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(Dale, Tx. Dec. 23, 2024) ~ The Kia EV6 GT became the first electric vehicle to compete in US Stage Rallying at the recent Do it for Dale RallySprint at Rally Ready Driving School in Dale, Texas.
The unique entry came courtesy of Kia engineers, who saw the RallySprint as a perfect opportunity for high-intensity testing of OEM equipment while highlighting their product's strength and durability in the toughest of conditions.
Kia and the American Rally Association worked together to ensure the safety of everyone involved, including spectators who could be unable to hear the relatively quiet car coming on stage, so a siren was fitted to the car that would run any time the car was competing.
A full Docol R8 rally-spec roll cage has been fitted to the car, and a wide variety of Sparco safety equipment has been utilized throughout the vehicle as well. The glass roof that typically comes on the EV6 was also removed and replaced with a solid metal roof to meet safety regulations.
One of the main goals for the engineers behind the rally EV6 was to complete the entire 18-stage event on a single charge, so the powertrain and drivetrain were left completely stock to prove it was possible, but that didn’t mean the EV6 was lacking power.
The EV6 GT has a 77.4 kWh, 697V battery delivering 576 horsepower and 545 ft/lbs of torque to all four wheels. On dry tarmac, the car has a 0-60mph time of just 3.2 seconds despite weighing about 4700lbs in rally trim.
Piloting the EV6 GT was none other than Formula DRIFT competitor and YouTuber Adam Lizotte-Ziesler, more commonly known as Adam LZ, while two-time ARA L4WD National Champion navigator KJ Miller sat beside him on pace-note duty.
While the pair took a few stages to get a handle on the EV6, it wasn’t long before Adam and KJ were comfortable and performing on par with the rest of the rally cars at the event, even putting down the fastest time on SS12 out of any of the rally cars entered!
“Overall definitely a cool experience,” said Adam LZ in a YouTube video about the event. “I’m thankful for Kia trusting me to wheel this thing on this course.”
Taking place at a closed facility on private property, the Rally Ready RallySprint was the perfect event for the EV6’s debut.
Serving as a test bed for rally and rally-adjacent vehicles, the Rally Ready RallySprint program allows for special vehicles, such as side-by-sides, cross-karts, and other machines that don’t typically comply with the ARA regulations to hit the stage in a safe, secure environment.
The format allows the ARA, teams, and even manufacturers to come together to test new technologies, non-street-legal vehicles, and even alternative drivetrains in ways that aren’t yet possible at larger stage rally events on public roads.
“The Rally Ready RallySprint presented a unique opportunity to work with Kia engineers to bring the first EV to compete in an ARA event; the Kia EV6 GT,” said ARA Series Manager Preston Osborn.
“It granted us the ability to better understand how to offer EV competition in stage rally conditions, while keeping the event safe and competition close. The rallysprint is an intriguing outlet for testing non-traditional vehicles in rally competition without the logistics that come with a full stage rally and we look forward to working with teams for similar opportunities.”
While there are currently no plans for EVs at stage rally events, the ARA is excited to use this format to gauge competitor and fan interest in the concept and continue to make rallying available to as many people as possible.
~Mason Runkle for the ARA