Global shipping, logistics and marine services provider GAC is entering the rugged world of rally driving with its appointment as the official logistics partner to the FIA World Rallycross Championship. The 2015 Championship, which debuts in Montalegre, Portugal, on 24 April, will see drivers competing in powerful 650bhp cars that reach speeds of 60mph in just 1.8 seconds – faster than Formula One cars. GAC is charged with meeting the complex operational challenges transporting up to 30 World RX Supercars to the 13 events that make up the Championship in venues in Europe, Asia, North America and South America. GAC’s appointment represents a milestone in its support of the motor sport arena, according to Dominic Watson, GAC UK’s Operations Manager, Sea Freight. Although the GAC Group has provided logistics support for several motor racing events around the world, this is the first time it has been tasked with the transportation of all cars and equipment for a global rally driving event. “The World Rallycross Championship is growing in popularity, at a time when we are expanding our range of specialist logistics services,” Watson says. “It takes a lot of skill, preparation and passion to compete in these races – and the same is true for the logistics required to make them happen. Fortunately, GAC has expertise, experience, reach and resources to meet that challenge.” The toughest leg of the Championship will come in July and August when GAC will have to coordinate specialist air charters to fly World RX Supercars and technical equipment from Sweden to Canada and then back to Norway for the eighth round of the season. Martin Anayai, Managing Director for World RX at IMG, adds: “We are delighted to be working with GAC on what will be another vital step in making World RX an even bigger global operation. GAC’s expertise in the area of worldwide logistics is second to none, and the ability to use airfreight for our overseas races opens up a host of exciting opportunities. We look forward to working with GAC in helping to make our sport an even bigger success in our international markets.” GAC also works with marine sport, leisure and event logistics specialist GAC Pindar to provide logistics support for prestigious sporting competitions such as the Volvo Ocean Race, the Extreme Sailing Series, and the Offshore Powerboat Grand Prix Series.