Canadian Rally Driver Dave Nickel and World Rally Co-Driver Alex Gelsomino to Compete in North American Rally Championships
Vancouver, BC, January 26th, 2017, — Rocket Rally Racing is pleased to announce that Alessandro (Alex) Gelsomino (ITA) has been signed to co-drive for Dave Nickel (CAN) for the 2017 North American rally season. Competing on some of the oldest, most pedigreed roads to be found in the world, the duo will face top professional drivers including ‘household name’ action-sports stars. It’s big news for the industry and world rallying, who are accustomed to seeing Gelsomino co-drive alongside World Rally Championship driver Ken Block, the “250 million web impressions and still counting” internet sensation, for whom Gelsomino was the exclusive co-pilot for 10 years.
Nickel has been proven to be one of the faster drivers in North America, leading the field overall at the competitive debut of his current car, a 2016 Rocket Rally Crosstrek. As a private contender in the hotly contested Canadian Rally Championship (CRC), Nickel leads an ultra-intense, competitive privateer field, and his efforts haven’t gone un-noticed, especially abroad, as the CRC is televised nationally on TSN / RDS and available internationally in over 80 countries.
Pat Richard, CEO of Rocket Rally Inc. and multi-time Canadian and American champion, explained, “When we launched our Crosstrek Competition Platform, Dave led the rally outright! He is an outstanding ambassador for the team and our brand. By establishing a partnership with Alex and bringing him back to Canada, I feel Dave is substantially elevating his game. Creating stability and ‘taming the dragon’ is what a good co-driver, a top co-driver, can bring to a team to really take it to the next level.”
Gelsomino has had an impressive twenty-three-year career as a professional co-driver, with several top ten finishes in the WRC including twenty-seven outright wins in Rally America, New Zealand, and the CRC. He’s tested with World Champion Colin McRae, and was co-driver to Ken Block for ten years. Alessandro Gelsomino is one of the most followed co-drivers in the world.
“I’m really excited to co-drive for Dave Nickel and the Rocket Rally Team for the 2017 season. Its been a long time since I’ve competed in Canada. I reached out to Dave after following his progression fighting for podiums and sometimes leading the rallies. His strong commitment and passion for the sport combined with his partnership with one of the most competitive teams in North America and its new Crosstrek, makes for a solid plan and opportunity for our future in rally.” — Alessandro (Alex) Gelsomino, Co-Driver
“The roads in North America are some of the toughest in the world; it’s a logical step to work with a co-driver who’s been in the seat with quicker drivers than me. I’m enthused to work with Alex to lever his incredible experience to faster and faster stage times; he’s a proven entity who will undoubtedly contribute to increased speed and success. We’re going after it! A big thanks to Chris Kremer for his work in the co-driver seat for the 2016 season.” — Dave Nickel, Driver
“Combine our team’s support, Dave’s maturing skill at the wheel of his Crosstrek, and Alex’s veteran ability, and we have the ingredients for a credible threat at any rally in the North American championships. We at Rocket Rally have known Alex for the length of his career and are thrilled to have him on the team. We’re looking forward to great things with the Nickel/Gelsomino partnership.” — Pat ‘Rocket’ Richard, CEO Rocket Rally
Rocket Rally specializes in motorsport vehicles for competition use, with its’ customers having won over a dozen overall North American, Canadian, and American championship titles. Rocket Rally operates Subaru Rally Team Canada on behalf of Subaru Canada Inc., whom in 2016 secured an all-time record-breaking 12th Canadian Rally Championship for Manufacturer’s. Rocket Rally is supported by technical partners Method Racing Wheels, BMC Air Filters, DMACK Tyres, PPG Gearbox, Exedy Racing Clutch and Vision X Lighting.
