The 2023-24 Nitrocross season continues this weekend with Nitrocross Phoenix. Find out everything you need to know below.
Championship Standings
Jimmy Henderson leads the Nitrocross NEXT championship heading into Nitrocross Phoenix. Henderson actively sits a mere 2 points ahead of Lane Vacala. Vacala has won all but one of the four NEXT rounds this season. Eric Gordon sits third in the championship, 23 points behind Vacala. Casper Jansson is fourth in the championship, 23 points behind Gordon. Lia Block rounds out the championship top five, sitting 22 points behind Jansson.
No Jansson This Weekend
Casper Jansson is the only driver outside of Lane Vacala with a win in the NEXT class this season. However this weekend Jansson is taking the next step. As the Swede will be jumping behind the wheel of an FC1-X in the Group E class. Jansson has been arguably the strongest driver in the NEXT class the past two seasons. Consistently challenging other drivers and winning a handful of events. Jansson will also drive in the NEXT class this weekend. Pulling double duty all weekend long. However, Jansson will likely focus a little more on Group E as not many drivers get a chance to drive the 1000-horsepower FC1-X.
Could This Be The Weekend?
Lia Block has been a strong competitor this season in NEXT. Making her debut at Nitrocross Oklahoma earlier this year. Block is without a win at this point in the season. However, that has the potential to change this weekend. Lia had a lacklustre showing at her home event in Utah last time out. Finishing 6th and 4th over the weekend. Block could bounce back to take home a win this weekend. Lia finished third fastest in free practice for Nitrocross Phoenix, 1.366 seconds behind Patrick Gruszka who finished fastest. With only 5 drivers competing in the NEXT class this weekend, it’s the perfect opportunity for Lia.