Honda Returns to Indianapolis for Red Bull Global Rallycross
• Mitchell deJong’s Podium Streak Continues into Indianapolis
• Long Layoff Bodes Well for Honda Civic Coupes
• First Event in Indianapolis for Red Bull Global Rallycross Series
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (July 5, 2017) – After two consecutive doubleheader events, Olsbergs MSE (OMSE) and drivers Oliver Eriksson, Mitchell deJong and Sebastian Eriksson travel to Lucas Oil Raceway Park in Indianapolis, IN for Round 7 of the 2017 Red Bull Global Rallycross season.
This will be the first time the 2017 Honda GRC Civic Coupes will compete in the motorsports mecca.
The traditional .686-mile oval will be transformed into a seven-turn, rallycross-prepared circuit featuring a 30.8-percent dirt composition. The Honda GRC Civic Coupes will launch prior to the oval’s third turn and race counterclockwise towards the main grandstand, reaching speeds of over 120 miles per hour. The entry to the Joker Lap features a tight hairpin before reaching the 70-foot dirt jump on the oval’s pit lane road.
“This track will be the fastest of the year,” said three-time Red Bull GRC podium finisher Mitchell deJong. “The most challenging part of the circuit may be the long arching corners, because they will demand so much focus and attention to detail from the drivers.”
With the weekend weather forecast calling for scattered thunderstorms throughout the two-day event, 18-year-old rookie Oliver Eriksson views the adverse weather as an advantage for OMSE. “When you look at our performance on dirt at events like Louisville, Thompson and Ottawa, we seem to find ways to get great results in heat races – or in the finals like in Louisville [site of Honda’s first victory in Red Bull GRC] – because the team and the Civic Coupe are great at adapting to new conditions.”
For 24-year-old Sebastian Eriksson, capitalizing on the team’s preliminary heat success will be the key to winning in the Circle City. “We’ve won heat races and we’ve proven that we can win in the Finals, so as drivers, we need to make sure we can keep our cars clean and start well to survive 10 laps, especially at a big, fast track like Lucas Oil Raceway Park. The team has worked very hard all season long and our preparation for the bigger circuits will be crucial for our success in Indianapolis.”
Track activity begins on Saturday at 2:10 p.m. EDT with Supercar Practice. Television coverage of the Indianapolis race will begin at 8 p.m. on Sunday, following coverage of the Verizon IndyCar Series race from Iowa Speedway.