Kumho Tire US has returned to off-road racing, supporting three drivers in the annual extreme off-road race in Johnson Valley, California. Stephen ‘Woody’ Rose Jr. (#22), Eric Wikle (#406) and Mark Duval (#4810) tested the Kumho Road Venture MT71 mud-terrain tires on February 6 over challenging terrain. The race combines high-speed desert sections with technical rock crawling, putting drivers and equipment through some of the toughest obstacles in the California desert.

“We are thrilled to return to off-road racing in the US and showcase our Performance Without Compromise brand motto in action,” said Ed Cho, CEO of Kumho Tire US. “This month’s participation in the California desert event marks the beginning of Kumho Tire’s growing involvement in off-road motorsports, and reinforces our commitment to high-performing light truck products.”

Kumho says the Road Venture MT71 is built for rugged performance and engineered to tackle the toughest natural obstacles that performance racers and everyday adventurers may face. It is designed for durability, off-road traction and on-road handling. Features include increased block stiffness for improved performance, a high-void zigzag tread pattern for off-road grip, and mud and stone ejector bars on the shoulder lugs to prevent damage and aid self-cleaning.

In related news, Dunlop extends MXGP official tire partnership in multi-year deal

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Yokohama Rubber has announced that it will supply its Geolandar range, designed for SUVs and pickup trucks, as the official tire for the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile’s Extreme H World Cup, a new FIA World Cup race and the world’s first hydrogen motorsport.

Yokohama Rubber will supply a prototype tire based on its Geolandar X-AT all-terrain tire, in which the renewable and recycled raw materials content ratio has been increased to 38%. It also features strengthened durability essential for heavy hydrogen-powered and electric off-road vehicles.

Extreme H will start next month in Saudi Arabia, with the location and dates yet to be confirmed. Yokohama Rubber will also supply its Geolandar range for the Extreme E off-road race for electric vehicles, also taking place in Saudi Arabia in October.

All Extreme H teams will use the specially developed Pioneer 25 racing car, which is equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell that has a peak output of 550bhp, and can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds. This year, eight teams from across Europe will participate, with the vehicles driven by world-class drivers.

Launched in 2021, Extreme E served as the predecessor to the upcoming Extreme H series. Its races feature the Odyssey 21, a purpose-built high-performance electric vehicle (EV), and each team has one male and one female driver. All Extreme H teams will compete in the final Extreme E event before the series transitions to hydrogen-powered vehicles with Extreme H.

In related news, Bridgestone chosen as the exclusive tire partner for Lamborghini’s fastest car

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The FIA World Rally Championship will arrive in Paraguay for the first time on August 18-31, 2025, with a strong 48-car entry list confirmed for its landmark debut.

The entry list sets the stage for what the WRC says will be one of 2025’s most “intriguing challenges as crews tackle the distinctive red gravel roads around Encarnación for the first time”.

Toyota will bring five GR Yaris Rally1 cars for the Paraguayan challenge, with eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier joining championship leader Elfyn Evans, double world champion Kalle Rovanperä, Takamoto Katsuta and Sami Pajari for the season’s 10th round.

Hyundai Motorsport will field its full i20 N Rally1 line-up through Ott Tänak, defending champion Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux, with M-Sport Ford running Grégoire Munster and Josh McErlean in Puma Rally1s.

“Paraguay has huge fans and supporters of rally. We have good drivers,” said president Santiago Peña, who has personally championed the event’s creation. “This is going to be the beginning of a very long journey. Paraguay is going to begin this year with the World Rally Championship, but we are definitely sure that this is going to be, for the next decades to come, one of the best rallies in the world.”

In related news, the FIA World Rally Championship Commission recently revealed an updated version of its WRC27 technical regulations, which include a new chapter relating to bodywork. Read the full story here

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Extreme H has completed its final testing on its new hydrogen-powered race car, the Pioneer 25, in Fontjoncouse in the south of France.

The session focused on fine-tuning performance, testing technical components and evaluating the vehicle’s latest tire developments, all critical enhancements designed to handle the series’s unique and demanding race environments.

The Pioneer 25 hydrogen race car, designed and manufactured by Spark Racing Technology, has undergone an intensive testing program that the developers say is equivalent to more than three seasons of Extreme E racing.

Hydrogen- powered

Equipped with cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cells powered by green hydrogen gas, the cars emit only water vapor, which can either be consumed or used elsewhere on site for crucial aspects such as car washing.

The vehicle’s peak 400kW (550hp) output is capable of firing the 2,200kg, 2.4m wide race car from 0- 100km/h in 4.5 seconds and scale gradients of up to 130% to help it tackle the toughest terrains with precision and speed.

Thoughts from the driver’s seat

Former Extreme E champion and E.ON Next Veloce Racing driver Molly Taylor said of the test drive, “The suspension has a lot more scope, especially in the tough conditions, as where we are testing the car it is really rough. You feel like you can lean on it a lot more in those areas and the car will take a lot more [than the Extreme E car]. It’s also a very different experience the first time you jump in.”

