Two-time World Rally champion Marcus Grönholm has joined forces with JRD Motorsport to develop an all-new American rally car.
The ARC2 will be built to a blend of FIA RC2 (Rally2) and ARA Open Class regulations, with the aim of having it running on an ARA Presented by Kubota round later this season.
Grönholm told DirtFish: “I first met Johan [Ragnarsson, JRD Motorsport founder] when I was competing in Pikes Peak. It was interesting when he talked to me about this project – I think it will be quite good for people in America. Rallying in America is still a little bit in the beginning, but it could really be something with this car.
“I don’t know how long before I will start testing, before the team has something on the wheels. I will do some driving, some development. It’s nice, I think it will fun. But for the competition, I don’t think so – I think this is for the younger boys to do that.
“Maybe Niclas [Grönholm] will do one or two rallies with the car. We have to see. I know he likes America, he likes to go there – he came with me when I was competing in GRC and Pikes Peak and he really likes the place.”
Grönholm is no stranger to competing in America. As well as Pikes Peak, he tackled Global Rallycross rounds aboard an Olsbergs-tuned Ford Fiesta. Having won the first two rounds in 2012, Grönholm retired from competition following a practice crash for the X Games round in Los Angeles.
“We are excited about the opportunity to help form the future of American rally,” said Ragnarsson.
On the subject of bringing the Finn in, Ragnarsson added: “His experience will make sure our American-made rally car makes no compromises when it comes to performance. As one of the best drivers in the world, Grönholm will bring immeasurable value to the program.”
The car, which is expected to deliver Rally2 levels of power at around 300bhp, is an exciting development for the series, according to ARA series manager Preston Osborn.
“We have been working on this concept for several years with JRD,” said Osborn. “We are looking forward to the creation of a car built and designed within the USA following the Rally2 theory; a top-level car at an obtainable price to promote close competition within the ARA Championship.”
JRD has already tasted success on the American stages, with its partner cars having won five national titles.
