Vivian Campbell
ARA Rally Driver RC4 Car 964
The Man
Vivian Campbell has had a lifetime of impacting culture as a successful musician with Def Leppard. His commanding presence and inspirational spirit have always made him one to watch. Vivian gained momentum through his musical career, trials of life, adventures as a father of two and loving husband all while participating in a multitude of track days across the country. As a young boy growing up in North Ireland, Vivian had his first brush with the spectacle of rally racing while spectating at the Circuit of Ireland Rally. After the discovery of Team O’Neil Rally school practically in his backyard, one school day shot Vivian from the stage into Stage Rally. Five solid months of rally school culminated in his first rally event and win in 2021 and “the most fun thing he has ever done!” Now with eight national events under his belt, Vivian has set his sights on the exciting ARA RC2 class for 2026. What is possible when a true artist applies their immense focus to motorsport? Follow along on his journey and see what can happen when he applies his talent and focus to the drive.
2025 OVERMOUNTAIN RALLY TENNESSEE
1st in class O4WD / 6th overall – (New) Mirage RC2
2022 LAKE SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE RALLY
7th in class O2WD / 23rd overall – Civic
2022 SUSQUEHANNOCK TRAIL PERFORMANCE RALLY
5th in class O2WD / 17th overall – Civic
2022 RALLYFEST RALLY SPRINT
1st in class O2WD / 7th overall – Civic
2022 OLYMPUS RALLY
DNF – Impreza
2022 RALLY IN THE 100 ACRE WOOD
6th in class NA4WD / 21st overall – Impreza
2022 SNO*DRIFT RALLY
3rd in class NA4WD / 9th overall – Impreza
2021 HOON IN JUNE REGIONAL RALLY SPRINT
1st n class / 5th overall
The Machine
The Mitsubishi Mirage RC2 had humble beginnings starting life as a class b economy car. At the hands of Thompson Racing Fabrication the humble little commuter was hand selected for its specific characteristics. A plan was drawn, targets acquired and the meek Mitsubishi underwent some serious surgery. What came out of the operating room was a fire breathing, gravel machine-gun with knives out, ready for the seriously competitive American Racing Association RC2 class. Following its initial shakedown testing the Mirage had an overall class win in its debut event at Overmountain Rally in 2025.
2022 Mitsubishi Mirage
Turbocharged direct injection 1.6L Prince Engine
275 hp, 295 lb/ft for 171 hp/liter
2300 lbs before ballast
10″ rear, 9″ front suspension travel
Bespoke Docal R8 TRF rollcage
4wd, LSD front and rear with hydraulic release center differentials
Radial Mounted 4 Piston brake calipers with 2 piece floating rotors
5 speed sequential transmission
Michelin Pilot Sport Gravel Tires on 15″ lightweight gravel wheels
Bespoke standalone engine management and wiring harness
Bespoke cooling package designed for rapid replacement
News
Partnership
If you are interested in partnering with Vivian on his journey please reach out. Viv Motorsport is looking for mutually beneficial partnerships and successful relationships.
Thompson Racing Fabrication took Vivian’s Mirage from concept to completion and continues to re-prep the car between rallies, handles transport of the car and a serving and operation at events.
Team O’Neil Rally School is an outstanding facility with outstanding instructors. Their consistent instruction and structured learning environment has helped Vivian take his skills from the track to the rally stage.
Michelin is a word leader in passenger and motorsports tires. Michelin supports where the rubber meets the road. In rally where traction is often nearly non existent Michelin steps up to help Vivian inspiring confidence on the most challenging of surfaces.
