As the Red Bull Global Rallycross series heads to Belle Isle in Detroit, MI this weekend, the 2015 season will reach the halfway point. Lites driver Nur Ali, competing in his rookie season, is pleased with his progress to date but hopes the doubleheader race weekend at this iconic facility will be the turning point of his season.
“Competing in GRC has been an incredible experience so far,” said Ali, driver of the No. 42 Valvoline/Tweaker Energy Shot entry. “The season started out strong for us in Fort Lauderdale with a win in the LCQ and sixth place in our first final. I left there with confidence and headed to Daytona certain we would continue to build upon that success.”
At the Daytona round, a doubleheader event, Ali struggled to duplicate his results from the previous round. He did manage a sixth place finish in the first of the two finals but in the second, issues with the dirt section and the car relegated him to a ninth place finish.
“Daytona was an eye opening experience for me,” added Ali. “I was plenty quick on the fast tarmac sections but once we hit the dirt, I found myself out of my comfort zone. That’s one of the things I love the most about motorsports. Even with 17 years experience, there is always a new challenge.”
Over the Fourth of July weekend, the series made the trek to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River. Ali was confident that his recent on track experience coupled with the nearly 10 days since May spent at Rally Ready Driving School in Austin would be enough to help him move closer to a podium finish. That was not the case.
“MCAS New River was a humbling experience,” said Ali. “I’m normally smooth and controlled on tarmac but a small error going through a fast right hand corner sent me into the tire barrier. Luckily, the damage wasn’t major and I carried on.
“In the dirt hairpin, I found a good rhythm which was something I was unable to do in Daytona. I thought that I had finally found my stride but when I spun in that section during the final it ruined the chances for a solid finish. It reminded me that I still have a way to go.”
Ali heads to Belle Isle with the lessons learned throughout the season and is hopeful that the .757 miles course with its long straightaways and sharp tarmac corners will bring him the success he seeks.
“The Belle Isle course should be one I shine on,” said Ali. “It’s a traditional street course but with the added excitement of a jump and dirt section. After a rough and tumble start to the season, I’m ready to raise the trophy on the podium.”
The 12-race GRC Lites schedule in 2015, its longest ever, kicked off in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in May and culminates in Las Vegas in November. The eight-city tour includes four doubleheader events, as well as the class’ first trip outside of the United States with an October visit to Barbados. All races will be telecast on NBCSN.
For further information on Nur Ali visit NurAli.com.
NHRA, IHRA, Motocross and other forms of motorsports Staff writer
About Me: Adam has been a race fan since the first time he went through the tunnel under the Daytona International Speedway almost 30 years ago. He has had the privilege of travelling to races all across the state of Florida (as well as one race in Ohio), watching nearly everything with a motor compete for fame and glory, as well as participating in various racing schools to get the feel of what racecar drivers go through every week. Adam has spent the last three years covering motorsports for Examiner.com., where he had the opportunity to see the racing world from behind the scenes as well as the grandstands. He invites everyone to follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google Plus, and looks forward to sharing his enthusiasm for all things racing with the readers of SpeedwayDigest.com.Be sure to tune in for his weekly sports talk program, Thursday Night Thunder, where he discusses the latest in motorsports news with drivers, crew members, and fans. The show takes place every Thursday at 8:00 pm EST on the Speedway Digest Radio Network.
About Me: Adam has been a race fan since the first time he went through the tunnel under the Daytona International Speedway almost 30 years ago. He has had the privilege of travelling to races all across the state of Florida (as well as one race in Ohio), watching nearly everything with a motor compete for fame and glory, as well as participating in various racing schools to get the feel of what racecar drivers go through every week. Adam has spent the last three years covering motorsports for Examiner.com., where he had the opportunity to see the racing world from behind the scenes as well as the grandstands. He invites everyone to follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google Plus, and looks forward to sharing his enthusiasm for all things racing with the readers of SpeedwayDigest.com.Be sure to tune in for his weekly sports talk program, Thursday Night Thunder, where he discusses the latest in motorsports news with drivers, crew members, and fans. The show takes place every Thursday at 8:00 pm EST on the Speedway Digest Radio Network.
Latest posts by Adam Sinclair (see all)
- NHRA announces eight-race schedule for 2024 NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series - January 17, 2024
- Forgeline and Pratt Miller Motorsports Announce New Multi-Year Partnership - January 17, 2024
- TAG Heuer Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein converts narrow pole to commanding win in the Season 10 opener of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship at the 2024 Hankook Mexico City E-Prix - January 16, 2024