The eighth round of the 2023-24 Nitrocross season, Nitrocross Calgary has been made an exhibition round. Find out why below.
Why Has Nitrocross Calgary Been Made An Exhibition Round?
The answer to this question is simple, a lack of snow and ice. To do ice racing there needs to be a certain amount of ice to make it work. Unfortunately, there are factors that Nitrocross can’t control. One of those is the weather. All of Alberta has had a recent spike of warm weather. Which has been welcomed, however, it means most of the ice and snow has melted. This comes after the entire province experienced record-cold weather in January.
The Second Year In A Row
This isn’t the first time Nitrocross Calgary has been made an exhibition round. As last season this exact same thing happened. A lack of usable ice led to the event being made into an exhibition round. Kevin Eriksson won the event last time around. However, the win contributed nothing to the championship.
What Changes
Due to the previously mentioned lack of ice, the format has changed for today’s event. As now the Group E cars will only race in a semi-final and final races. NEXT will do the same, while the Baja Bugs class will race a semi-final and two finals. As far as the championship goes, the final round in Las Vegas may be made into a triple-header event. This is something the championship did last season for the finale in Glen Helen. Nitrocross hasn’t confirmed anything at this time, however, if the final round in Las Vegas were to be changed they’d have to announce something soon. Alternatively, the 2023-24 season could turn into a nine-round championship. This likely won’t be the first option but if things come down to it that’s always an option.
The 2023-24 Nitrocross season continues this weekend with round eight, Nitrocross Calgary.
Championship Rundown
Reigning Nitrocross champion Robin Larsson leads the championship into the eighth round. As the Swede holds a 23-point gap over fellow Swede and 2023 Nitrocross Calgary winner Kevin Eriksson. The Jamaican Sensation Fraser McConnell sits third in the championship, 43 points behind Eriksson. 2022-23 championship runner-up Andreas Bakkerud sits in fourth, 42 points behind McConnell. While Conner Martell rounds out the top five in the championship, sitting 43 points behind Bakkerud.
A Tight Championship Battle
So far the 2023-24 championship has been a tight one. With Robin Larsson, Fraser McConnell, Travis Pastrana and Oliver Eriksson each having won at least one round this season. Larsson has won the most rounds this season, winning three. Kevin Eriksson is without a win at this point in the season. However, that hasn’t stopped him from being a true threat for the championship. Nitrocross Calgary is the only snow and ice event on the 2023-24 calendar. Which will make it a unique challenge for the drivers. The snow and ice conditions will favor the Eriksson brothers. As they won on the surface last season and grew up racing on snow and ice in Sweden. However, anything is possible on the track.
Daly Returns
IndyCar star Conor Daly will return to Nitrocross this weekend. After missing the last four rounds of the championship. Daly’s best finish in Nitrocross came in Utah where he finished fifth overall. Daly will once again suit up for the Dreyer and Reinbold team.
No Bennett
Oliver Bennett has been absent from Nitrocross since round one due to an injury. Bennett was supposed to compete this weekend. However, travel issues have forced the British star out of the event. Bennett has confirmed he will contest the final two rounds of the season in Las Vegas next month.
Earlier this week it was announced Travis Pastrana would miss Nitrocross Calgary next month.
Why?
Travis Pastrana’s reasoning for missing round eight of the 2023-24 Nitrocross season is due to him requiring knee surgery. Pastrana who has broken basically every bone in his body, is getting his knee replaced after it gave out. Pastrana has confirmed he plans on contesting rounds nine and ten of the 2023-24 Nitrocross season in Las Vegas in March. It’s also believed Pastrana’s knee surgery won’t force him to miss the Sno*Drift Rally next month. The Sno*Drift Rally will kick off the 2024 American Rally Association series on February 9-10.
Pastrana’s 2023-24 Season
Missing round eight of the 2023-24 season won’t end Travis Pastrana’s championship chances. As those were ended last time out in Glen Helen. As Pastrana gave up his seat for round seven to Lia Block. This made Block the first female competitor in Group E history. She would finish eighth overall at the event. The other six rounds Pastrana has contested this season haven’t gone terribly. He won in the second round of the season in Utah. Then he finished third in round four in Phoenix. Other than those two podiums Pastrana has been pretty middle of the pack. Finishing fifth in both rounds one and five. Seventh at six and tenth in round three. Pastrana wasn’t necessarily a championship favorite before he gave up his seat for round seven.
