Follow all the GRC news by clicking here

MAY 11
Charlotte Gears Up for the Coca-Cola 600

The high-octane world of Global Rallycross, which mixes the energy of motorsports with the attitude of action sports, will bring its unique style of racing to Charlotte Motor Speedway as part of a racing double-header during the Coca-Cola 600 race weekend.

Following the HISTORY 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series Race on May 26, action sports stars Brian Deegan, Ken Block, Travis Pastrana and Tanner Foust, among others, will kick off the 2012 Global Rallycross season on a custom-built, three-quarter-mile Rallycross course, which will be constructed along the frontstretch and pit road of the famed 1.5-mile superspeedway.

"The addition of Global Rallycross makes an already packed 10 days of racing even bigger. It means more value for our fans and the opportunity to expose this fast-growing sport to a new segment of fans," said Charlotte Motor Speedway President and General Manager Marcus Smith. "This is going to be one of the most unique races ever to take place at Charlotte Motor Speedway and I'm excited they're starting their season here."

Fans will have an up-close view of the action as drivers steer through hairpin turns, across crossover jumps and through a series of chicanes and water features designed to test every driver's focus and control.

"Every jump and every corner, you're driving on the edge," Deegan said. "You have to push your car to the limit every race in order to come out on top. It's nerve-wracking for the drivers, but that makes for some of the most exciting racing a fan could imagine."

Drivers will be in the grandstands signing autographs and visiting fans prior to the start of Saturday's Global Rallycross feature event. Throughout the Coca-Cola 600 weekend, fans can see the 600-horsepower turbo-charged machines in Rally Park, a special pit area set up outside of Turns 1 and 2.

"Kicking off the 2012 season at Charlotte Motor Speedway is going to be cool," Deegan said. "I can't wait to get back behind the wheel of my Rockstar Ford Fiesta and show the fans what these cars can do. Global Rallycross always puts on a good show, and with an entire off season to think about this race, there are a lot of drivers, like myself, who are ready to push the limits and get the season started."

Tickets for the HISTORY 300 and Global Rallycross double-header start at $25. Children 13 and under are admitted free. To purchase tickets, call the Charlotte Motor Speedway Ticket Office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com

For all the latest news from Charlotte Motor Speedway, follow the track on Facebook at www.facebook.com/charlottemotorspeedway or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cltmotorspdwy.

MAY 11
Brand Becomes Official Sponsor of Global Rallycross Championships and the Subaru PUMA Rallycross Team

Sportslifestyle brand PUMA® is entering the rally circuit with the official sponsorship of Global Rallycross Championship and the Subaru PUMA Rallycross Team. The five-round 2012 Global Rallycross Championships kicks off May 26th in Charlotte, and will hold races in speedways across the US this summer. This made-in-the USA variation on the established European sport of rallycross pits small production-based cars against each other for door-to-door racing featuring dirt, asphalt, and a 70′ gap jump. The Global Rallycross Championship combines the best aspects of circuit racing, off-road racing and rally competition to deliver intense action in a variety of fan-friendly environments. As a sponsor, PUMA becomes the official supplier of team and racewear and the exclusive licensing partner to the team for footwear and apparel.

The Subaru PUMA Rallycross Team is the factory-backed rally team for Subaru of America managed by Subaru technical partner Vermont SportsCar. PUMA and Subaru's strong histories in motorsport and the brands' collective following across sport and lifestyle bring a new energy to Rallycross. The all-star, three-man driving team is captained by BMX legend and professional Rally athlete Dave Mirra.

The team will be competing in 2012 Subaru WRX STI rally cars that have a fresh new look for Rallycross featuring a unique Zombie Cat graphic. PUMA brings a fun and colorful design aesthetic that, when mixed with the adrenaline of the sport, is sure to excite drivers, fans and spectators alike. Mirra and the team will sport official fireproof PUMA racing suits emblazoned with Zombie Cat graphics and a new performance racing shoe called the PRX Subaru. PUMA will be releasing lifestyle footwear, tees and accessories inspired by the team and rally cars beginning in June.