Taylor also discussed the hydrogen fuel: “It was really interesting when they started the hydrogen up and you see all this steam coming out of the exhaust. Normally, if my car at home has steam coming out, things are going really bad, but it was really cool in a way, makes you realize you are driving something that’s very different.”

Kevin Hansen, Molly’s teammate at E.ON Next Veloce Racing in Extreme E, said of the testing process, “We are making progress, trialling different things and trying to make the car the best it can be. It feels much better than the previous car. It’s in a strong shape and once we get to racing, when we get to optimize for top performance, it will be really interesting to see what more we can squeeze out of the final product.”

Leading the testing program was Extreme H ‘s technical director, Mark Grain, who said, “The tires we have been testing here this week are a big step forward in performance from our last test, and have received great driver feedback. We’ve also been performing some endurance tests with a lot of the components and fine-tuning of the hydrogen fuel cell so that we are ready to go racing later this year. Now that we understand a lot more about the types of racing that we want to achieve at the World Cup, we’ve also been able to simulate a lot of those conditions and fine-tune the car around those formats.”

In related news, Prema Racing has joined forces with artificial intelligence (AI) software provider Monolith, which will become its AI development partner effective immediately and for the ongoing season. Read the full story here

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“Over the past year and a half, Team Honda HRC has dominated in AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross, and the progress in that realm has both benefited from and contributed to the development of our production CRF Performance motocrossers,” said Colin Miller, assistant manager of public relations at American Honda.

“For 2025, the CRF450R, CRF450RWE, CRF250R and all-new CRF250RWE are more capable than ever, and those advances also carry over to the CRF450RX and CRF250RX closed-course off-roaders. As we celebrate Jett Lawrence’s AMA Supercross crown, and on the eve of his AMA Pro Motocross title defense, we’re happy to unveil our 2025 dirt-bike line-up with our fans and customers. With the updates made to these models, and the important contributions of our race team, Honda’s off-road success promises to continue.”

The 2025 CRF motocross models were showcased at Honda’s vendor booth during the Honda Fox Raceway National Motocross round in Southern California, on May 25.

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In early 2022, a rally-inspired version of the Mustang Mach-E began as an idea among engineers, sparked by a simple question: “Can we make a rally-inspired version of the Mustang Mach-E?”

Product planners Peter Schultz and Craig Migliori took up the challenge by modifying a Mach-E GT with new wheels and off-road tires, testing its capabilities at Ford’s Michigan Proving Grounds. Their experiment proved successful, leading to the development of the Mustang Mach-E Rally.

The team aimed to create a vehicle that not only looked the part but also possessed true rallycross capabilities. They raised the Mach-E Rally by one inch from the standard Mach-E GT suspension height, incorporating rallycross-tuned shocks and springs. The SUV is equipped with 19in gloss-white wheels wrapped in Michelin CrossClimate2 tires for enhanced traction on loose surfaces.

Underbody shielding was also added to protect the vehicle during off-road driving.

For a high-performance look, the Mach-E Rally features unique accents, including upper and lower body moldings, a special front splitter, a rear spoiler, a black painted steel roof and built-in rally-inspired fog lights.

The Mustang Mach-E Rally includes modifications such as powertrain calibration, traction control and MagneRide suspension tuned for dirt-track performance. The raised suspension enhances the vehicle’s capability on dirt roads.

Ford’s new RallySport drive mode has also been integrated to improve the vehicle for dirt-track driving by allowing for increased yaw for bigger slides, a linear throttle response for better control and more aggressive damping for handling loose corners.

Testing and development

To ensure the vehicle could withstand intense rallycross conditions, Ford off-road attributes engineer Chris Berchin and vehicle engineering supervisor Jay Kistler conducted rigorous testing. This included an 800km torture test at Ford’s Michigan Proving Grounds, simulating 10 years of rallycross racing. The testing involved various weather scenarios and dirt surfaces to reflect typical rallycross conditions.

“We tested in numerous different weather scenarios and temperatures with conditions ranging from muddy to dry – typical of what rallycross competitors might face,” Berchin said. “Likewise, the surface is dirt of varying composition, allowing for different traction scenarios.”

Before the creation of the dedicated rallycross testing course at Ford’s Michigan Proving Grounds, engineers attended rallycross events and consulted with drivers to design a course that accurately mirrored real rallycross environments. The course was mapped using computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis to ensure precise replication of elevation changes, speeds and timing.

The Mustang Mach-E Rally is due to become available to customers soon.

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Renault-owned Dacia has committed to a two-year program to compete in the Dakar Rally from 2025, with a prototype vehicle built for the T1+ class, jointly developed by Renault and Prodrive. The team has already signed up a heavy-hitting driving squad, with Sebastien Loeb, Christina Gutierrez Herrero and multiple Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiyah.

