Hastings to Host First-Ever SCCA National RallyCross Event

 

TOPEKA, Kan. (July 22, 2005) - Continuing its pioneering evolution of
the sport, Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), Inc. officials have
announced that Motorsports Park Hastings (MPH), in Hastings, Neb., has
been selected as the site for the SCCA RallyCross National Challenge,
the first National level RallyCross in SCCA history.

 

Set for October 14-16, SCCA Nebraska Region will host the event, which
is open to all SCCA members and will serve as a prototype for both a
future national RallyCross series and a national championship. 

 

"We are excited for the opportunity to add another chapter into SCCA's
long history," SCCA Vice President of Competition Programs and Region
Development Howard Duncan said.  "We wanted to elevate our RallyCross
program to the next level, and we feel Hastings and SCCA Nebraska Region
provide what our National RallyCross program needs for a successful
launch, thanks to the amazing community support of other SCCA events."

 

MPH Managing Partner George Anderson said many communities in the area
are already prepared for the event.

 

"I can't go anywhere these days without someone asking when the next
event is," Anderson said.  "Having a RallyCross National Challenge will
draw people from all over. The recent RallyCross made the front page of
the Hastings paper, and even last Sunday, the track project made the
Grand Island Independent's front page. 

 

"Hastings' population is 24,000, Grand Island is 40,000 and Kearney is
20,000.  This population base is waiting in anxious anticipation to be
involved in SCCA's world."

 

SCCA Nebraska Region Regional Executive Jerry Doctor said his group
would be up to the task of hosting an event that will feature 10 classes
spread over four preparatory levels.

 

"The Nebraska Region is proud to host the first Rallycross National
Challenge," Doctor said.  "Our region has a reputation for fun events,
and we are planning an entertaining weekend both on and off the course
that neither fans nor entrants will soon forget."

 

Fans will see a wide range of vehicles, which are required to meet
minimal, yet strict safety standards.  The cars will fall into one of
the four categories - Street Stock, Rally Street, Rally Prepared or
Rally Mod.  Complete rules and a further breakdown of categories and
classes can be found at www.scca.com <http://www.scca.com/> .

 

Since its start in 1997, SCCA RallyCross has evolved from five events in
its first year to more than 150 Regional events, four Divisional events
and now National-level competition annually.  

 

RallyCross is an automotive competition held on an unpaved, mostly flat
surface where turns and maneuvers are connected by short straights that
emphasize the driver's car control skill, as well as car handling and
agility rather than speed or power. Competition is based on comparing
drivers' times needed to complete the course, and is similar to an
off-road autocross.

 

For more information about RallyCross or other SCCA competition programs
including Club Racing and Solo, visit www.scca.com
<http://www.scca.com/> .