Indianapolis-based team Bryan Herta Rallysport will campaign two M-Sport built 600+bhp Ford Fiesta Mk7 SuperCars in the 2015 Global RallyCross series, one will be driven by Swede Patrik Sandell and the other one by American Austin Dyne.
Indianapolis 500 championship team owner Bryan Herta is proud to announce expansion into the Global RallyCross series with the launch of Bryan Herta Rallysport (BHR). Along with partner Sean Jones BHR will field two teams in the GRC SuperCar series and one in the GRC Lites category. The SuperCar drivers will be Swede Patrik Sandell and American Austin Dyne, while 21-year-old US female open-wheel formula racer Collete Davis is set to drive the 300+bhp GRC Lites vehicle.
Herta has been looking into expansion and diversification outside of the Verizon IndyCar Series since the team won the 2011 Indianapolis 500. The schedule and business plan of the Global RallyCross series presented just the opportunity Herta and his business partners desired. The team will be based in the Bryan Herta Autosport shop in Indianapolis, Indiana. BHR will campaign M-Sport built all-wheel drive Ford Fiesta Mk7 Rallycross SuperCars, capable of 600+ horsepower. Long time IndyCar engineer Brian Page will oversee the team’s technical development and day-to-day operations, and Nick Franzosi will be the crew chief.
Patrik Sandell about his 2015 GRC programme:
“I always start every season with one goal: to win the championship. Nothing has changed for this season. But I also have one year more experience now, so I know better to be smart and how to get to that top spot on the podium.”
Bryan Herta about the formation of BHR:
“This is a very exciting day as we start a new adventure in motorsports. The Global RallyCross series has shown amazing growth over the last couple years, and we are excited about the first rate television package. The demographic for the series complements our existing efforts in the Verizon IndyCar Series, and we now have a real one-two punch to offer our partners. I’m especially proud to welcome Sean Jones as a partner; we have been friends since we raced against each other almost 25 years ago.”
Sean Jones about the formation of BHR:
“I’m really looking forward to this new venture with Bryan. We started as competitors many years ago and now we’ve come full circle as partners in Bryan Herta Rallysport. I’m thrilled to bring my energy and experience to bear into this sport – I grew up in it both personally and professionally, and partnering with Bryan feels like the natural progression for me. The Global RallyCross series is on the rise and its fast paced, high energy and action-packed formula resonates with the fans. While we’re just now announcing our program, Don Lambert, Brian Page, Nick Franzosi and the rest of the gang at the shop have been working on this project for several months. Add to that our diverse, talented and motivated group of drivers, factor in our commercial partners, Lowe’s and Kobalt Tools and Castrol MAGNATEC – all with a rich history in motorsports and we should have a winning formula on our hands. I can’t wait for the 2015 championship to kick off next month in Fort Lauderdale.”
Photo: Sandell, here pictured in 2014 at Daytona Beach, has driven for OMSE in Global RallyCross so far. © QNIGAN/ERC24