Rally x Head to Head Format + Stadium = Rallycross
Instead of rallying’s point-to-point racing against the clock, rallycross pits multiple ultra-high performance cars side-by-side on wild, mixed-surface tracks. These purpose-built tracks feature multiple lines, huge jumps and unique features to test the limits of both the vehicles’ technology and the drivers’ abilities.
And unlike stage rally, there are fewer engine restrictions, the cars don’t have to be street legal and there is only one person in the car — the driver. This means the action is extremely fast-paced, contact between vehicles is par for the course, and big air over big jumps is almost guaranteed.
A Brief History of US Rallycross
In the US, rallycross consisted of the Global Rallycross series (2011–2017), which then dissolved and became the Americas Rallycross Championship (2018–2019), which in turn evolved into Nitro Rallycross (2021–2024). In 2022, the electric Group E class was introduced to Nitro Rallycross.
Vermont SportsCar managed the Subaru Puma Rallycross Team for the 2012–2014 seasons, featuring a wide range of drivers: from rally stars David Higgins, Chris Atkinson and Patrick Sandell to action sports icons Bucky Lasek and Dave Mirra. Scott Speed, now known for hillclimb successes at Goodwood and the new record-holder for the Mt. Washington Climb to the Clouds, joined the team in 2019. The team won the Team Championship in 2019, earning 4 wins from 6 rounds in the American Rallycross Championship.
An Eye on the Future
In 2021, Subaru Motorsports USA won the inaugural Nitro Rallycross Teams Championship, with Travis Pastrana winning the Driver’s Championship after a fierce battle with teammate Scott Speed.
As of 2026, VSC and Subaru do not actively participate in a Rallycross championship but do often utilize the team’s Rallycross cars for demonstration runs or special events.