SPEEDWAY, Indiana (February 20, 2024) – Two-time World Rally Champion Marcus Gronhölm and Braselton, Georgia-based JRD Motorsport today announced a new Rally2-inspired spec vehicle for American Rally Association (ARA) competition. Designed and built in the United States, the JRD “ARC2” concept boasts all of the speed and spectacle of the best European Rally2 vehicles at a significantly lower price point.
With Grönholm as development and test driver, JRD Motorsport founder Johan Ragnarsson expects to introduce the first ARC2 vehicle to ARA competition before the end of the 2025 season.
This new vehicle specification is a direct result of the growing interest – domestic and international – in the American Rally Association National Championship Presented by Kubota. ARA officials worked closely with JRD over the past several years to create a class of vehicles that can make RC2-level competition more accessible. ARC2 will feature a bespoke motor, suspension and other components that can be mated to a variety of chassis and match the performance of European-built Rally2 cars at a purchase and maintenance price suited to the US market.
“We are looking forward to the creation of a car designed and built within the USA following the Rally2 theory,” said ARA series manager Preston Osborn. “A top-level car at an obtainable price will help promote close competition within the ARA Championship.”
JRD has witnessed the growth in competitiveness and popularity of the ARA firsthand, having been involved in creating cars for US competitors for years, including five-time Open 2WD Champion Seamus Burke.
Two-time World Rally Champion Grönholm has joined JRD, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the project, and lending legitimacy to the end product.
“Bringing quality rally cars to drivers makes for great competition and is essential for the growth of the sport,” said Grönholm. “I’m excited to work with JRD to support the development of this new class of vehicle designed specifically for American rally.”
“We are excited about the opportunity to help form the future of American rally,” said Ragnarsson. “As one of the best drivers in the world, Marcus Grönholm is contributing immeasurable value to the program. His experience will ensure our American-made rally car makes no compromises when it comes to performance.”
JRD Motorsport is completing the first ARC2 prototype, but several teams have already expressed interest in fielding an ARC2 entry once it’s ready for the public.
Pricing and detailed specifications for the vehicle will be released in the coming months. To stay informed, follow JRD Motorsport on Facebook and Instagram or visit their website at www.jrdmotorsport.com. For inquiries regarding the ARC2, please reach out to Johan Ragnarsson at johan@jrdmotorsport.com.