Frenchman Loeb Cruises to His First X Games RallyCross Victory
Sebastien Loeb Defeats Field of Talented Drives to Claim Gold
Some of the world’s best rally car drivers took the streets of Downtown Los Angeles Sunday afternoon for the X Games RallyCross competition but it was Frenchman Sebastien Loeb who came out on top to take the X Games gold in RallyCross Finals.
“The X Games was a good experience, finally a victory. The track was good and I’m excited to race at the X Games and win this competition,” said Loeb. “The most difficult point was that first corner because if someone hits you might lose everything.”
Ken Block barreled down the course behind Loeb to take silver despite puncturing one of his tires on the fourth lap. The Park City, Utah driver managed to stay on course and in control to secure his fourth X Games medal.
“On the second lap down I basically had to nurse the car through the race after hitting an obstacle a little too hard which pushed my tire off the rim,” commented Block. “As soon as I got that puncture it was sort of survival, I just put my rally instincts to good use and did the best I to try and win while starting in the second row and it’s all I can ask for and I’m happy.”
2011 RallyCross Champion Brian Deegan found himself on the podium again, taking bronze. The Bellevue, Neb. native came from behind after being moved to the back of the pack due to a false start and needled his way through a crash that involved David Binks to finish third.
“I feel good but was bummed when it went downhill in the qualifier. I have a lot of driving experience and used it to my advantage but six laps is quick, it’s all about endurance and making your car last and I made it last so I was at the finish,” commented Deegan.
For X Games media information, including press releases, logos and additional images from past events, log on to www.espneventmedia.com. To view medalist runs, visit the Winter X Games You Tube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/xgames and follow the X Games on Twitter at Twitter.com/xgames
X GAMES LOS ANGELES 2012
X Games Los Angeles 2012 will return to Los Angeles, Calif., June 28 – July 1, 2012, with live coverage on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC. This year will mark the 10th consecutive year the event will be held in Los Angeles and will feature more than 200 of the world’s best athletes in the sports of BMX Freestyle, Rally Car, Moto X and Skateboard.
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Contacts: Danny Chi, ESPN, 310-642-1509, danny.c.chi@espn.com
Katie Moses-Swope, ESPN, 303-290-7888, katie.moses-swope@espn.com
Grace Coryell, ESPN, 310-642-1519, grace.s.coryell@espn.com
