Red Bull Global Rallycross will make its long-awaited debut in Indianapolis on July 8-9 with a brand new event at Lucas Oil Raceway. Red Bull Global Rallycross Indianapolis will kick off the second half of the series' 2017 schedule, hosting the seventh round of this year's championship.
“For years, we have been asked when Red Bull GRC would come to Indianapolis, and we're proud to make our debut in the city this July,” said Red Bull GRC CEO Colin Dyne. “Indianapolis has an incredible racing heritage, and many of our competitors call the area home. We are excited to bring a brand new form of racing to the city, we're expecting an impressive first event in 2017.”
The Lucas Oil Raceway layout will see drivers start on the backstretch of the oval, charging through oval Turns 3 and 4 and hitting full speed in front of the grandstand. After continuing into oval Turn 1, drivers will cut left into the infield before taking on a left-right combination that sends them the opposite direction up the pit lane. Here, drivers will take on the series' signature 70-foot jump and dirt section, following the dirt all the way up the pit access road before a left-hand hairpin returns them to the oval. A dramatic Joker Lap cuts off the entire Turn 1 and infield section, sending drivers directly to the dirt in a move that can save over five seconds per lap.
Opened as Indianapolis Raceway Park more than five decades ago, Lucas Oil Raceway is world-renowned for hosting drag racing's U.S. Nationals since 1961. The Indianapolis area is also home to multiple Red Bull GRC teams, including two-time defending Supercar champions Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross, 2015 and 2016 Supercar race winners Bryan Herta Rallysport, 2016 GRC Lites champions Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, and series newcomers Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.