Nitro Rallycross global debut comes to a thrilling conclusion at UK's Lydden Hill race circuit 21.06.2022: - Robin Larsson wins first Group E final, as teammate Andreas Bakkerud finishes second - Fraser McConnell tops Supercar podium, Simon Olofsson takes first place in NRX event - Seebastian Enholm wins new Crosscar support class Nitro RX World T

- Robin Larsson wins first Group E final, as teammate Andreas Bakkerud finishes second

- Fraser McConnell tops Supercar podium, Simon Olofsson takes first place in NRX event

- Seebastian Enholm wins new Crosscar support class



Nitro RX World Tour Continues in Sweden July 30-31



The first stop of Nitro Rallycross’ 2022/23 global series culminated with four wide open podium battles, headlined by the first trophy in Nitro RX’s Group E top class.


The new disruptive force in motorsports went back to the future last weekend, pitting a world-class lineup of elite racers, including Travis Pastrana (USA), Kris Meeke (GBR) and Oliver Eriksson (SWE), against a reconfigured take on Lydden Hill’s legendary track, now featuring a 90-ft table top as well as a banked “Talladega” turn. 




In Group E, Robin Larsson (SWE) swept the weekend, following up his Top Qualifier win on day one with first place in the final. Fellow RX Cartel teammate Andreas Bakkerud (NOR) shared the podium, coming in second, with Niclas Grönholm (FIN) finishing third.



Larsson said afterwards: “We had a really struggling year last year. To be able to do Nitro Rallycross again is so much fun. It’s such tight racing.” He added on Group E’s new FC1-X – the most powerful vehicle in rallycross – “It’s so spectacular to look at and to drive. It was great here [at Lydden Hill] but I know there’s going to be a lot more action as the series goes on.”



Bakkerud added: “This feels damn good. We have been working very much as a team and came into this weekend with a goal to finish top five. So, to come in first and second is very, very good and gives us a lot of self-confidence going into the next races.



Robin did such an awesome job. At the same time though, it’s always a bit of a bummer looking at the other guy having the big trophy when I want that, too. So hopefully next time in Sweden I can change that around.”




Group E Final (Round 1):
Finish    Car #    Name    Nation    Team


1    4    Robin Larsson    SWE    RX Cartel
2    13    Andreas Bakkerud    NOR    RX Cartel
3    68    Niclas Grönholm    FIN    Olsbergs MSE
4    35    Fraser McConnell    JAM    DRR JC
5    52    Ole Christian Veiby    NOR    DRR JC
6    16    Oliver Eriksson    SWE    Olsbergs MSE
7    199    Travis Pastrana    USA    Vermont SportsCar
8    62    Kris Meeke    GBR    XITE Energy Racing



In the NRX NEXT developmental class, Simon Olofsson (SWE) rebounded from a rough first day when his vehicle sustained significant damage to top the podium in round two. Up-and-comer Tommi Hallman (FIN) took second while Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky (SWE) earned third in just her second Nitro RX NRX NEXT contest.





NRX Next Final (Round 2):
Finish    Car #    Name    Nation    Team

1    52    Simon Olofsson    SWE    Simon Olofsson
2    87    Tommi Hallman    FIN    SET Promotion
3    19    Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky    SWE    JC
4    5    Kyle Schwartz    USA    Kyle Schwartz
5    55    Lane Vacala    USA    DRR JC
6    36    Casper Jansson    SWE    Olsbergs MSE
7    9    George Megennis    USA    #YELLOWSQUAD
8    88    Ole Henry Steinsholt    NOR    Olsbergs MSE



Fraser McConnell (JAM) also overcame adversity, brushing off technical challenges and the disappointment of finishing just off the Group E podium to take the checkered flag in the Supercar final.


Not to be discouraged, McConnell battled Yury Belevskiy (CHE), who had secured Top Qualifier position on day one. In a tight rematch, it was McConnell who came out on top. Patrick O’Donovan (IRL) finished third.






Supercar Final (Round 1):
Finish    Car #    Name    Nation    Team


1    35    Fraser McConnell    JAM    Fraser McConnell
2    95    Yury Belevskiy    CHE    Volland Racing
3    13    Patrick O’Donovan    IRL    Patrick O’Donovan
4    72    Tristian O’Venden    GBR    Tristian Ovenden Mr
5    47    Dom Flitney    GBR    Volvo



The second of two Crosscar finals this weekend stirred up sibling rivalries with Sebastian Enholm (SWE) besting his sister Frida Enholm (SWE). Jimmie Osterberg (SWE) came in third.




CrossCar Final (Round 2):
Finish    Car #    Name    Nation

1    124    Sebastian Enholm    SWE
2    12    Frida Enholm    SWE
3    11    Jimmie Osterberg    SWE
4    110    Thomas Eek Murstad    NOR
5    6    Pasi Penttinen    FIN
6    67    Isac Egonsson    SWE
7    199     Alexander Gustafsson    SWE
8    2    Riku Huuhka    FIN



In addition to the racing excitement, fans could also get an up-close look at Nitro RX and check out their favorite cars and drivers by visiting its open paddocks. They also could stop by the Myenergi E Village, which featured a solar panel-covered shelter where patrons can relax and eat in between races, play on a renewable energy-inspired mini golf course, plus - for young racing enthusiasts – ride on a kids’ electric ride-on race track, and more.



The next stop on the road to Nitro RX series hardware is Sweden’s Strängnäs on July 30-31. For tickets and event information go here.




Fans can also watch live on Peacock in the U.S. as well as on YouTube worldwide.




2022–23 NITRO RALLYCROSS WORLD TOUR*


June 18-19, 2022 // England (Lydden Hill Race Circuit)
July 30-31, 2022 // Sweden (Strängnäs)
August 27-28, 2022 // Finland
October 1-2, 2022 // Minneapolis, USA
October 29-30, 2022 // Los Angeles, USA
November 12-13, 2022 // Phoenix, USA
December 10-11, 2022 // Saudi Arabia
January 21-22, 2023 // Quebec, Canada
February 4-5, 2023 // Alberta, Canada
March TBA, 2023 // Nitro RX 2022-23 Series Finale // TBA, USA



(*Subject to change)


 
Greg Terlizzi - photos NitroRX