Rallycross Promoter is in advanced talks with the organiser of MotoFest Coventry sponsored by E.ON to host a World RX round alongside the popular automotive
extravaganza in 2025, building upon the tremendous success of the series’
downtown debut in Hong Kong last November.
The UK’s
largest free-to-attend motoring event, MotoFest regularly attracts more than
200,000 visitors, and Hansen
– who has been heavily involved in the initial track design process – was
on-site last weekend (1-2 June) to talk about the proposed plans, get a feel
for the festival and assess how the world’s pre-eminent rallycross
championship might further enhance its appeal.
The Swede was
joined in Coventry by former Australian Rally Champion Molly Taylor, who
competed for Hansen Motorsport’s junior outfit #YellowSquad in the all-electric
FIA RX2e Championship last season, and Rallycross Promoter Managing Director
Arne Dirks, who has led the discussions with MotoFest Director, James Noble.
Rallycross as
a discipline was born in Britain back in 1967 and has a large fanbase in the
country. All sights are now set on
bringing the sport’s irresistible, no-holds-barred blend of fast-paced
entertainment and door-to-door duels back to the birthplace – and in front of a
bigger audience than ever before.
Arne Dirks,
Managing Director, Rallycross Promoter, said:
“It was fantastic to
spend some time at MotoFest to really get a flavour for it, and honestly, I was
blown away. The atmosphere was wonderful – a celebration of motoring milestones
and iconic race cars – and exactly the kind of family-friendly festival
experience we want to bring to future World RX events.
“We are aware there
is work still to be done to turn this ambition into a reality, but together
with James and his dedicated team, we are all laser-focused on the same goal – bringing
the fever and thrills of World Rallycross to the streets of Coventry next year.”
Kevin Hansen,
Driver, Hansen World RX Team, said:
“It was absolutely
astonishing to see so many fans and citizens of Coventry coming out to support
the event last weekend. The vibe was incredible, with music playing from every
corner within the city’s Ring Road and I think the addition of World RX to
MotoFest would only make it even better.
“Historically, the British
motoring industry was based in Coventry, and we all know how much passion and
enthusiasm there is for rallycross in the UK. Racing right there on the Ring
Road on what looks like being an amazing track in front of so many spectators, I
honestly think it would be the biggest rallycross event ever seen.”
Molly Taylor, Former Australian
Rally Champion, said:
“It was brilliant to be in
Coventry last weekend to see MotoFest up close. Coming from a predominantly
rallying background, I’m still relatively new to rallycross but having seen the
event in Hong Kong last year and the huge excitement that generated, I think
bringing the same buzz to Europe with a street circuit right in the heart of
the UK would be pretty epic. I’d love to be a part of it!”
Drifting Image: Marek Jedrzejewski / MotoFest Coventry
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