The Challenge
Longstanding client GCK (then GC Kompetition, now GCK Motorsport) asked ROOTS. to help support the GCK Energy division of the business, which was looking to establish a mobile solar energy storage unit able to provide efficient and versatile vehicle charging solutions whilst simultaneously being able to perform in some of the most unique and challenging locations on earth. Events, and in particular motorsport events, provided a great platform to launch the alternative power solution.
GCK Energy asked ROOTS.' motorsport and commercial team to examine the feasibility of entering an FIA tender to become the exclusive energy provider to the new era of Electric Rallycross vehicles competing in the FIA World Championship and FIA support category (RX2E).
The Solution
Leaning on over 15 years of combined experience in the FIA World Rallycross Championship environment, ROOTS. worked alongside GCK Energy and other stakeholders within the sustainable and renewable energy industry as they set on designing a mobile energy storage solution that would satisfy the challenge of providing a clean and sustainable vehicle charging infrastructure, which could be deployed at each World RX Championship event whilst also satisfying official tests. This included designing and distributing a charging cycle to complement the unique and challenging schedule of a World RX event, consisting of up to 20 races/sessions over two days and a grid of over 25 cars across both racing categories simultaneously.
ROOTS. were responsible for managing the tender process, designing and formulating the tender with technical information provided by GCK Energy and its partners.
ROOTS. and GCK Energy were successful in their bid and won the tender to become the exclusive energy supplier to the FIA World Rallycross Championship from 2021. The GCK Energy solution captures solar energy, stores, converts and optimises energy distribution through versatile modular and mobile container solutions. This proved in line with the philosophy of the FIA and their future vision for electric motorsport. GCK Energy introduced their services to the paddock in 2021 through the RX2e support category and from July 2022 will begin to charge the electric World Championship vehicles in this exciting form of motorsport.
The Results
Deal spanning 4 years
Provide energy to the entire WRX grid from 2022
Provide energy
for RX2e from 2021
