Honda, Olsbergs MSE Prepare for Global Rallycross Season Finale in Los Angeles
• Sebastian Eriksson and Joni Wiman Look to Defend Podium Results from Seattle
• Honda Civic Coupes Debut on Home Turf, in Southern California
• Honda is in a Battle for Second Place in Season-Long Manufacturers’ Championship
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (October 4, 2016) – In the final Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship events of the season, the Olsbergs MSE team and drivers Sebastian Eriksson and Joni Wiman anticipate an exciting doubleheader weekend at the Port of Los Angeles. Red Bull Global Rallycross Los Angeles Presented by Honda will not only feature sponsorship from the manufacturer, but the shortest circuit of the 2016 season, at just .699 miles in length.
With four of the team’s five podium finishes coming at circuits of less than .750 miles in length, the Port of Los Angeles nine-turn course bodes well for the Honda Red Bull OMSE Civic teammates.
“We’ve been very strong on these short and technical courses,” said Eriksson, driver of the No. 93 Honda Red Bull OMSE Civic. “Joni [Wiman] and I are very consistent and adapt well to the tighter courses. This is not only a big event since it is the last race of the year, but it’s also a home race for American Honda and Honda Performance Development, so we want to deliver a great result in their backyard.”
Located just 11 miles from American Honda Motor Co., Inc. headquarters in Torrance, Calif., the Port of Los Angeles circuit features a tight and technical 71.9 percent paved and 28.1 percent dirt composed course that will put a premium on the Honda Joker Lap strategy.
“The Joker Lap is always an important part of our race strategy,” said Wiman, driver of the No. 31 Honda Red Bull OMSE Civic. “After looking at the circuit, this Honda Joker Lap will be unique due to the width of the entry, which is very tight, and then merges onto a high-speed straightaway. Getting through cleanly and attentively will ensure a successful lap time.”
The Honda Racing Rallycross teammates will be the first to compete for the manufacturer since its Petit Le Mans victory Saturday night at Road Atlanta, which secured the WeatherTech Sports Car Series North American Endurance Championship for Honda Racing/HPD. For Eriksson and Wiman, their endurance will be put to the test in one of motorsports’ most aggressive championships.
To purchase tickets for the weekend, visit redbullglobalrallycross.com/tickets and insert code HONDA15 at checkout for a 15 percent off discount on general admission tickets (valid only online). Television coverage begins Sunday, October 9 at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT on NBC. Live digital coverage can be seen on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT and on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.