I've been a fan of Red Bull Global Rallycross racing for a few years, so when I found out the series was coming to Florida for the first time ever, I had to go see it live. Round 6 of the Global Rallycross Championship was held at Daytona International Speedway on a purpose built track in the infield of the speedway. The 13-turn course is about 70% asphalt / 30% dirt, and includes a 70 ft. tabletop jump. Like all GRC tracks, there is a shortcut built into the course called the "Joker Lap". Each driver can take the Joker only once per race. The cars are 600 horsepower, all-wheel drive supercars built from production models off of the showroom floor. They can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in 2 seconds! On race day, small groups of cars compete in 6-lap heat races where the top finishers move on to the main event, while the others battle it out in a LCQ (Last Chance Qualifier) race for the remaining positions in the 10 car main event.  |
| Daytona Red Bull Global Rallycross Track Map |
Unlike some of the more popular racing series, Red Bull Global Rallycross has an open paddock policy. Fans can walk right up to the team haulers, watch the mechanics work on the cars, and interact with the drivers. This alone is worth the price of your ticket. Bucky Lasek & 3-time GRC Champion Tanner Foust took time to pose for pictures before going out for their first heat race.
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| How's this for a selfie? |
With a cooler full of drinks, and lots of sunscreen, I headed out into the scorching summer heat on Friday to check out all the action. Here are my pictures and videos from Red Bull Global Rallycross Day 1. Sorry, I forget to bring a camera, so all the pics/vids were taken with my cell phone.
Video of Red Bull GRC open practice
click on any of the photos to view them full-size
Video of Global Rallycross final practice
Red Bull Global Rallycross Daytona - Heat 1C
I had a great time at my first Red Bull Global Rallycross race! I hope they come back to Daytona International Speedway again next year... If they do, DON'T MISS IT!
