Projekt E. Rallycross France. Keatts to DRR. World RX in the UAE.

1 April Austrian team STARD reveals that three drivers will share its second car in the 2019 World Rallycross Championship, alongside permanent fixture Janis Baumanis. Norwegian Pal Try will compete in three events, starting with round one, then the rest of the running will be shared between Jere Kalliokoski and former WRC driver Jani Paasonen.

2 April IMG says that it will add electric cars to World RX events at the same time as retaining the current Supercars. Announcing Projekt E, IMG states “In terms of the strategy for introduction of electrification to rallycross, we have been in discussions for nearly two years with a number of manufacturers. Ultimately it emerged that the manufacturers were not yet ready to commit in sufficient numbers to make a fully-electric World Championship a reality. However, we believe that Projekt E is a positive step forward to deliver on our 2017 pledge.” The announcement says electric cars will be added by 2021 at the latest.

4 AprilThe French Rallycross Championship releases details of its forthcoming season opener at Lessay. The Supercar field is led by Fabian Chanoine (Renault Clio), Samuel Peu (Peugeot 208) and Philippe Maloigne (Clio). There are 18 Super1600 cars on the entry.

4 April Young American racer Cole Keatts signs with Dreyer Reinbold Racing for the 2019 ARX2 season. The 17-year-old has previously raced in RX2 and ARX2 but is set to focus on the US-based series this year. The 2015 Lucas Oil Off-Road short course JR2 champion when aged 14, Keatts had his best year to date in 2018, Keatts said “I have raced in many forms of motorsports and the ARX Rallycross race car is so much fun to drive. I think we’ll have a winning combination in 2019.”

5 April The first competitive rallycross event in the UAE begins as the 2019 FIA World Rallycross Championship season opens at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The 16-car field of World RX permanent entries is joined by current FIA European Rallycross Champion Reinis Nitiss who drives a third Hyundai from GRX.

Obituary We are sad to record the recent death of Martin Wright (80). Assistant Clerk of the Course at the earliest rallycross events, Wright was among the small group who pioneered our sport from one-off TV show to fledgling motor sport in the last few years of the 1960s. Enjoyed the recent renaissance of rallycross, Wright retained his enthusiasm for the sport until the end. Our best wishes are with his family and friends, Wright was among the small group who pioneered our sport from one-off TV show to fledgling motor sport in the last few years of the 1960s. Enjoyed the recent renaissance of rallycross, Wright retained his enthusiasm for the sport until the end. Our best wishes are with his family and friends.