Scott Speed wins first Global Rallycross Championship title for Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross

Las Vegas, Nevada -- The Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team rocketed to its first Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship crown on Wednesday, an impressive accomplishment for the new team in only its second season of series competition.

“We congratulate Volkswagen and the Andretti Autosport group for their success this year,” said Red Bull GRC CEO Colin Dyne. “Building a brand new team is no easy task, and in just two short years they’ve gone from one of our newest entries to a championship-winning organization in their first full season with the Beetle.”

What a great way to win here, with all the climate issues and all the drama,

Scott Speed

A late season surge brought the title within reach for the team. On Wednesday, Speed, who swept the series’ doubleheader in Los Angeles, held off teammate Tanner Foust in a head-to-head battle on the Strip.

“What a great way to win here, with all the climate issues and all the drama,” Speed said. “It really feels great for the team because we came from so far back in points. I’m super happy for Volkswagen Andretti to bring home this championship!”

Speed jumped out to an early lead in the final, but was soon passed by a pair of other drivers after first-lap contact that also included Foust. As Foust fought his damaged Beetle around the course in an effort to maximize points, Speed maintained the final spot on the podium to clinch the championship over rival Sebastian Eriksson. Teammate Foust, a two-time series champion, took the third spot in the 2015 championship standings.

“It really feels great for the team because we came from so far back in points,” said Speed. “I’m super happy for Volkswagen Andretti to bring home this championship!”

Between Speed and teammate Tanner Foust, the Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross Beetle has achieved 13 podium results in 2015 -- including outright wins at four of the five most recent races. Speed stood on the podium in each of the final five races this year, the longest podium streak for any driver in the 2015 Supercar season. Foust’s record included a season-high three wins.

“This was a challenging season, but a hard-earned one that the VARX team is extremely proud of,” said Clark Campbell, General Manager Experiential Marketing Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The Beetle GRC with Scott and Tanner behind the wheel has proven itself as a solid contender and a fan-favorite. I would also like to thank the organization behind the Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship, it is not an easy task to stage these events, but the increased viewership and media attention demonstrate that this is a series to be taken seriously and one that we are proud to be a part of.”

Dyne said the new manufacturer team has been a welcome addition to the Red Bull Global Rallycross paddock.

“Scott is a worthy champion who has become one of the world’s premier rallycross drivers since winning his first-ever Red Bull GRC race in Brazil in 2013,” said Dyne. “Likewise, Tanner has been a staple of our series from its inception, a fan favorite and one of our most talented drivers. We look forward to seeing if the team can defend its championship next year.”

Announcements about the 2016 Red Bull Global Rallycross season, including an event schedule and broadcast information, are expected in the coming weeks.

Red Bull Global Rallycross