Should there be a USA round in the FIA European Rallycross Championship?

[I Rosputnik]

Here's a thought. If rallycross gets big in the states in a few years, say 5 to 10 years, do you think the European Rallycross Championship should go intercontinental for a race, provided it is feasible with the drivers and teams?

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(Personally, I think it would work, as it could bring new blood and new cars to the series. I think it would also allow Rallycross to develop further in the USA. Unless Rallycross comes back in Australia; I can't see the championship going global, but I can see America making a good wild card event. My major issue with this would be the costs to the teams and drivers and the amount of organization required.)

[nickyf1]

would be better to have it as a one off event called the FIA Rallycross World Cup or something. then the American Rx championship guys could join in.

[leonidas]

Money talks. There is a long tradition in the US of racers being funded just to turn up - paid for by serious numbers of paying spectators. So if someone is bold enough to risk the cash and have a go, who knows?

If you could get serious numbers of competitors and a proper TV deal for domestic US rallycross it could be VERY big indeed as it has all-action appeal. Off road truck racing in the shape of CORR made a big impact a few years ago. But in my experience the US has a motorsport audience with high expectations about its sport - half a dozen supercars won't cut it. Don't even think about it unless you can guarantee a full grid with some competitive US names.

[WJM]

Rallycross in Europe first needs to get a whole lot stronger. You could say only 14 drivers attempted a full season in Div1 this year, yet only 7 competed in every single event. Most are whining about Portugal right now, imagine what they'd say if they had to go to the US...

[schanche]

Honestly! No because they will use it,abuse it,and then dump it! But fairplay to drivers who are at least giving it ago..........

[tbtstt]

I like the idea of a European round in America but, in practical terms, I think its a no. As has been said, many drivers are already struggling with budget already and hosting a round in the US is just going to make the financial issue even worse.

I think Nickyf1's idea is the best compromise: have a one off International event that those with the budget can attend, but where non-attendance won't affect the Championship chances of any European contender running with a lesser budget.

I personally think the X-Games "Super Rally" has the potential to evolve into a "International Rallycross" type event - however in order to do so it would need some serious thinking from both ERC and X-Games organisers in order to achieve this.

[daz2202]

If they pick up America and drop it somewhere in the english channel then it would be in europe and then that would be ok.

You wouldnt have american football teams playing in the 'European' champions league!
The Americans and europeans do not mix teams for the ryder cup!

Just my penny's worth !

[rich_cooper]

No as its not in europe

[BertMk2]

I don't think it's really feasible (certainly in the short term) for the ERC to host a round in the USA. I may be wrong but I'd also expect the US championship to run to different regs to the ERC - the class structure isn't realistically going to follow div2, div1a and div1 is it? I'd expect distinct US classes to develop (that may be able to accomodate the European cars) and probably a variation on the basic rules as well (to suit the US market).

[nickyf1]

Originally Posted by rich_cooper

No as its not in europe

The American Le Mans Series did have an 11 year contract with Adelaide at one point, and with plans to have a race at Sepang, however the race at Adelaide was only run once.

[FIRE]

I would say 2 standalone (big prize money) events mid October.

[rich_cooper]

They shouldnt have a championship round, but i think there should be an event every year and try and get all the top drivers out there for a special event

[1975DCS]

Maybe room for an internations cup? Once in a few years?

[AndyS]

I think a one off event along the lines of the Superprix, GP etc would work. Drivers could do it as and when funds were available. Calendars would need to be worked out but no reason why it couldn't work as a stand alone event.

[leonidas]

I don't see why there couldn't be a few stand alone or 'grand prix' style events in the future - especially in the off season when there is nothing else racing on four wheels. If you could get a broadcaster like Eurosport to back it in the way they do with the IRC then it may be a runner... but you would need backing.

British GP
Irish GP (planned already?)
Barbados Rally carnival GP
US GP...?

[AndyS]

Sounds like a plan! Be good to see something in Scandinavia as well bearing in mind how popular the sport is over there. Having said that I suppose that's what Rallycross Norden is.

[AndyS]

Just thought, didn't they do some sort of rallycross event as part of the Barbados Rally Carnival a few years back? I think there was a website still active a while back, seem to recall pictures of an RS200.