Conner Martell is preparing to embark upon his biggest challenge to-date over the forthcoming months, as the rising American rallycross star gets set to measure up against rivals he describes as ‘the best in the business’ in the RX2 International Series presented by Cooper Tires. Martell has spent the past couple of seasons contesting GRC Lites in his US homeland, impressively tallying five victories, nine podium finishes and 18 qualifying race wins to establish himself as a consistent front-runner. He maintained that eye-catching form in RallyX on Ice earlier this year with Swedish squad Team Färén, supported by the US-based Vermont SportsCar organisation. Once again immediately on the pace, he duelled wheel-to-wheel with more experienced adversaries from the outset and turned heads by making it into the final on his debut at Östersund in Sweden. The 21-year-old Vermont native saved his best until last with an excellent second-place finish at Gol in Norway – earning him seventh spot in the overall points table. Now, Martell is looking to carry that burgeoning momentum into RX2 – whose 2018 campaign will rev into life at Mettet in Belgium in a fortnight’s time – but he admits he is under no illusions about the size of the task that lies ahead. “I’m really excited to join the other talented drivers in RX2 and to race against them year-long,” he enthused. “Team Färén has provided me with a great car and I’ve done a lot of preparation throughout the off-season, competing in RallyX on Ice and my first US stage rally. “RallyX on Ice was a great experience and gave me the extra seat time I needed to get more comfortable in the car and boost my confidence. The RX2 field is filled with quick drivers, and I can’t wait to go side-by-side with the best in the business.” “We’re very happy to have Conner in our team this year,” added Team Principal Eric Färén. “He has a lot of experience from GRC Lites and was a front-runner there. Our only plan is to continue fighting for wins in RX2. Together with Nathan [Heathcote – team-mate], we have a very strong team of two young, talented drivers. We can’t wait to get started in Belgium.” The 2018 RX2 International Series presented by Cooper Tires will take in seven rounds across three continents in support of the FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy, visiting Belgium, Great Britain, Norway, Sweden, Canada, France and South Africa. 2018 RX2 International Series presented by Cooper Tires Calendar May 12/13 Mettet, Belgium May 26/27 Silverstone, Great Britain June 09/10 Hell, Norway June 30/July 01 Höljes, Sweden August 04/05 Trois-Rivières, Canada September 01/02 Lohéac, France November 24/25 Cape Town, South Africa
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