Ridge is one of the most recognisable faces in
the rallycross paddock, with plenty of international experience behind both the
mic’ and the steering wheel. Amongst his other roles, he has been a mechanic,
spotter, writer and photographer. With his finger firmly on the pulse, he has
served as World RX’s expert commentator since 2021, informing and entertaining
viewers with the benefit of his unrivalled insider knowledge and close
relationships with drivers and teams.
New ‘partner-in-crime’ Chen – more commonly
known as ‘Chenny’ – has similarly proven himself in a competitive environment,
and on the broadcasting side, he has covered a wide range of disciplines from
the gruelling Dakar Rally to the Red Bull Air Race and, more recently, the FIA
World Rally Championship. He is no stranger to rallycross either, having reported
on World RX for Red Bull TV – and now he is relishing the opportunity to get
stuck in on a full-time basis.
“This is a tremendously exciting time to be
joining World RX with the new ‘Battle of Technologies’, and I’m really looking
forward to being part of the team,” enthused the new recruit. “Rallycross has
always been close to my heart. It’s such a crazy, thrilling and raw sport –
there’s nothing else like it on the planet.
“I think it’s going to be a brilliant year. It’ll
be really interesting to see who ends the season as world champion, and it
looks like we will have great grids in the support categories as well.
“Hal and I both come from motorsport
backgrounds and have known each other and been mates for a long time, so viewers
can expect a lot of natural banter between us, which I think will really
enhance the television product.
“I’m also looking forward to meeting and
hanging out with the fans. Our primary goal is to really convey rallycross’
excitement to them – for me, that is the most important thing. They are some of
the best fans in motorsport and we owe it to them to put on a great show – and
that is exactly what we intend to do.”
“I love rallycross and I love working on
rallycross broadcasts, so I’m very pleased to be back in the World RX and Euro
RX commentary team for 2024,” echoed Ridge. “Some of the greatest eras in
rallycross history have been about embracing new innovations and creations, and
the concept of running the RX1 and RX1e cars together on-track in World RX will
be intriguing.
“The level in terms of fighting for the title
is very high, and with the shape of the calendar this year, any missed
opportunities will be severely punished. That will be the case across the board
– there are known quantities and fresh faces in every category, so I can’t wait
to see how the season plays out.
“Working with Chenny will be fun, too. He has a
wealth of experience in motorsport and since he became involved in rallycross a
few years ago, he has fully embraced the ethos of the discipline. I’m looking
forward to analysing all of the action with him.”
Ridge and Chen
will be supported across the season by paddock and end-of-race reporters Bryn
Lucas and former driver Thomas Holmen.
The forthcoming World RX campaign will get underway at Höljes in Sweden on
6-7 July – rallycross’ legendary ‘Magic Weekend’. All of the action season-long
will be broadcast on the revolutionary Rally.TV platform, which additionally
offers access to an unparalleled library of on-board footage and an extensive
archive of iconic moments. Monthly and annual subscriptions can be
purchased here.
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