The McLaren Extreme E race team is adding some definite star power to its Extreme E effort for 2022.
Tanner Foust, one of the most popular and successful names in world rallycross, will drive for the McLaren Extreme E team. Foust, 48, has a resume' that includes four U.S. rallycross championships (2019, 2012, 2011, 2010), four X Games gold medals (2013, 2010, 2007) and two Formula Drift championships (2008, 2007).
Foust will be part of a two-driver team that will also include a female driver. That second driver has yet to be announced. All teams in the series include one male and one female driver in its lineup.
“We are thrilled that Tanner has joined the McLaren Racing family of drivers," McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said in a Wednesday press release. "He is a top-class off-road competitor with a wealth of experience and a winning record. Alongside his driving prowess he’s a fantastic personality, who will help us connect with new fans around the world and bring the purpose and important messages of Extreme E to the fore.
“We’re looking forward to announcing Tanner’s teammate and our first female McLaren driver, to complete our exciting lineup.”
Foust says he's looking forward to competing with McLaren in the all-electric SUV racing series.
“To be able to race for McLaren is every driver’s dream and the opportunity to compete for the team in this innovative and imaginative racing series makes it even more special," Foust said. "The concept is unique and the challenge compelling. It will enable me to draw on all my experience and skills, while being part of a positive cause addressing key issues for our planet and society.”
Foust is the only American driver to win a round of the European Rallycross Championship, and he finished in the top three in the championship in both 2011 and 2012.
Tanner has also held multiple world records, including the astonishing Hot Wheels Double Loop Dare, which saw him drive a car through a 66-foot loop-the-loop. He achieved the indoor speed record for TV’s Top Gear USA and set a distance jump record with Hot Wheels when he made a 332-foot ramp-to-ramp leap in a truck at the Indy 500 in 2011.
