Sverre Isachsen scored Subaru Rally Team USA’s first-ever Red Bull Global Rallycross victory in front of a sellout crowd at DirtFish Rally School in Snoqualmie, WA, in Saturday’s GRC Seattle. Isachsen, a three-time European rallycross champion, earned the victory over new series points leader Joni Wiman, and Brian Deegan.
SEATTLE (United States) – “It is really important for the team,” said Isachsen. “We never gave up on developing this car—it takes time. You do something wrong, but then you do something right, and then of course today we had a fast car. It’s huge for everybody, all the Subaru guys.”
A thrilling main event saw points leader Ken Block, starting from pole, clip a barrier upon entering the joker lane in the first corner, allowing Isachsen to get by while Block bounced into two-time series champion Tanner Foust. Wiman, who started from the outside front row and elected to save his joker, fought his way back into second place to take his third consecutive podium finish.
“We worked hard, and the second half of the season has been really good,” Wiman said. “It’s amazing to lead the championship. I’m so happy and it feels amazing, and I want to go!”
In GRC Lites, Mitchell DeJong clinched the 2014 championship by virtue of starting the event, mathematically eliminating all other drivers from contention. The 17-year-old celebrated in the best way possible by earning his sixth victory and third perfect weekend (he was fastest in qualifying and the winner of both of his heats) of the year. Austin Cindric and Alejandro Fernandez completed the podium.
Results from Red Bull Global Rallycross Seattle are as follows:
1. Sverre Isachsen, #11 Subaru Rally Team USA WRX STI, 2. Joni Wiman, #31 Olsbergs MSE Ford Fiesta ST, 3. Brian Deegan, #38 Rockstar Energy Drink Ford Fiesta ST, 4. Nelson Piquet Jr., #75 SH Racing Rallycross Ford Fiesta ST, 5. Rhys Millen, #67 Hyundai/Rhys Millen Racing Hyundai Veloster
Unofficial points through nine of 10 rounds are as follows:
1. Joni Wiman, 332 points, 2. Ken Block, 320, 3. Nelson Piquet Jr., 304, 4. Scott Speed, 303, 5. Sverre Isachsen, 247
About Red Bull Global Rallycross
Designed to produce the fastest and most exciting racing in motorsports, Red Bull Global Rallycross pits small production-based cars against each other in door-to-door racing featuring dirt, asphalt, and table-top jumps. With enhanced engineering and safety features, the cars produce 600 horsepower and can accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in less than two seconds, and can also withstand 70-foot jumps and other vehicle contact. For more information visit www.RedBullGlobalRallycross.com
