Nitrocross offers two days of adreneline, top-notch rallycross racing
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Nitrocross, a new revolution in motorsport created by Travis Pastrana, is announcing drivers for its upcoming Chandler stop.
On Veterans Day weekend — Friday, Nov. 10, and Saturday, Nov. 11 — elite drivers will battle in cutting-edge race cars on an epic, groundbreaking track, for two evenings of intense racing action at Wild Horse Pass Motorsport Park, 20000 S. Maricopa Road in Chandler.
In Nitrocross’ top class, Group E, a field featuring the world’s best in rallycross will compete behind the wheel of the fastest electric vehicle in racing: the 1,070 hp-equivalent FC1-X.
Mr. Pastrana, who topped the Round Two podium in Utah, will face off against reigning 2022-23 champion and Round Three winner Robin Larsson (SWE).
European rallycross champion Andreas Bakkerud (NOR), last season’s runner-up, is also confirmed, along with Round One winner Fraser McConnell (JAM) and current standings leader Kevin Eriksson (SWE). Rounding out the Group E field is Benito Guerra (MEX), a versatile driver with experience in WRC and Race of Champions, along with Oliver Eriksson (SWE), Conner Martell (USA), and Oliver Bennett (GBR).
In addition to Group E, fans will see rising star Lia Block, daughter of the late Ken Block, as a younger generation gets ready to step up onto the big stage in NEXT, Nitrocross’ developmental class. Lia is already making a name for herself: she also competes in Extreme E, drove in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and is an ARA titleholder. But she has her sights set on winning a trophy in Chandler.
Ms. Block aims to defeat reigning North American NEXT champion Casper Jansson (SWE), as well as Lane Vacala (USA), who swept Nitrocross’ opening Oklahoma stop. Jimmy Henderson (USA) and Patrick Gruszka (USA), both of whom made the Utah podium, are also back, along with Eric Gordon (USA).
Rough-and-ready, Side-By-Sides, high-performance UTV’s rocketed by 1,000 cubic centimeter engines, offer even more high adrenaline excitement.
A trio of female drivers are determined to set the tone here: Amanda Sorensen (USA), a Formula DRIFT star, also with Extreme E experience, and UTV championship hardware, aims to repeat her Utah podium finish. Gray Leadbetter (USA), at age 17 already an Americas Rallycross pilot and an off-road champion, also returns, while Olympic skateboarding star and motorsports enthusiast Leticia Bufoni (BRA) is back in the fray as well.
Mr. Pastrana will pull double duty and strap into a CanAm in Phoenix, along with Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone of UFC fame. Tyler Remmereid (USA) looks to double up after his Round Four victory in Utah, while Mika Block (USA) keeps it in the family with his entry. Kanian Baker (USA), and Michael Leach (USA) round out the Side-By-Side field.
Mr. Cerrone will also headline a special class of classic Baja Bugs desert racers, along with pro stunt driver, content creator, and business entrepreneur Jim York (USA).
