About Us
AZRA Mission Statement
We are a group of automotive enthusiasts expanding the sport of Rally and RallyCross in Arizona. Our number one goal is to increase accessibility to the sport and we hope to provide information and support to those that are interested in starting or continuing their pursuit of speed through Rally.
meet the team
Sean
Sean was drawn to Rally and RallyCross by a fascination with WRC videos, appreciating the dynamic driving on challenging terrains. Rock climbing led to dirt road exploration, igniting a desire for high-speed runs. Transforming a long parked Subaru Legacy into a rally car marked the beginning of a 4-season RallyCross journey, steering towards stage rally. In the past, motorsports seemed financially distant, but recent years brought a shift into performance driving. The appeal of RallyCross lies in its simplicity, low risk, and budget-friendly nature, leveling the playing field. Beyond racing, Sean has a love for vinegar pickles and will eat anything pickled.
Justin
Justin’s Rally interest sparked from Gran Turismo 2 rally stages and a $250 Volkswagen Dasher. Introduced by his partner to Tucson's RallyCross events, he's been a consistent participant. With a car-related journey since childhood, from sand drags to being a mechanic and body man, Justin now assesses cars with a rally perspective. The thrill of pushing a car to its limits on dirt captivates him. Professionally, he funds his RallyCross passion as an audio-visual design engineer. Aspiring for Rally accessibility, his vision for Arizona's future involves making rally events more attainable for enthusiasts.
Nikita
Nikita’s interest in RallyCross began with a desire to emulate video game driving experiences safely. With a diverse history of driving over 250 cars, and working in the automotive industry, he engaged in RallyCross events, fostering a supportive community. He appreciates the inclusivity, where even seemingly unprepared cars can excel. Beyond racing, Nikita was a competitive gymnast for 16 years. For the future of Rally in Arizona, he aspires to see AZRA expand into organizing Rally Sprint and Stage Rally events, emphasizing community involvement and dispelling the notion that special cars are necessary for competitiveness in RallyCross.
Philip
Phil’s entry into Rally and RallyCross stems from childhood exposure to WRC and video games like WRC3. With 20+ years working on classic cars and a decade in motorsports as a mechanic and competitive driver, he values the RallyCross community's openness. Having moved from England to Arizona, Phil emphasize community engagement in the future of Arizona's rally scene. His wish includes increased participation, growth in RallyCross, and local competitors venturing into Stage Rally, urging others to get involved through various avenues like rentals, ride-alongs, spectating, and volunteering.