Tier One Driver - Joel Schmidt

Conquering the twisted, unforgiving tree lined gravel roads of the untamed wild at speeds often above the posted Freeway Speeds might seem extreme or downright insane. For many, it is the ultimate goal to a career that starts out in Rally Cross. Drivers like Joel Schmidt and so many others have discovered the thrill of Rally Racing in the controlled environment of a Rally Cross venue. Just like a Stage Rally, (only without the Trees, Ditches and Cliffs) it is a race against the clock more that other competitors. A race against the odds. A mental game of riding the cutting edge while negotiating unknown conditions. NOT for the faint of heart!

Joel began his Rally Cross career by simply moving in across the street from another local Rally Cross competitor. Joel was immediately indoctrinated and after seeing the event and taking a stab at it, Joel was hooked for life.

In 2003, Joel campaigned a Nissan 200SX in Group 5. Though difficult to compete in a rear wheel drive car in a field of generally hopped up front wheel drives, Joel managed a series of top 10 finishes through the 6 event series placing him 10th overall in the season standing. Not an easy accomplishment once you consider the fact he competed on street tires in some of the slickest and muddiest venues in Oregon.

In 2004, Joel purchased a 1988 Audi Quattro and decided to step up to the PGT class and compete against the slew of Subaru Impreza 2.5s, WRXs and STi... and finished 5th out of 49 PGT entrants. A solid driving record and level head steadily motored Joel to a top 5 finish against the best Oregon Region had to offer.

In 2005, the Audi was retired and Joel once again fell back to his old faithful Nissan, only this time propelled to the highly competitive OPEN Class. This is a daunting challenge for any vehicle that is not highly modified or Stage Rally prepped but even so was able to beat a few competitors and recently finished 21st out of 28 entrants. Once again with a 2WD, Rear Drive, street tired Nissan 200 SX.

Joel plans to continue racing the Nissan while looking for a suitable replacement of the 4WD flavor and compete in the 2006 series, again, in the Open Class. Look for many more top 10 finished from this talented driver.