US rallycross star Cabot Bigham is gearing up for his first stage event at this weekend’s Olympus Rally, the American Rally Association National series finale.
The 2016 Global Rallycross Lites champion will follow in the footsteps of his rallycross contemporaries Conner Martell and James Rimmer, both of whom have made appearances on the stages in recent years, competing in the Washington State event.
“This is my first stage rally [and] I am very excited but also nervous,” Bigham told DirtFish. “Especially after having tested and learned how important recce and pace notes are.
“I figured it would be a fantastic way to challenge myself while also being able to hone my skills for rallycross. I am still inspired by my colleagues James Rimmer and Conner Martell for their participation in stage rally in years past.”
Bigham will line up alongside best friend and manager Corey Silva in a 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI in the Limited four-wheel-drive category and has been getting up to speed at DirtFish rally school.
“The preparations have been going very well despite this global pandemic,” he said. “Dirtfish has been able to provide us with ample training both on and off road. I cannot thank them enough, and a special shout-out to OZ Rally Pro, because without them we would be truly lost and terrified!
“There seems to be much more prep work needed in stage rally, than rallycross,” he added.
Credit: Dominik Wilde
“When entering a Rallycross weekend I know my adrenaline will be extremely high, so I try my best to stay calm, healthy, and relaxed leading into an event.
“The same applies to stage rally, the only difference being I know where I am going after two laps of a Rallycross track.
“I feel as though I have adapted well. I have been blessed with having my manager/best friend be my co-driver which helps substantially as you can imagine.”
Bigham heads into his first rally aiming for a respectable finishing position, and says that while this debut appearance could lead to further rallies, his career ambitions remain firmly with rallycross.
“My expectation is to finish the event, but the competitor in me wants to finish mid-pack or better,” he said.
“This could absolutely lead to more rallies in the future. But my heart stays with rallycross.”
