and X Games with Fiesta ST-based race car
· Ford Racing introduces new OlsbergsMSE-built Fiesta ST Global Rallycross Car (GRC) at the Chicago Auto Show. The competition car is based on the new Ford Fiesta ST production car, which goes on sale this summer
· Ford Racing and OlsbergsMSE sign a multi-year manufacturer partnership to build on their back-to-back Global Rallycross Championships and multiple X Games medals
· Ford announced as sole automotive sponsor for the 2013 summer X Games, with rallycross competition at all four global events
Ford’s new global performance car, the Fiesta ST, will make its competitive debut as the Fiesta ST Global Rallycross Car in the 2013 edition of the Global Rallycross Championship (GRC) and Global X Games events.
The move is part of a significantly expanded GRC programme for Ford as it capitalises on the burgeoning popularity of the series and its increased visibility through X Games and some larger-than-life personalities.
The commitment represents an important milestone as the first time the ST nameplate has appeared in rallycross competition, allowing Ford to connect with the next generation of customers and a very important group of enthusiasts in the growing B-class performance sectors.
What’s more, the Global Rallycross Championship will live up to its name in 2013 with a truly global presence. In addition to five anticipated North American rounds, there will be four ESPN-promoted X Games outings, showcasing rallycross competition in Los Angeles and at new venues in Brazil, Spain and Germany. Ford is the sole automotive sponsor of all four summer X Games.
To support development of the Fiesta ST GRC programme, Ford Racing in the United States has signed a multi-year manufacturer partnership with OlsbergsMSE, whose credentials include two consecutive GRC drivers’ championships with Tanner Foust and podium finishes at all six rounds in 2012. With technical support from Ford, the team helped the Blue Oval to secure the GRC manufacturers’ title in both 2011 and 2012.
The first three Fiesta ST Global Rallycross Cars will be driven by Foust, Brian Deegan and Ken Block, who is set to announce his own plans in the coming weeks. All three drivers will receive manufacturer support from Ford, and Foust and Deegan gave performance car enthusiasts and media the first look at the OlsbergsMSE Fiesta ST GRC competition car this week at the Chicago Auto Show.
Fiesta success in 2012 Global RallyCross Championship
· 1-2 finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway with Marcus Grönholm and Foust
· Top three sweep at Texas Motor Speedway with Grönholm, Foust and Deegan
· Silver and bronze medals at X Games with Block and Deegan
· Third-place podium finish at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with Deegan
· 1-2 finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with Foust and Deegan
· 1-2 finish at SEMA in Las Vegas with Foust and Deegan
· Foust clinched second consecutive GRC drivers’ championship, with Deegan second
· Ford clinched second consecutive GRC manufacturers’ championship, with four first-place finishes and 12 podium appearances
