GRC
GRC Lites Get a Boost in 2015
The young guns of Red Bull Global Rallycross are getting more rounds, and more TV time in 2015.
DeJong wins his first Red Bull GRC Lites Title
© Alison Padron
In 2013, Red Bull Global Rallycross introduced the GRC Lites class. Akin to the farm systems of traditional stick-and-ball sports, or the small-bore classes of American motorcycle series, or even Formula 2, the concept was simply to provide a feeder system into the premier Supercar division, where young talent could showcase their abilities on the same stage as the big boys and girls.
In 310hp, all-wheel drive spec vehicles built to emphasize driver skill over mechanical advantage, the GRC Lites class has become a frenzy of prodigious ability, providing some of the best racing in the Global Rallycross series. While young gun Mitchell DeJong took top honors in 2014, Joni Wiman, the previous year's Lites title winner became the 2014 Supercar champ as well serving as a testament to the Lites series itself.
In 2015, the GRC Lites class will be bumped up to 12 rounds through nine cities, the most the class has ever seen. The tour includes three doubleheader events, as well as the class’ first trip outside of the United States with an October visit to Barbados.
Along with the schedule comes the announcement of nine 30-minute shows for the GRC Lites class to be broadcast on NBC Sports. These will be the first ever standalone shows for the Lites drivers, which means a lot more exposure for the guys that are desperately racing for it.
“We are delighted to announce the 2015 schedule and first standalone broadcast slate for the GRC Lites class,” said Red Bull GRC CEO Colin Dyne. “GRC Lites is an important feeder series for Red Bull Global Rallycross, and the source of our future champions for years to come. We are incredibly grateful to our fantastic partners at NBC Sports Group for helping us ensure that the future stars of our sport make it to television, and we know that our fans will be excited to watch the most talented young drivers in the world.”
The full 2015 GRC Lites points championship schedule is featured below. Telecast dates and times will be announced at a later date.
• May 31: Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL
• June 21: Daytona, FL
• July 5: United States Military Base
• July 25: Detroit, MI (I)
• July 26: Detroit, MI (II)
• August 15: Washington, DC
• August 30: Seattle, WA
• September 12: Los Angeles, CA (I)
• September 13: Los Angeles, CA (II)
• October 3: Barbados (I)
• October 4: Barbados (II)
• November 5: Las Vegas, NV
For more information, stories and ticket information, on head over to Red Bull Global Rallycross.