Technical details of the Sandrider are sparse, but the car will doubtless draw considerably on Prodrive’s recent experience with the Hunter, which came tantalizingly close to an overall win at the 2024 event.

According to Dacia, weight saving is a key target for the new car: “The overall weight of the Sandrider has been cut by around 15kg in relation to comparable prototypes.” Aero efficiency will also be subject to extensive optimization and Dacia is claiming a reduction in drag and lift of 10% and 40% respectively, again relative to a comparable prototype (though not explicitly stated, one could assume the Hunter is its benchmark). Power will be provided by a 3-liter, twin-turbocharged, direct-injection gasoline engine from Nissan, running on synthetic fuel from Aramco.

One interesting detail in Dacia’s launch information is that ‘anti-infrared’ pigments will be integrated into the carbon-composite body panels, a process that is reportedly being patented.

Testing of the car will commence shortly and its competition debut is planned for the Rally du Maroc 2024 in October.

Dacia Sandrider initial specifications

• FIA class: Ultimate T1+
• Chassis: tubular
• Body: carbon fiber
• Engine: V6, 3 liters, twin-turbo, direct injection
• Maximum power:  265kW/360bhp at 5,000rpm
• Maximum torque: 539Nm at 4,250rpm
• Transmission: 4X4
• Gearbox: 6-speed sequential
• Front/rear suspension: double wishbone
• Suspension travel: 350mm
• Wheels: 17in aluminum
• Tires: BF Goodrich, 37in
• Length x width x height: 4,140 x 2,290 x 1,810mm
• Wheelbase: 3,000mm
• Front/rear overhang: 590/550mm

For more off-road news, please click here.

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Subaru Motorsports USA is preparing for the 2024 American Rally Association (ARA) Championship season, which begins in February with the Sno*Drift Rally in Michigan. The company plans to introduce two new rally vehicles, with Travis Pastrana returning behind the wheel of the 199 car, accompanied by co-driver Rhianon Gelsomino.

In 2023, Subaru introduced a new WRX rally car for entry into the Open 4WD class of the ARA Championship. It debuted at the Ojibwe Forests Rally on August 24-25, 2023, piloted by team #180 – driver Brandon Semenuk and co-driver Keaton Williams, who will return for the 2024 season.

In 2024 the drivers will pilot matching matte blue WRX Subaru Motorsports cars through the ARA rally stages. Subaru says that the drivers and cars can be expected to contend during every stage of the ARA Championship.

Pastrana said, “I have the same co-driver and team from our last championship in 2021 but we have a new WRX that is sure to provide some extra speed.”

Semenuk added, “It’s great having Travis back in the championship. Not only is it more fun having a teammate, but I enjoyed the days of trading times with him.”

For more off-road news, please click here.

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World Endurance Championship team Iron Lynx is extending its reach into rallying with plans to field three Ford Fiesta Rally2 cars in the French Rally Championship.

Partnering with the renowned Sarrazin Motorsport, led by former Formula 1, WRC and WEC driver Stéphane Sarrazin, the Italian team is set to compete in the nine-round French Rally Championship and the six-round French Gravel Rally Championship.

The driver line-up includes the reigning French Gravel champion Jean-Baptiste Franceschi, alongside 22-year-old Réhane Gany, an experienced participant in the French Rally and French Gravel championships. The third entry, under the Iron Dames banner, features 2022 French Women’s champion Sarah Rumeau and co-driver Julie Amblard, competing in the French Gravel Rally Championship.

“Today marks a historic moment for the Iron Lynx name, by expanding into a completely new discipline in rallying. It is a very exciting time to welcome new names to the Iron Lynx family, especially some with vast experience in rallying,” said Andrea Piccini, Iron Lynx team principal and CEO.

Sarrazin added, “The Iron Lynx and Iron Dames rally project joining with Sarrazin Motorsport is a source of great pride and I am honored by Deborah Mayer’s [Iron Dames founder] choice to place her trust in us.”

The French Rally Championship begins with the Touquet Pas de Calais round on March 14-16.

For more off-road news, please click here.

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Rallying has had a rocky path over the last few years. Despite hybrid regulations for the top Rally1 class in the WRC, designed to attract new manufacturers to the sport, there are still only works entries from Toyota and Hyundai, with M-Sport flying the flag for Ford. Rally1 cars are thin on the ground, though the Rally2 class is in considerably ruder health.

There haven’t been any firm decisions made on the future direction of the technical regulations in the top class, including whether the troublesome hybrid systems will be retained. And while other areas of motorsport appear to be booming, rallying seems to be stuck in the doldrums.

It is against this backdrop that the FIA has formed a new working group to try to address rallying’s issues, led by FIA deputy president for sport Robert Reid, and World Motor Sport Council member and head of Motorsport UK David Richards.

The working group will address the technical, sporting and promotional aspects of the FIA World Rally Championship. It will also look at the pathway for grassroots development of rallying. The FIA stated that an initial working paper will be presented for consideration by the WMSC and WRC Commission within two weeks.

For more off-road news, please click here.

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