ARX
22 May 2019
Credit: Facebook/Sierra Cars
Americas Rallycross will expand to include a third level of competition this season, with a new ARX3 category joining the Supercars and ARX2 classes.
The category will feature 200hp CrossKart-style vehicles weighing just over 400 kgs which will be capable of launching from 0-60mph in under three seconds. As with the Supercars and ARX2 classes, Cooper will provide tyres for ARX3.
“The addition of ARX3 is a very important step for the championship,” said ARX series director Jordan Martindale. “This division will further define the development of future rallycross supercar drivers as well as provide some of the most entertaining racing of each weekend.”
“The customer-driven style program is also an easy way to lure other drivers into competing in select events or the full championship.”
ARX3’s single-make machines will be built by Sierra in Utah and are the same machines used at the celebrity race at last year’s US round of the World Rallycross championship which featured skateboarding legend Bucky Lasek, TV personality Aaron Kaufman, MotoGP legend Kevin Schwantz, freestyle Motocross rider Jeremy ‘Twitch’ Stenberg, and NASA astronaut and former commander of the International Space Station, Tim Kopra.
“The fact that we are a spec car with a low cost of entry and operation makes Sierra ARX3 such a great opportunity for drivers to get into rallycross,” said Cole Powelson, owner of Sierra RX. “This will ensure that new drivers will be able to afford it and get tons of seat time and advance their skillsets quickly.”
“Our team will be on-site at every ARX event with spare parts and engines so individuals won’t have to carry spares with them.”
The succesful introduction of ARX3 comes after Global Rallycross’ failed attempt to launch a third tier of professional rallycross in the US last year. The former series announced a tie-up with Polaris for a UTV series, which never got off the ground due to GRC’s collapse.
