Tony Cochrane, the man widely credited with creating the V8 Supercar era in Australia, has joined the American-based Global Rallycross Championship (GRC).Rallycross, short, action-packed races on a mixture of tarmac and gravel, is beginning to find traction in the US market. The GRC counts big-name drivers, including YouTube sensation Ken Block, Top Gear USA host Tanner Foust and action sports megastar Travis Pastrana, among its regular competitors.
But despite this, and naming rights sponsorship from Red Bull, the series is still relatively small compared to America’s biggest motor racing series, NASCAR.
GRC management believes Cochrane can help grow the sport in the same way he elevated Australian touring car racing from a fringe sport to a mainstream spectacle.
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“Having access to Tony’s deep experience in managing one of the world’s premier motorsports series will be a great asset to the series,” said Global Rallycross chief executive Colin Dyne. “He is a true innovator, which perfectly complements the GRC series as we continue to disrupt the traditional motorsports landscape.”
Cochrane sold the majority of his stake in V8 Supercars in 2012 and set up his new company, International Entertainment Consulting, which also promotes concerts and exhibitions, as well as consulting with V8 Supercars.
“GRC is fantastic racing that appeals to a much younger demographic than traditional motorsport, such as NASCAR,” Cochrane said.
“The racing is action-packed and made for television, but also brings a real excitement at these temporary circuits as well. I can totally see why new manufacturers and teams are jumping in – its growth is going to be amazing!”