TOPEKA, Kan. (October 2, 2012) – For the third consecutive year, a record number of competitors are expected to take part in the SCCA RallyCross National Championships this weekend, October 6-7. The event makes its second appearance on the grounds of Tulsa Raceway Park, and will complete a month-long run of SCCA National Championship events.
The RallyCross National Championship will crown titlists in nine classes after two days of competition on grass, dirt, and – if rains fall – on the mud. To determine a winner, an aggregate time of all runs over two days are taken per class.
Each champion receives a GoPro Hero2 camera from the Official Camera of SCCA. Five automobile manufacturers have also posted contingency programs for their top finishers. Volkswagen drivers who win their class are eligible for $1,250 in cash, with $750 and $500 going to respective podium finishers. Subaru matches that program, while Mazda offers $750 for a win, $500 for second, and $250 for third. Honda competitors can earn $500 for a National Championship, with $300 for a runner-up and $100 for third. Grassroots Motorsports Magazine rewards subscribers with $100 for a National Championship. Additionally, Team O’Neil Rally School and Car Control Center is giving away a driving school to one not-so-lucky participant. The school will judge the award winner, and are looking for a driver with speed and promise, but who may have coned away a trophy or a top finish.
Six of eight defending National Champions are on the entry list this year for the event, which now includes nine classes after expanding the Modified category to All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive and Rear Wheel Drive for 2012.
Douglas Largent, of Springfield, Mo., and Jan Gerber, of Ralston, Neb., are back to defend their rear and all-wheel drive titles in the Stock category. Sam Henry, of Republic, Mo., took a silver medal at the Runoffs and just missed a trophy at the Solo National Championships in September, and will defend his Prepared – Rear Wheel Drive title in Tulsa.
The most interesting class could come in Prepared – All Wheel Drive after Keith Lightfoot, of Fort Collins, Colo., moved from the front wheel drive class to challenge defending champion Kubo Kordisch, of Brighton, Colo. And once again, Kent Hamilton will come from Anchorage, Alaska, to defend his title in the Modified – Two Wheel Drive.
The NEOKLA Region will once again play host to the event, with assistance from officials from around the country, the RallyCross Board, and the SCCA National Staff in the same fashion as other SCCA National Championship events including the Tire Rack Solo National Championship and the SCCA National Championship Runoffs. Registration for the RallyCross National Championship remains open online until Wednesday, October 3 at 8 a.m. CDT, and on site through Friday. All competitors must arrive on Friday for registration, tech, class inspection and draw.
More information on all of the SCCA programs is available at http://facebook.com/SCCAOfficial
