2017 Polaris Slingshot SLR Joins Race Of Champions Vehicle Line-Up

ROC drivers will compete on three wheels for the first time.

The Race Of Champions is an annual contest that brings together some of the world’s greatest motorsports competitors, this time on three wheels.Photo: Polaris

Polaris Industries has announced that the 2017 Slingshot SLR will be put into action when some of the world's greatest competitors in motorsports assemble for the Race Of Champions (ROC) on Jan. 21 – 22, 2017 inside Marlins Park, in Miami, FL. The Slingshot SLR, of course, is the premium model in the three-wheel roadster's lineup featuring a wide 305mm rear tire, forged alloy wheels, Sparco cockpit components and a custom two-tone paint scheme. This is the first time Slingshot has provided vehicles for the competitive element of the Race Of Champions.

“We are excited to be a featured vehicle in the upcoming ROC Miami race,” said Leigh Hauck, marketing manger of Slingshot. “The Race Of Champions brings together the best drivers in the world and we believe this is an incredible platform to display the performance story and capabilities of the Polaris Slingshot.”

The Race Of Champions is an annual contest that has been held for more than 25 years. It brings together some of the world’s greatest names from all of the major motorsports including Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar, Le Mans, MotoGP, Touring Cars, World Rally and action sports, battling head-to-head in identical machinery. ROC president Fredrik Johnsson said, “To win the Race Of Champions, drivers need to prove themselves in a wide range of different vehicles to test their skills and versatility to the limit. At ROC Miami we will feature a mix of traditional and brand-new vehicles that will be announced in lead up to the event. We are very excited to introduce this new high-performing Slingshot SLR to our stunning lineup of top machinery. It is the first time we've had a three-wheel roadster at the event and it will be fascinating to see how some of the world's top drivers adapt to this unique racing challenge.”

The ROC event is run over two days: first is the Race Of Champions on Sat., Jan. 21, featuring a flat-out battle for individual glory. The ROC Nations Cup is held on Sun., Jan. 22 and is when drivers pair up in teams based on nationality to bid for the title of World’s Fastest Nation. In 2017, the USA will take on the rest of the world in a special contest in celebration of the host venue.

Competitors that are confirmed for this year's event include four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel; fellow F1 star Felipe Massa; "Mr. Le Mans" Tom Kristensen; Indianapolis 500 winners Juan Pablo Montoya, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Tony Kanaan and Alexander Rossi; action sports greats Travis Pastrana and Scott Speed; NASCAR champion Kurt Busch; and double FIA World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg. More names will be announced prior to January's event. Tickets for ROC Miami are now available via www.raceofchampions.com.