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KTM X-Bow confirmed for Race of Champions
Click above to view the KTM X-Bow at Wembley in high resolution
One look at the KTM X-Bow should tell you it's about as close to a race car for the road as you're ever likely to see. Add to that the European GT4 Sports Light championship and it pretty much seals the deal. But if that still isn't enough, here comes the news that the 2008 Race of Champions has chosen the super-light Austrian track car to compete in this year's event.
For the uninitiated, the Race of Champions takes place every year, fielding a roster including some of the best racers from various motor sport disciplines on two wheels and four against each other on identical machinery. Each year the list of vehicles is changed, and has in the past included Ferrari, Aston Martins, Porsches, Renaults, Abarths, various rally cars and a specially-made sprint car. Last month, RoC officials took a look at the X-Bow, alongside a 4WD racer powered by a pair of Suzuki Hyabusa motorcycle engines, but the final decision just came down. You'll be able to watch the X-Bow, along with the rest of the motor-pool, being man-handled by some of the world's greatest, including F1's Sebastian Vettel, WRC's Sebastien Loeb, DTM's Mattias Ekstrom and WTCC's Andy Priaulx along with recently retired legends Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard at Wembley in London on December 14. More info in the press release after the jump, and images in the gallery below.
Gallery: KTM X-Bow for 2008 Race of Champions
[Source: Race of Champions]
PRESS RELEASE
KTM X-BOW SELECTED FOR THE RACE OF CHAMPIONS
The stunning KTM X-Bow has been selected for the "Race of Champions", the crowning finale of the motorsport year, which takes place at Wembley Stadium in December.
The minimalist Austrian sportscar was launched in the summer of 2008 to critical acclaim. It's inclusion in the annual Race of Champions was announced by event organisers Michel Mouton and Fredrik Johnsson on 7 November.
"The X-Bow is an exciting new sportscar, it looks completely unlike anything else," explained Fredrik Johnsson, President of Race of Champions organiser, IMP. "I'm particularly delighted to welcome KTM to our event, as I think being able to actually see the drivers at work in the car will add a new element to The Race of Champions."
The Race of Champions, taking place on 13 and 14 December, brings together some of the world's best drivers for head-to-head motorsport competition on a bespoke track at the wheel of a variety of cars. Already confirmed for this year's event are a number of stars from Formula One, the World Touring Car Championship, the World Rally Championship and the World Superbike Championship. Further participants will be announced over the coming weeks.
"This is really an ingenious car concept," said David Coulthard, one of 2008's Formula One stars confirmed for the event. "I think it looks absolutely stunning - I can hardly wait to get behind the wheel in December."
Mr. Werner Wilhelm, KTM Sportcar CEO, is delighted with the inclusion of X-Bow in this year's Race of Champions. "To be a part of this event is a really exciting for KTM and it backs up our company ethos of 'Ready to Race.' We are confident that the X-Bow will provide a lot of fun for both drivers and fans!"
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Buffy 9:34AM (11/12/2008)
Ooooooh aaaaaaaah Schumachaaaaaaaaaa.... say oooh ahhhh schumachaaaa!
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Dan 9:47AM (11/12/2008)
Seats four with optional side pods
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USGP 9:50AM (11/12/2008)
Is this going to be shown on SPEED this year?
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matt 9:52AM (11/12/2008)
seconded. is SPEED gonna be showing this awesome event?
Leo M. 9:58AM (11/12/2008)
there will probably be a Nascar race during that time slot ;(
elux Troxl 10:17AM (11/12/2008)
No, an episode of Pinks will be re-run for the 203rd time instead of ROC.
fixitfixitstop 10:28AM (11/12/2008)
I think we should get together and start our own motorsports channel.
why not the LS2LS7? 11:35AM (11/12/2008)
This event will be shown in the US this year. It's shown in the US every year. It's shown in pretty much every country every year. It is not usually shown live outside Europe.
The race is produced by the organizers and then sold in each country to some media outlet. It goes to the highest bidder though, so no guarantee it'll be on SPEED. Also, it usually airs late in the US presumably because the US buyer doesn't bid high and higher bidders get to show it first. I can nearly guarantee (going from past experience) that as you folks joke about, the event will not get a premium time slot.
Kitko 9:49AM (11/12/2008)
Just as "FYI", the ROC is co-organized by Michele Mouton, the most successful female driver ever
four WRC Group B victories (and runner-up in 1982 championship)
she also won at Pikes Peak in 1985
and won the S 2.0 class at 1975 LeMans, in an all-female team
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creigs9 11:16AM (11/12/2008)
Don't forget Cousin Carl will be there this year as well. Should be interesting to see how he does against the likes of Loeb.
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Menice 10:36AM (11/12/2008)
ok mr fixitfixit... i got the Kent Brockman/announcer voice if you bring the cash!
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fixitfixitstop 10:56AM (11/12/2008)
I'm unemployed. Cash is not my strong point at this time. I just have ideas, and lots of them.
Mark Atkinson 2:49PM (11/12/2008)
Wish they'd give Canadians their own team! Pick one of Pat Richard/Antoine L'Estage/ACP and Ron Fellows/Paul Tracy/Patrick Carpentier.
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psipwrd 7:17PM (11/12/2008)
Is that a partially transformed autobot?
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