Steve Arpin, with whom ENEOS has previously partnered as he skillfully drove his way to the top of the pack in Red Bull Global Rallycross (GRC), has announced he will be teaming with Ken Block and his Hoonigan Racing Division to compete in select events of the new Americas Rallycross Championship (ARX).
Arpin, who finished third in GRC last season, says he can’t wait for his relationship with Block, Hoonigan and Ford to deliver more wins on the racetrack.
“The support from our owners, Paul and Jon Leach of Loenbro, our sponsors and our fans during our GRC run has been unbelievable,” Arpin said. “We have accomplished so much as a small, private team. We’ve earned a tremendous opportunity to work closely with Ken Block and Hoonigan.”
In a news release, Block said he’s “excited about partnering with Steve on my 2018 rallycross plans. Steve and his team have offered to continue with development of the Ford Focus and I think they’re a great partner for myself and my team when it comes to ARX.”
Arpin said the new relationship with Block, Hoonigan and the Ford machines seems like “a natural progression and a great fit” for their team. Arpin will be part of a three-way technical and marketing partnership with Block and Hoonigan. The partnership will see Arpin become a Hoonigan driver and his racecar will feature a livery similar to Block’s.
The Loenbro team will focus on technical developments of the Focus RS RX. Block and Hoonigan will contribute marketing assistance to Arpin and the Loenbro Motorsports team. Block is a co-founder of DC Shoes. He helped launch Hoonigan Industries, a motorsport-lifestyle apparel brand for rebellious auto enthusiasts. Block and his Hoonigan team product the high-speed, award-winning Gymkhana video series.
ENEOS is proud to announce we will continue be one of Steve Arpin’s partners as he transitions to this new opportunity.
“We’re all excited to have ENEOS back with our team for 2018,” explained Arpin. “ENEOS Racing Oil provides us confidence to operate worry-free throughout the entire race weekend and have been a key partner with our organization since Loenbro Motorsports was founded.”
The 2018 season marks the fourth year the ENEOS brand will be showcased by Arpin and his China Grove. N.C.-based team. The 2018 schedule is still in development, but the following dates have been announced:
| July 14 | Circuit of the Americas | Austin, TX |
| Aug 4 – 5 | The Grand Prix of Trois Revieres | Quebec, Canada |
| Sept 29 – 30 | Circuit of the Americas | Austin, TX |
IMG announced the Americas Rallycross Championship in March. IMG organizes the World and European Rallycross championships and is a global leader in sports events and marketing.