Global Rallycross: Sideways In Seattle
The crazy train that is Red Bull Global Rallycross (GRC) chugged into the Emerald City for its ninth stop of the 2014 campaign on September 26th and 27th. The series features free-revving, high-boost, bad-attitude subcompacts from the likes of Subaru, Ford, Hyundai, Volkswagen, and Chevy. Subaru Rally Team USA driver Sverre Isachsen won the race, giving his team its first-ever GRC victory. The win was well received in the decidedly 'Subie-Centric' Northwest. The battle in Seattle was pivotal - with Ken Block being the points leader coming in, but previously second place fellow Ford pilot, Joni Wiman, taking the reins heading out as the new series leader by 12 points. Rallycross races are held on a combination of dirt and pavement and the course has a short cut called the "joker lap" that each driver gets to take once during a heat or race. Each track is different, and a jump of some type is usually incorporated into the track layout. The jump for the Seattle event, held at the Dirtfish Rally School in nearby Snoqualmie, was wimpy; I’ve seen speed bumps that put driver and car to more of a test! The last time GRC was here, in 2011, the jump featured an awe-inspiring 70-foot gap. The lack of airtime notwithstanding, there was plenty action on the track with all manner of sideways antics, gravel pelting acceleration, and door-to-door drama. The following photos tell the tale that was Red Bull GRC Seattle.
