The 2023-24 Nitrocross season continues this weekend with rounds 6 and 7 at the Glen Helen Raceway in California.
Championship Rundown
Kevin Eriksson retained the championship lead after rounds 4 and 5 in Phoenix. However, Eriksson’s lead over 2022-23 champion Robin Larsson has been cut down to just one point. Larsson’s teammate Andreas Bakkerud sits third in the championship, 44 points behind Larsson. Round one and four winner Fraser McConnell heads into rounds 6 and 7 in fourth position, a mere two points behind Bakkerud. Series creator Travis Pastrana rounds out the championship top five. As the 2021 champion sits 52 points behind McConnell.
A Fresh Face
Viktor Vranckx will make his Nitrocross debut this weekend at Nitrocross Glen Helen. Vranckx comes into the championship with a decent pedigree. As Vranckx won the 2022 World RX2e championship. Vranckx and VMV Racing decided to move to Nitrocross after voicing their displeasure with how the FIA and World RX promoter handled the Lydenn Hill incident earlier this year. Vranckx isn’t expected to finish on the podium this weekend as he will require time to get used to not only that 1000hp FC1-X, but also the track design. As a result of Vranckx being used to racing on a more traditional Rallycross track. Ones that don’t feature gap jump or share features with motocross tracks.
A Returning Face
Brian Deegan will once again join the Group E class of drivers. Deegan placed 9th and 8th at rounds 4 and 5 respectively. The multi-time X Games medalist will look to continue his historic rivalry with Travis Pastrana in Group E and the Side-by-Side classes this weekend. Deegan made his Group E debut last time out in Phoenix. Marking his first Rallycross event at the top level since 2016. Deegan wasn’t expected to be at Nitrocross Glen Helen. However, a seat was open with Dreyer and Reinbold racing and he took the opportunity.