Subaru Rally Team USA heads into the opening round of the 2011 Rally America Championship with a new addition to the team, driver David Higgins. Higgins brings a wealth of talent and experience to Subaru’s factory effort and will undoubtedly be a force to contend with.

David spoke exclusively to RallyCar about his return to American rallying as SRT USA’s new driver and shared his perspectives as an international rally star.

RallyCar: As the newest member of SRT USA are you fulfilling a larger role than just a driver? In terms of development, what is your specialty (for example, do you usually help with suspension, tires, engine work) and what do you best offer SRT USA?

David Higgins: My role is to try and do the best job possible for the team which means being a team player, of course, and guiding our car set-up efforts. The staff at Vermont SportsCar have very strong development ideas plus support and that will be a big help. The best thing a driver can do is remain open-minded and test as many ideas as possible; some [ideas] work straight away and others can be useful on different events or in varying conditions. The more data you have, the better. Years ago I had my own ideas and sometimes that can hold you back as you almost decide before you even try things. My work as test driver for a WRC team helped me learn to just drive and give the best feedback I can.

RC: As teammate and competitor to Dave Mirra do you expect him to grow considerably as a driver in 2011?

DH: Dave is already a strong driver and world class athlete, I think the biggest adjustment for him going from BMX to rally, is that in BMX you need to be 101% all the time, for rally this is not possible, you have to be just the other side of 100%, since being consistent is the key, and to not give time away. I think Dave will be very strong this year as experience is the key and he now has a good base from doing the series the past few seasons.

RC: You have spent time competing in the Chinese Rally Championship. Would you say that the Chinese rally series was tough for you? Is the level of competition similar to the US?

DH: China was mega tough. There was always at least 8 drivers who could win events and 4-5 teams with top spec cars. There are drivers from PWRC, APRC (FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship), top OZ and NZ drivers, and always the top Finish Group N drivers. We worked very hard to finish at the very top and that same work and effort will be needed for the USA.

RC: Have you developed more as a driver in the Chinese series and will you use that experience in the USA?

DH: I had to develop there [in China], as the competition was just so tough and I hate losing - so every year we had to make sure we were stronger. The nature of events were challenging with temps going from -42C to +45C and lots of different conditions and road surfaces. But I am working even harder with my return this year to the USA!

RC: Since the last time you competed in the USA, have you thought about a return to US competition? If so, do you think you’ll face stiffer competition since the last time you raced here? Which teams do you think will give you the best competition?

DH: I always wanted to stay in the USA so I am so pleased to be back. Travis [Pastrana], Ken [Block] and Dave [Mirra] among others have raised the profile of rallying in the USA so much, so to be a part of that will be great. It was tough last time as I was competing against Subaru then and Subaru always had a strong team; at least I don’t have to fight against them now!!, Antoine L’Estage had a mega year in 2010, and I hope Ken returns for a few events. There are also some very good up and coming drivers, so you have to treat all drivers as a threat.

RC: Do you think you’ll need time to adjust to US competition? Perhaps acclimating to notes and route books used at US events?

DH: The biggest thing to adjust to also happens to be the biggest draw: the adventure of the events with night driving and higher spec cars than in many other national championships. Other championships usually have Group N cars, which are very competitive but very boring to watch compared to an Open Class car in the Rally America Championship. The Open class gives you the chance to drive the best spec cars in the world. The note system is very close to mine so I hope I don’t have too many problems there, I have to get used to a new co-driver this year also.

RC: What are your minimum expectations and what achievements would surprise you in 2011?

DH: I hate to lose! I want to do the best job I can for Subaru and I hope this means I can win as much as possible.

RC: Though it hasn’t been confirmed if rally will return to X Games would you want to compete in Los Angeles? How about in SuperRally? Do you have any intentions to race in Rallycross if the opportunity presented itself?

DH: I have done lots of kart racing over the last 5 years so it would be great to put my rally and race skills together. Everyone talks about the X games so it would be great to have a chance to do it.

RC: During the off-season, what are you doing to prepare for the upcoming year with SRT USA? Testing? Car development? Synergy with your co-driver?

DH: I have not had any off season this year as my last rally in China was late December. I have been busy training and watching in-car from last year but I think the fact that I have been so busy with rally and karting will make me sharp for the new year. I do plan to do some work this week with my new co-driver Craig Drew to make sure we are at 100% when the lights go green.

RC: Do you expect difficulties to compete in the US while living in Wales and running The Forest Experience Rally School? Will you return to Wales between US events?

DH: I will be coming home to run the rally school between events. I am used to jet lag as I have been doing long distance events since 2001. It’s not great but it is part of the job. I love the USA and last time I was there, I met some great people and can’t wait to catch up soon.