Rally The Fans

As if not extreme enough, rally racing now becomes an X Game.

by Walter E. Gogh

Add the Swedish flick and e-brake turn to the roster of tricks to be performed at the 12th annual X Games this August. Skateboarders, surfers and BMXers will be sharing the spotlight with turbocharged all-wheel-drive rally cars this year.

Rally racing is a timed event that takes place on an unknown course that’s made of either gravel or tarmac. In short, it’s driving through the woods at breakneck speeds all the while trying not to break you and your co-driver’s necks.

Obviously, Team Subaru USA rally partners Travis Pastrana, an 11-time Moto X Freestyle champion, and Ken Block, founder of DC Shoes, are both at home at the X Games (and most likely had a lot to do with rally becoming an event). But for many of the other drivers this will be great exposure in the land of the free. The World Rally Championship never really took here. “Americans, in general, are very nationalistic; we want to see our athletes win or at least do well,” admits JB Niday, Managing Director of Rally America. “In terms of rally, I see the [X Games] introducing a new sport to the U.S. audience. So, yes, we’re promoting home-grown talent, but I also believe they will put on every bit as good of a show.” rally-america.com walter e. gogh

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