Courtesy of ROC
KTM could make a debut at the Race of Champions with the new X-Bow.
Organisers of The Race of Champions have tested a range of new cars, with the view to possibly using them at this year's event at Wembley Stadium on 14 December. If selected, the world's top racers will use the machines to go head-to-head as they fight for the title of "The Champion of Champions."
A track similar to the one that will be used at Wembley was set up on an open space at Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany - one of several venues keen to host The Race of Champions in future. This gave a chance to see how the cars would perform on the unique ROC course.
First to be tested was the KTM X-Bow, before a four-wheel-drive, motorbike-engined, Swedish prototype took to the track, as did a two- seater version of the ROC car, which is exclusive to The Race of Champions. ROC creators Michele Mouton and Fredrik Johnsson, plus former European Rally Champion Marc Duez, assessed the cars' suitability.
"The X-Bow is an exciting new sportscar, it looks completely unlike anything else, and the fact that it's open means that spectators would really get to see the drivers working away in the car," said Fredrik Johnsson, President of Event Organisers IMP.
"The 4-wheel drive car was impressive - the Hayabusa engine sounds great and the car looks spectacular, especially in the wet. For all the cars that we use in the event, however, we're looking for a range of factors- they need to look good for the spectators, but also be fun to drive and easy to adapt to, as the drivers will jump straight from one to another in the event," Michele Mouton continued.
Last year Aston Martin Vantages, Ford Focus WRCs, Fiat Punto Abarths and Solution F Touring Cups joined the ROC cars at The Race of Champions, as the greatest drivers in the world competed in identical machinery. More cars are set to be tested in the coming months before the final line-up is decided.
Tickets for The Race of Champions are on sale now by calling 0844 412 1743, or online at
www.raceofchampions.com. Adult prices start at 18 Euros and child tickets at 9 Euros.
