on YouTube once and is current a presenter on Top Gear US. He also turned up to Ken Block's own Gymkhana event and beat him. Ken is also present here in suitable Monster Energy attire. Joining them is Travis Pastrana. He is also very famous around those YouTube parts for jumping out of a plane, crashing rally cars, achieving the longest jump in a car and being motorcross champion. Not only that, but he drives a Red Bull sponsored works Dodge Dart. Not to mention Rhys Millen, who is in a works Hyundai Veloster (but sssh, don't tell anyone, underneath it's a venerable Accent WRC) and the odd appearance from ERC and British RallyCross star Liam Doran. Not to mention Brian Deegan, Sverre Isachsen, Dave Mirra and Filipe Albuquerque.

Wait, there's more. Live coverage on ESPN with commentator Toby Moody, the 3rd event of the season being the X Games (you may have heard of it if you have played the DiRT games) and the others events supporting Indy & NASCAR events (so big stadium seating for fans).

With only 6 events this season, the GRC is short but sweet. I believe that with a few subtle changes and a longer calendar, the GRC could be the series to put in motion a RallyCross revival. Certainly, the racing so far has been close, with plenty of action. For instance, here is mega-star Ken Block trying to keep up with good old Marcus. And crashing. Twice.

Update: It's been confirmed that Sebastian Loeb will be joining in for the X-Games round!