Category: WRC

News and commentary premier rally series in the world, the World Rally Championship.

WRC – Are They Really Arguing About Safety?

Mike Shaw

The safety argument. It’s such an easy thing to use as the basis for an argument because nobody wants to say they are against safety right?   This week is the Rally Sweden, round 2 on the WRC calendar and the only true winter rally on the schedule (although Wales has had its share of surprises with a bit of the white stuff).  Unfortunately mother nature wasn’t cooperating and unseasonably high temperatures had melted all the snow for many of the stages.  In a desperate move to keep the rally on, organizers cancelled…

Read More

Higgins and Drew Move Up As Wales Rally GB Heads Into Darkness

Mike Shaw

7 times USA Rally Champion David Higgins and co-driver Craig Drew gained positions as those in front suffered in the stormy conditions during the day Saturday.  Massive amounts of rain, low hanging clouds, slippery mud, and standing water were the order of the day as remnants of hurricane Kate battered the Welsh countryside. Wales is used to heavy rain, however in this case they issued flood warnings and many outdoor events including a beloved rugby match were cancelled.  Not Wales Rally GB though.  The gravel roads in these Welsh forests are quite honestly…

Read More

Higgins and Drew Storm Through Day 1 of Wales Rally GB

Mike Shaw

Day 1 of the final round of the World Rally Championship is coming to a close and we have of course been following the progress of Rally America multi-Champions David Higgins and Craig Drew.  Competing in a McRae liveried JRM built 2015 Subaru WRS STI Group N R4, the two have stunned many on the rain soaked and slippery Welsh stages with their pace.  Higgins told WRC Live Radio  that other than a little issue with the brakes after service the car has been great and he’s enjoyed moving up the field.…

Read More

Wales Rally GB 2015 Live Coverage

Mike Shaw

There is a healthy helping of live coverage for Wales Rally GB this weekend.  The final round of the WRC 2015 calendar will have the 3 stages live on WRC+ in addition to the daily highlight and event review programs.  As a bonus, WRC+ is offering a 20% discount to those wanting to purchase their app for the entire 2016 season ahead of time.   SS9 – Gartheiniog 2 – 11.34KM – Starts Saturday 1:30 AM Pacific Time SSS13 – Chirk Castle – 2.06KM – Starts Saturday 6:30 AM Pacific Time…

Read More

WRC 2016 Schedule Revealed

Mike Shaw

Unlike IndyCar, the WRC can at least get a schedule released prior to the end of their existing season.  Okay, jabs aside there are some interesting bits to this new schedule below.  It’s business as usual up until round 10 in September when the much anticipated China round is supposed to appear.  The big manufacturers like Citroen want it, but at the same time don’t want to pay for a 14th round in the championship.  If it happens as scheduled, teams will have 2 weeks to pack up and leave Germany…

Read More

Op-Ed – Ogier Thinks Night Stages Should be Eliminated

Mike Shaw

Soon to be crowned 3 times consecutive World Rally Champion in his dominant VW Polo R WRC, Sebastien Ogier told  organizers at the end of  Day 2 of the Coates Hire Rally Australia that “night stages increased risk for drivers and provided little for spectators.” He then asked Rally Australia organizers not to include a night stage again as nobody benefited and he said this supposedly on behalf of all WRC drivers. (Thanks to Gary Boyd @KiwiWRCfan for this excerpt)   This is interesting coming from Sebastien Ogier who has been the ongoing…

Read More

WRC 2017 – A Return of Group B?

Mike Shaw

In a decision opposite of what we normally hear from the World Motorsports Council, the FIA has agreed to increase the power and open up many design elements for 2017 World Rally Championship manufacturers.  The basics are an increase to 380 HP, lighter weight, and a more “dynamic and distinct appearance that exhibits character and diversity”.   Some have said to be careful what you wish for as more power is dangerous and could bring back the tragedies from the days of Group B.  In the simplest of terms that is in fact…

Read More

WRC Rally Mexico – USA Live Coverage

Mike Shaw

This week continues the saga that is the World Rally Championship.  Will road sweeping finally stop two time World Champion Sebastien Ogier’s winning streak?  Or will the dust prove to be to his advantage leading the pack?  Who else will contend for the top of the podium?  Will we see another dramatic fight for the win like Sweden or another desperate transit to the final time control like Thierry Neuville experienced last year?  Get ready for the high altitude and hot action that is Rally Mexico!!   WRC Live Radio will…

Read More

WRC Rally Sweden – USA Live Coverage

Mike Shaw

For those that have MAVTV or WRC+, WRC Rally Sweden is offering up Live TV coverage of 3 of this week’s stages. My favorite has to be the one airing today.  Have you ever played DiRT3 and the Head2Head competition?  Or ever watched the Race of Champions?  That same over-under crossover of 2 cars racing at the same time going the same overall distance is what will be shown today at the Karlstad super special.  Fans voted to help create the head-to-head competitions, and it is always an exciting show.…

Read More