Volkswagen Beetle GRC celebrates first birthday at Port of Los Angeles doubleheader

The Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team (VARX) will mark the one-year anniversary of the Beetle GRC’s on-track debut at this weekend’s Red Bull Global Rallycross doubleheader from the Port of LA. Tanner Foust and Scott Speed hope to celebrate the special occasion with top results in the doubleheader weekend, setting the pace for a strong finish in the final quarter of the 2015 Red Bull Global Rallycross season.

After a limited in-season testing program last year, the VARX team has worked on perfecting the Beetle GRC platform during the 2015 season. The team switched to a new 2.0L engine during the offseason, and the Beetle GRC has delivered four pole positions, two wins and three other podium finishes this year.

I think we are sitting in the best spot possible for success with these Beetles, so it’s time to show...

Tanner Foust

“The Beetle GRCs have performed well this season and the team is looking forward to translating their raw speed into more race wins this weekend,” said Clark Campbell, General Manager, Experiential Marketing, Volkswagen of America. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the anniversary of the Beetle GRC’s race debut than a trip to the podium.”

Tanner Foust, Newport Beach resident and driver of the No. 34 Rockstar Energy Drink Volkswagen Beetle GRC is looking forward to his home race at the Port of LA. Foust took victory earlier this season in Daytona and seeks to return to that winning form in LA.

“After a year of competition and testing, the Beetles are back in Los Angeles for their anniversary,” said Foust. “Volkswagen was fast here last year and I’m looking forward to showing off the Rockstar Energy Drink Beetle GRC through the dynamic elevation changes of the course. It’s time to show the hometown, LA crowd what we can do!”

California-native Scott Speed, driver of the No. 41 Merchant First Beetle GRC is happy to return to the West Coast and the exciting atmosphere that surrounds Red Bull Global Rallycross races.

“I am so excited to get back on track for Global Rallycross in Los Angeles,” said the three-time and reigning X Games Gold Medalist. “This was one of my favorite events last year and I’m looking forward to another big crowd. The Merchant First Beetle GRC is stronger than ever and I’m confident that we’re going to put in two very strong races for the VARX team this weekend.”

Available now, the VARX Supercars app is free to download for iOS and Android users, providing race fans with the perfect mobile companion to every race weekend. Users can stay up to date on schedules, session results, and live timing and scoring all in the palm of his or her hand. Search "VARX Supercars" in the App Store or on Google Play to download.

Red Bull Global Rallycross LA will take place at the Port of LA in San Pedro, CA, September 12-13. NBC will air coverage from both days of competition on Sunday, Sep 14, at 4:00 p.m.

Scott Speed - No. 41 Merchant First Beetle

"I am so excited to get back on-track for Global Rallycross Los Angeles. It was one of my favorite events last year and it brought in a really large crowd. The No. 41 Merchant First Beetle is in the best place it has been all year so far. I’m looking forward to putting in two very strong races for the Volkswagen Andretti team this weekend in LA."

Tanner Foust - No. 34 Rockstar Energy Drink Beetle

"After a year of competition and testing, the Beetles are back in Los Angeles for their anniversary. It’s a track that Volkswagen proved to be quick last year. I’m looking forward to the elevation changes and dynamic of this year’s track to show off the Rockstar Energy Drink Beetle. I think we are sitting in the best spot possible for success with these Beetles, so it’s time to show the LA crowd what we can do."

Andretti Rallycross