Who Could Replace Pastrana?
Travis Pastrana’s replacement for round eight hasn’t been announced. There is also no guarantee there will be one either. However, it’s unlikely Vermont Sportscar chooses to run just one car. Two names come to mind that could take Pastrana’s seat for the round. Those names are three-time American Rallycross champion Scott Speed and two-time American Rallycross champion Tanner Foust. Speed hasn’t contested a Nitrocross event since the end of the 2021 season. Foust made an appearance earlier this season at rounds two and three in Utah. Foust’s name has been mentioned in rumors about a Nitrocross return after he and McLaren parted ways in Extreme-E. Lia Block isn’t an option for the event. As she is off in Europe attending a motorsport university.
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.
The second and final day of Nitrocross Phoenix has come to an end. Robin Larsson claimed his second win of the season.
Heats
Group One
Fraser McConnell took home the win in the first heat group to advance to the top qualifier finals. McConnell posted a time 7.167 seconds faster than teammate Brian Deegan.
Group Two
Andreas Bakkerud topped the second heat group. Setting a time 0.616 seconds faster than rival Oliver Eriksson.
Group Three
Robin Larsson won the third heat group to join Bakkerud and McConnell in the top qualifier finals. Larsson posted a time 2.457 seconds faster than Conner Martell to take the win.
Group Four
Travis Pastrana topped the final heat group to prevent yesterday’s top qualifier Kevin Eriksson from winning again today. Pastrana set a time 1.416 seconds faster than Eriksson to take the win. Casper Jansson did not finish the race.
Qualifying
Group One
Conner Martell topped the first qualifying group by technically. As Brian Deegan set the fastest time, however, Deegan was penalized one place. This was due to Deegan hitting Martell causing Martell to spin.
Group Two
Oliver Eriksson won the second qualifying group. Posting a time 0.863 seconds faster than Casper Jansson. Championship leader Kevin Eriksson finished third, 8.510 seconds slower than Jansson.
Top Qualifier
Travis Pastrana won his first top qualifier belt of the season. Beating Robin Larsson by 0.395 seconds. Andreas Bakkerud finished third fastest, 1.597 seconds slower than Larsson. Fraser McConnell rounded out the top four, finishing 28.201 seconds slower than Bakkerud.
Semifinals
Group One
Robin Larsson took the win in the first semifinal group. Posting a time 1.006 seconds faster than Conner Martell. Casper Jansson finished third fastest, 1.440 seconds slower than Martell. Fraser McConnell rounded out the top four, finishing 43.784 seconds slower than Jansson.
Group Two
Travis Pastrana topped the second semifinal group. Setting a time 0.413 seconds faster than Oliver Eriksson. Andreas Bakkerud finished third fastest, 0.453 seconds slower than Eriksson. Kevin Eriksson posted the fourth fastest time, 3.678 seconds slower than Bakkerud. Brian Deegan rounded out the top five, finishing 7.663 seconds slower than Eriksson.
Last Chance Qualifier
Group One
Fraser McConnell won the first LCQ group to advance to the finals. Posting a time 1.133 seconds faster than Andreas Bakkerud. Brian Deegan finished third fastest, 3.614 seconds slower than Bakkerud. Conner Martell rounded out the top four and missed out on the finals, finishing with a time 4.636 seconds slower than Deegan.
Group Two
Kevin Eriksson topped the second LCQ group. Setting a time 0.936 seconds faster than his brother Oliver. Casper Jansson rounded out the top three, finishing 0.840 seconds slower than Oliver Eriksson.
Final
Robin Larsson took home the win for his second of the season. Larsson set a time 0.475 seconds faster than Nitrocross Phoenix Friday winner Fraser McConnell. Kevin Eriksson finished third fastest, 1.392 seconds slower than McConnell. Casper Jansson posted the fourth fastest time, 0.371 seconds slower than Eriksson. Travis Pastrana rounded out the top five, finishing 0.068 seconds slower than Jansson.
Nitrocross Phoenix Friday Recap
Nitrocross Phoenix day one has come to an end, Casper Jansson claimed his second win of the season at the event.
