APRIL 8, 2015

(Subaru)
Subaru introduced its new 2015 WRX STI rallycross car - in Bucky Lasek's new livery - at the 2015 New York Auto Show. Officially dubbed the VT15x, it will be Subaru Rally Team USA’s new entry in the Red Bull Global Rallycross and X Games Rallycross. This is the third evolution of an STI-based Rallycross car in four years, and it was built for Subaru by technical partner Vermont SportsCar. “We made huge strides in durability and competitiveness last season,” stated Vermont SportsCar Team Principal Lance Smith. “The VT15x is almost entirely-new technology. This car is a revolution, not just an evolution.” The VT15x is powered by a 2.0L Subaru Boxer engine delivering 580HP, and it has a 6-speed SADEV® sequential gearbox and all-wheel drive. Other features include rallycross-spec bodywork and METHOD® Race Wheels. The VT15x is capable of 0-60 in just two seconds. The new car will meet GRC and FIA Rallycross homologation standards. Subaru Tecnica International (STI), the performance arm for the company, has stepped up its technical support of rallycross development with Vermont SportsCar, bringing their WRC and circuit racing expertise to the Subaru rallycross program. “STI is increasing their support of our U.S. based efforts in rallycross. Their expertise and development resources will take our program to an even more competitive level,” stated Rob Weir, Subaru Motorsports Marketing Manager. Subaru Rally Team USA will begin their 2015 season at the first Red Bull Global Rallycross round on May 31st in Ft. Lauderdale, FL., immediately followed by the X Games on June 5th in Austin, TX. For more details visit subaru.com/rally.

(RRDC image)
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is supporting the RRDC Evening with Bobby Unser presented by Firestone by hosting the cocktail reception before the event. It will mark the sixth consecutive year that Honda has offered its support to the Road Racing Drivers Club's West Coast banquet, traditionally held prior to the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. "American Honda is profoundly pleased to support the Road Racing Drivers Club in its salute to racing legend Bobby Unser,” said John Mendel, Executive Vice President, Automobile Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Bobby's long career included success in a wide variety of racing disciplines, ranging from Indy cars, with three Indianapolis 500 victories among his 35 race wins and two championships, to Pikes Peak, where he amassed an incredible 13 victories. His skills as both a racer and development driver are legendary, and he took on the best in the world to win the International Race of Champions in 1975. He truly is a living legend in our sport." Unser was also the first to average over 180 and 190 mph at the Indy 500, and he tallied 49 IndyCar poles. The dinner's proceeds will help support the RRDC’s young driver initiatives, including its groundbreaking www.SAFEisFAST.com presented by Honda program and the Team USA Scholarship, which the RRDC has backed since 1997. Previous banquets have honored Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Roger Penske, Jim Hall, Brian Redman and Mario Andretti, drawing fans and luminaries from all forms of motorsports. The RRDC Evening with Bobby Unser presented by Firestone will be held on Thursday, April 16, at the Hilton Hotel, 701 West Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, Calif., with cocktails at 6 p.m., and dinner at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $200 per person in advance (or, space permitting, $225 if purchased after April 10). All are welcome, but space is limited and seats are filling fast. Please contact Jeremy Shaw at rrdc2@cox.net. -PMD