Interest in the RX2 International Series presented by Cooper Tires is sky-high as drivers and teams begin planning for 2020, with the ultra-competitive single-make series set to speed into a fourth consecutive campaign on the FIA World Rallycross Championship undercard next year.

Building upon the popular RX Lites category, RX2 was an instant hit when it debuted at the beginning of 2017, with no fewer than 53 drivers – representing 12 different nationalities – joining the grid over the series’ 20-round history to-date.

With everybody taking to the track in identical Supercar Lites machinery, a level playing field is guaranteed – placing the emphasis firmly on technical and tactical skills and ability behind the wheel.

Proving the series’ success as a promotional formula, RX2 has already catapulted 2017 champion Cyril Raymond and 2018 runner-up Guillaume De Ridder to the very pinnacle of the discipline in World RX, while Kevin Hansen – who heads into the forthcoming World Championship showdown in South Africa as one of three title contenders – lifted the RX Lites trophy in 2015.

Raymond and De Ridder’s GCK team-mate and boss Guerlain Chicherit tried his hand at RX2 in 2017, with Reinis Nitišs – the youngest event-winner in World RX history – following suit last year.

A whole host of hopefuls similarly climbed into the cockpit of the 310bhp, four wheel-drive Supercar Lites car during a test day at Lohéac last month, with the feedback from the expert instructors – Raymond, Oliver Eriksson and Damien Meunier – underscoring that the series’ future is in safe hands.

“Although 2019 clearly has a bit more mileage in it yet, we are already hard at work preparing for the fourth season of RX2 in 2020,” acknowledged series CEO, Andreas Eriksson. “Over the past three years, the championship has propelled several drivers into World RX and brought dozens to the attention of leading Supercar teams – and we are confident that moving forward, many more RX2 competitors will join the very top flight.

“RX2 offers an ideal, very cost-effective platform for progression, allowing drivers to demonstrate their talent on the biggest stage around with equal opportunities for all. Add in the unprecedented exposure offered by the Facebook livestream of each and every round, and RX2 makes eminent sense from a driving and marketing approach alike. We are proud of the impact we have made over the past three seasons – but the story is far from finished yet!”

In the meantime, of course, there is still a title to be contested, and the 2019 RX2 campaign will conclude at Cape Town’s Killarney International Raceway on 9/10 November, where the destiny of the coveted crown will finally be decided. The 2020 RX2 calendar – including a mix of classic rallycross tracks and exciting new venues – will be announced shortly.