LOS ANGELES – After a successful inaugural event last year, Red Bull Global Rallycross announced Thursday it is returning to Bader Field in Atlantic City, N.J.

This year’s edition of Red Bull Global Rallycross Atlantic City will take place on Aug. 12-13 and will expand to a doubleheader event representing rounds eight and nine of the season.

“Atlantic City produced some of the most over-the-top rallycross action we saw in 2016,” said Red Bull GRC CEO Colin Dyne. “From late-race passes to championship drama, last year’s event had it all. We expect even more wheel-to-wheel battles this season as the series returns to Bader Field with a doubleheader event weekend.”

“Red Bull Global Rallycross’ first visit to Atlantic City produced a number of exciting moments, from the Boardwalk Parade that kicked off the weekend to an amazing finish on the track,” said Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian. “We’re pleased that the series chose Atlantic City as one of its doubleheader stops this season, and we look forward to another exciting event with twice as much racing action.”

This year’s Red Bull Global Rallycross Atlantic City event will see a new track layout, as drivers launch and race in the opposite direction on the Bader Field runways. Many of last year’s key straightaways, tight turns, and dirt elements will be preserved on the new layout, but with drivers approaching the course counterclockwise in 2017. Combined with the series’ signature 70-foot dirt jump and Joker Lap, the second annual event should provide even more opportunities for high flying action.

The inaugural Red Bull GRC round in Atlantic City saw eventual series champion Scott Speed win the Supercar final after making a pass on teammate Tanner Foust with two laps to go, while Alex Keyes won the pole, every heat, and the final in GRC Lites. The event also featured the longest course in Red Bull GRC history at 1.102 miles, while drivers also took their cars onto the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk for a parade and autograph session before hitting the track.

“We are excited that Red Bull Global Rallycross is returning to Atlantic City, New Jersey this summer for a doubleheader event. This thrilling motorsport event will allow spectators to receive an unparalleled experience,” said Jim Wood, president and CEO of Meet AC and the Atlantic City Sports Commission.