Heat
Casper Jansson topped the first NEXT heat of Nitrocross Phoenix. Setting a time 0.829 seconds faster than championship leader Jimmy Henderson. Lia Block finished third fastest, 0.264 seconds slower than Henderson. Lane Vacala posted the fourth fastest time, 2.666 seconds slower than Block. Patrick Gruszka rounded the top five, 1.008 seconds slower than Vacala.
Semifinal
Casper Jansson also took the win in the semifinals. Posting a time 1.413 seconds faster than championship rival Lane Vacala. Patrick Gruszka finished third fastest, 2.507 seconds slower than Vacala. Lia Block set the fourth fastest time, 4.781 seconds slower than fellow American Rally Association driver Gruszka. Eric Gordon and Jimmy Henderson tied for fifth. As neither driver finished the race and both retired on the same lap.
Finals
Casper Jansson also won the finals, to secure his second win of the season. Jansson would set a time 5.755 seconds faster than Lane Vacala to secure the win. Lia Block finished third fastest, 0.351 seconds slower than Vacala. Eric Gordon posted the fourth fastest time, 12.742 seconds slower than Block. Jimmy Henderson rounded out the top five, finishing 11.536 seconds slower than Gordon. Patrick Gruszka unfortunately rolled out during the finals.
Championship Standings
Lane Vacala takes the NEXT championship lead after the first day of Nitrocross Phoenix. Vacala now sits 14 points ahead of Jimmy Henderson. Reigning champion Casper Jansson sits third in the championship, 21 points behind Henderson. Eric Gordon drops to fourth in the championship, now Gordon sits 4 points behind Jansson. Lia Block retains fifth in the championship, closing the gap between her and Gordon to 31 points from 42. This comes after Block took home her first Nitrocross NEXT podium.
The first day and round of Nitrocross Phoenix has come to an end. Fraser McConnell claimed his second win of the season.
Heats
Group One
Teammates Brian Deegan and Fraser McConnell battled in the first heat group. Deegan took the heat win, after McConnell failed to finish the race due to an issue with his car.
Group Two
Andreas Bakkerud and Oliver Eriksson squared off in the second heat group. Bakkerud took home the win, setting a time 0.177 seconds faster than Eriksson.
Group Three
Reigning champion Robin Larsson and Conner Martel faced off in the third heat group. Larsson took home the win after Martell failed to finish the race due to an issue with his car.
Group Four
Kevin Eriksson, Travis Pastrana and Casper Jansson battled in the fourth and final heat group. Eriksson took home the win, posting a time 0.793 seconds faster than Pastrana.
Qualifiers
Group One
Fraser McConnell and Conner Martell faced off in the first qualifier group. Martell took home the win, after McConnell once again failed to finish the race. Once again due to McConnell’s car being broken.
Group Two
Travis Pastrana, Oliver Eriksson and Casper Jansson squared off in the second qualifier group. Pastrana followed his Vermont Sportscar teammate and also took home the win in his group. Pastrana posted a time 2.704 seconds faster than Oliver Eriksson to secure the win.
Top Qualifier Final
Kevin Eriksson, Robin Larsson, Andreas Bakkerud and Brian Deegan faced off in the Top Qualifier Final. Eriksson took home the win, setting a time 1.063 seconds faster than Robin Larsson. Andreas Bakkerud finished third fastest, 2.092 seconds slower than Larsson.
Semi-Finals
Group One
Robin Larsson, Conner Martell, Oliver Eriksson and Brian Deegan battled in the first semifinal group. Larsson took home the win to advance to the top row of the finals. Posting a time 1.960 seconds faster than Martell. Oliver Eriksson finished third, 0.367 seconds slower than Martell.
Group Two
Travis Pastrana, Casper Jansson, Andreas Bakkerud, Kevin Eriksson and Fraser McConnell squared off in the second semifinal group. Pastrana took home the win, posting a time 2.273 seconds faster than Casper Jansson to seal his spot in the finals. Andreas Bakkerud finished third, 20.610 seconds slower than Jansson.
