STARKE, Fla.--April 5, 2013: With increased interest in rally racing from abroad, the 2013 rally racing season got off to a flying start at The FIRM (Florida International Rally and Motorsports Park), with more than 20 rally enthusiasts from China, including Changjiang Ma, the secretary general of Off-Road Driving from FASC, the Chinese motorsport association. All have been undergoing intensive training at The FIRM's 400+ acre motorsports park in Florida. The Chinese teams involved in the training are sharpening skills in both off-road driving and rally techniques.
“There are some established drivers and some novices. In addition to the driving they are also learning rally procedures and the aspects of timing and navigation”
The training program provided by The FIRM is part of a long-term effort to expand the sport of rally in China. "China wants to get back on the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar," says Ray Huang, President of the Power Auto Corporation in China. "We are working hard to improve all aspects of rally racing in China, and that includes training for both current and new drivers." Several of the leading drivers from the Chinese National Rally Championship are among those attending the training program, including the top two overall drivers and the fastest two-wheel driver.
A key objective of the training program is for each of the participants to qualify and get certified and licensed for participating in NASA Rally Sport events. "There are a wide mix of students," said Anders Green of NASA Rally Sport. "There are some established drivers and some novices. In addition to the driving they are also learning rally procedures and the aspects of timing and navigation," according to Green. "The Chinese teams have shipped a number of Mitsubishi Lancer EVOs to Florida, which we hope to see in training and rally events in the United States."
"We are excited to see international interest in the sport of rally in the United States," said Scott Kovelik, managing director of The FIRM. "We are thrilled that the Chinese Teams recognize The FIRM as the premier off-road and rally driver training facility in the United States." According to Kovelik, over the next 3 years, more than 300 drivers from China will train at The FIRM.
About The FIRM & The RallyPro Performance Driving School
The RallyPro Performance Driving School at The FIRM is one of only three rally driving schools in the country to offer true European-style rally single and multi-day training. The FIRM {Florida International Rally and Motorsport Park) is located in Starke, Florida and is the most unique, diverse and challenging action and motorsports facility in Florida. The FIRM offers professional rally-based driver training, track rentals and full-service special events, The FIRM also provides training for USSOCOM groups, defense contractors, private security contractors and corporate fleet and security departments. The FIRM is the action-sports, adult alternative to Florida's youth-oriented theme parks.