by Rob Wilkins


Nicky Grist has said that he and Colin McRae are really looking forward to the X Games Rally event in the USA this week, which runs from August 2-6.

Grist and McRae were confirmed for the event in Los Angeles, California, back in May, when the organisers announced that they would drive a Sobe No Fear Gold Energy Drink-backed Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally car prepared by Vermont SportsCar, the same group that manages the Subaru Rally Team USA for Subaru of America.

"We are off to California soon because we are competing in a competition called the X Games, which is a televised event through-out the US," Grist told Crash.net Radio recently at the Rallyday 2006. "It is the first time they have ever run it for rally cars.

"They have run it for motocross and tricks, where they do these rotating spins and all that kind of carry on, but now they are having this purpose made part for rally cars and it is the first time it is going to be used. They have invited us to go over there and compete against the top American championship runners, so we will see how we get on."

As for if he and McRae will leave them trailing in their dust, Grist said that while he is sure they can do well, they are not counting their chickens yet as there are a number of unknown factors they will have to do deal with.

"I am sure Colin will show them a few tricks or two, but we are running in an open class car, which is a more powerful version of a Group N production car and then we have got to use the organisers' notes and we don't know what they are like. We have got to run on stages we have not run on before and we will have to see how all these things pile-up," added Grist. "I am sure though that Colin's ability will make up for a lot of things and he will no doubt give the spectators something to smile at."

Unsurprisingly after a relatively lean season to date, they are both relishing the prospect of competing: "When you have got the opportunity to go out and perform it is great, because that is in your blood. But when you have actually got a proper competition and you can go out to win, because this is a serious event, then it just adds to it all," concluded Grist. "We have been in this sport for so many years now and you take in your stride really. Doing just the odd event now and then, it a nice way for us to wind things down."

To date this year, McRae and Grist have only done a few events, most noticeably the recent Donegal Rally and back in May, the Pirelli International Rally, where they competed in the Rallymasters series using McRae's own Mk II Ford Escort.