RX Academy, ROC Factor to Gronholm, Heathcote eyes RX2

Finnish ASN AKK Sports and multiple European Rallycross Champions Set Promotion launched the new RX Academy on Thursday, in Helsinki. Created to give aspiring rallycross drivers a professional environment in which to compete and develop, the single-make category will join the Finnish Rallycross Championship in 2017. Using identical Renault Clio Cup RX cars, the winner of the series will win a fully-funded drive in the FIA European Rallycross Super1600 Championship in 2018, or significant assistance in competing in RX2 (RX Lites). No limit has been put in place on those able to enter the series, but the maximum age for winning the prize drive is 24. “The idea from the beginning has been to create a professional environment for young drivers to learn in rallycross. The Clio Cup RX cars use proper race technology in the chassis’, engines and gearboxes, which are not easy to drive,” said Jussi Pinomaki, head of RX Academy and owner of Set Promotion. “We believe that this concept presents the best environment for young drivers to learn, as they take the first steps in trying to become World Champions. Modern rallycross drivers need to have a range of skills, not just driving the cars, and we have put everything in place for them to receive mental, physical and PR training.” Andreas Bakkerud, Reinis Nitiss and Toomas Heikkinen will act as mentors to the competing drivers.

RallyX Nordic Supercar Lites champion Thomas Bryntesson competed at the Race of Champions Scandinavian ROC Factor alongside double World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg, European Rallycross event winner Marcus Gronholm and one-time Euro RX race Kenny Brack amoung others last weekend in Stockholm. Bryntesson failed to make it into the semi-finals, while Gronholm won the final against Solberg.

2016 Swift Sport Rallycross Champion Nathan Heathcote has announced that he is eyeing a move to RX2 (RX Lites) next season, having won the single-make Swift title in the British Rallycross Championship this season under the guidance of engineer Graham Rodemark, who has overseen Kevin Hansen’s career so far.

Three-time Le Mans winner Benoit Treluyer will compete in the Andros Trophy this winter, driving an Audi A1 quattro. He will share the car with 2015 Electric Trophee Andros champion, Nathanael Berthon. Andros Trophy regular and former F1 racer Alain Prost will drive a sister car.

RallycrossWorld.com has launched a brand new shop, with the first range of t-shirts, hoodies and mugs focused on celebrating the 50^th anniversary of rallycross available here.