The first photos about Frode Holte's brandt new Volvo C30
(Interview under the pictures)
Frode Holte
Born: 22 November 1982
Lives: Mandal, Norway
Studies: Transport management
Family: Engaged to Tine Lise Larsen, one daughter - Isabel
Private car: Hyundai i30
Frode, what is your career in motorsports?
I started driving carcross at the age of 15.
1998-2000 I got 23 first places with a VW Beetle.
2001 I started with Rallycross national and got in every A-finale that year.
2002-2006 I took the step up in Rallycross Supernational 3.class (largest engines) and participated in Supportrace in ERC.
In 2004 I got silver in hillclimb.
In 2005 I got silver in both disiplins - rallycross and hillclimb, and at last in 2006 I became The Norwegian Champion in both disciplins, also known as "The Double".
I also got a reward as The Norwegian Autosportperformer of 2006 from Norges Bilsportforund.
2007 was my first year in div 1 and competed in 8 of 10 races.
2008 11th in ERC.
2009 8th in ERC.
For the 2010 season, you're building a new Volvo C30 for Division 1. Can you tell us more about it?
The car is being built by Gunnarsson Motorsport in Sweden. Alf Eng is building the engine, the same guy who has built the engines for me since 2002. The gear-box is made by Maktrak, and I have Tilton clutch and Öhlins suspensions.
It's a big challenge. Which difficulties did you have with this construction?
This is the first car of its kind in Div. 1. Therefore we've had some difficulties in the delivery of different parts.
This has caused big delays in the making of the car.
What is your objective for this season?
This season we are going to compete in Rallycross Norden, and a few ERC races. Höljes in Sweden is decided, but we don't know yet which or how many other ERC races we are going to compete in. We will focus on getting the car optimal and a better budget for the next season.
And for the coming seasons?
I am going for a big comeback in 2011 and my goal is to be the European Champion!
Did you sell your Volvo S40 this winter? If, who's the owner now?
We sold the car to Hĺkon Gjesdal Nilsen from Norway.
Which fact brought you to the Rallycross?
I have grown up with cars as my father owned a carshop and I started driving and parking the cars in this carshop very early. The interest of competing with cars has always been strong, so when I got old enough I started with carcross.
I soon found out that I had a talent for motorsport, and the ball just started to roll!
What is your best memory in Rallycross?
The best memory would be taking "The Double" in 2006. This was my goal at that time.
What do you think about the arrival of Tanner Foust in ERC?
That is really good for the sport, and it's great that they finally decided to drive Rallycross European style in USA.
And to finish the interview, have you got a sentence to describe Rallycross?
It's explosive and addictive!
Interview: Benoit Balaine / Rallycross.hu All rights reserved! Photos: Mark Szerenyi / Rallycross.hu , Frodeholte.com
