GRC
The Fastest Rallycross Driver Without a License
Mitchell DeJong can hang with the best drivers in the Red Bull GRC, but can he be the fastest?
Mitchell DeJong in his Red Bull Rallycross Car
© Olsbergs MSE
The typical American counts down the days until his or her 16th birthday, when they can legally obtain a driver's license.
Not Mitchell DeJong -- he has no interest in a basic driver's license.
For someone who has raced since he was five -- winning nine off-road championships, including TORC and Lucas Oil Off Road series titles, and making rallycross history at X Games -- everyday driving is boring.
Last week, competing for the first time on foreign soil, Mitchell was victorious in the FIA World Rallycross Championship at Lydden Hil in England. And it wasn't even close. ( watch the race here -- fast forward to the 01:36 mark to watch Mitchell dominate from start to finish.)
DeJong will be looking to carry this momentum into the second stop of the Red Bull Global Rallycross series in Austin during X Games, where he'll race in the Lites class. He's no stranger to the big stage at X Games; last year in Los Angeles he made history as the youngest Rallycross driver to start, compete and medal in the discipline.
This year, Mitchell will be competing in Austin looking to earn important points toward his overall goal of winning Lites in the Red Bull GRC Series. We sat down with him before he took off for Austin to learn more about the driving force behind this 16-year-old sensation.
Mitchell DeJong gives the classic thumbs up
© Olsbergs MSE
redbull.com: We have to ask, do you get crap from your friends, since you're a 16-year-old rallycross driver with no driver's license?
Mitchell DeJong: Well, most of my friends drive racecars also, so we're all in the same situation. There are too many rules on the road anyway, so what fun is that?
Your family is heavily involved in your racing career, what does it mean to you to have their support?
I wouldn't be racing if it weren't for my parents giving me the opportunity from an early age and creating new opportunities for me. So to have my family's support means everything. It takes hard work, focus, and dedication to be successful, and we've always worked well together as a team. I'm so thankful I have a team that will stick by my side no matter what. Trust and loyalty are so important, so knowing they have my back gives me the freedom to concentrate on my racing. Some families play baseball or hockey. But we race; this is our sport!
Mitchell DeJong victorious in Lydden
© Cagler Suren
What was it like competing outside the US for the first time during the FIA World Rallycross Championship recently?
It was a great experience and an honor to be racing with the best rallycross racers in the world. I was really impressed with how well everything flowed in this series. Away from the track, it was definitely hard to get used to seeing cars driving on the opposite side of the road.
Does the confidence you've earned from the win at Lydden Hill carry over for you heading into X Games?
Before the Lydden Hill race, I hadn't had the chance to get any seat time, so the successful weekend we had definitely made me feel more prepared going in to X Games, although the X Games track will be completely different.
After a successful season competing in the GRC Lites class last year, what are your expectations heading into the 2014 GRC season?
I go in to every race determined to win.
Most of your previous driving success has come in Trucks, how has the transition to Rallycross gone so far?
Most people don't know that I have a road-racing background as well. I began racing in go-karts in various series around California at age five and then started off-road truck racing at age nine. That was the year I raced a full series in go-karts and off-road trucks, and won championships in both. Because there was only one series I could race off-road, and many places to race go-karts, we decided to commit full-time to the off-road series but continue racing go-karts as our schedule allowed.
I started racing a US Legend Car at age 11 as well, so I'd say I had about the same amount of success in both disciplines.
The rallycross cars drive completely different than anything I've raced before because of the four-wheel-drive aspect. They are the most fun vehicle I've ever driven. The tracks are built with dirt, asphalt, gravel, water, sand and jumps, so it's the best of both worlds of racing combined.
Who are some of the drivers you look up to for guidance and inspiration?
Sébastien Loeb because he's good in everything he drives.
Mitchell DeJong is ready for 2014.
© Olsbergs MSE
What are the main challenges you've faced thus far in your short rallycross career?
Just three: seat time, seat time and seat time.
After competing at X Games last year for the first time, do you have a different mindset heading into Austin this year?
My mindset is still the same: to go all-out for the gold.
Is there more pressure competing at X Games than other events?
Yes, X Games has always been such a big event, and everyone wants to bring home a gold medal.
Outside of racing, what's your favorite thing about X Games? Do you take the time to check out some of the other sports?
I like meeting the other athletes, and I try to watch the motocross events.
X Games will feature a solid lineup of music this year. Is there one band you're going out of your way to check out?
I'd really like to check out Mac Miller's performance.
What's your favorite racing video game to play with your friends?
Iracing.
For race results, driver information, and breaking news, head over to the official Red Bull Global Rallycross site.