Last Chance Qualifier
Group One
Fraser McConnell, Conner Martell, Andreas Bakkerud and Brian Deegan battled for a spot in the finals in the first LCQ group. McConnell took home the win, posting a time 0.75 seconds faster than Martell. Andreas Bakkerud finished third fastest, 1.49 seconds slower than Martell.
Group Two
Kevin Eriksson, Oliver Eriksson and Casper Jansson squared off in the second LCQ group. Kevin Eriksson set a time 1.077 seconds faster than his brother Oliver to take the win. Casper Jansson finished third fastest, 1.28 seconds slower than Oliver Eriksson. All three drivers advanced to the finals.
Finals
Fraser McConnell, Robin Larsson, Travis Pastrana, Kevin Eriksson, Andreas Bakkerud, Oliver Eriksson, Casper Jansson, and Conner Martell faced off in the Nitrocross Phoenix final. Fraser McConnell took home his second win of the season, posting a time 0.375 seconds faster than Robin Larsson. Travis Pastrana finished third overall, despite setting the fastest time. Pastrana was given a 2 place penalty for contact during the final. Dropping him to third as a result. Pastrana originally finished 1.16 seconds faster than McConnell.
Championship Standings After Nitrocross Phoenix Day One
Kevin Eriksson retains the championship lead after the first round of the weekend. Eriksson now sits 23 points ahead of reigning champion Robin Larsson. Andreas Bakkerud retains third in the championship, now sitting 20 points behind Larsson. Fraser McConnell moves into sole possession of fourth in the championship, 16 points behind Bakkerud. Travis Pastrana drops to sole possession of fifth, 7 points behind McConnell.
Nitrocross Phoenix Preview Group E
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.
The 2023-24 Nitrocross season continues this weekend with Nitrocross Pheonix. Find out everything you need to know below.
Championship Standings
Kevin Eriksson leads the Group E championship standings heading into Nitrocross Phoenix. Eriksson currently sits 31 points ahead of reigning champion Robin Larsson. Last year’s runner-up Andreas Bakkerud sits third, just three points behind his teammate. Fraser McConnell and Travis Pastrana sit tied for fourth in the championship. With both drivers sitting 24 points behind Bakkerud. Conner Martell rounds out the top five in the championship. With Martell currently sitting 6 points behind Pastrana and McConnell.
Needing A Bounce Back
Fraser McConnell had a disappointing Nitrocross Utah. Failing to make the final in the first round of the weekend. McConnell did have a better second half. Finishing fourth overall. However, McConnell needs to have a decent showing this weekend if he wants to stay a strong competitor in the championship. As does every other driver.
Looking For His First
Kevin Eriksson leads the Group E Championship standings heading into Nitrocross Phoenix. However, the Swede has yet to win an event this season. He has podiumed at every event. However, it’s unlikely Eriksson will be able to keep the championship lead for long if he goes without a win soon. Phoenix may be the perfect place for Eriksson to take his first, and potentially second of the season.
No XITE Energy
XITE Energy will be absent from Nitrocross Phoenix. This comes after Oliver Bennett was forced out of the event due to a back injury. Kris Meeke is also absent from Nitrocross once again this weekend. The reason for Meeke’s absence is currently unknown. Tanner Foust filled in for Meeke last time out in Utah. However, with Bennett backing out just a week before the events start, XITE had no time to line up a new driver. Effectively this weekend seals the deal on Bennett’s championship chances along with XITE’s chance at a team championship.
Nitrocross and XITE Energy have announced Oliver Bennett will miss round 4&5 in Phoenix next week.
Why Will Bennett Miss?
Oliver Bennett hasn’t been medically cleared to compete. Bennett suffered a back injury that is believed to be unrelated to Nitrocross. With the injury likely happening between the end of round three and now. This is an understandable reason to miss an event. Even if Bennett was medically cleared there’s no guarantee he would’ve competed next weekend. As the nature of Nitrocross tracks could have caused Bennett to become injured again. Nitrocross does ensure drivers are as safe as possible, using as much safety equipment as possible. However, this doesn’t prevent injuries from happening 100% of the time. It’s unfortunate to see Bennett miss the event but health and safety come first and foremost. Hopefully, Bennett will be recovered and ready for round 6&7 in California in December.
What This Means For XITE Energy
As of the time of this article being released (November 3rd), XITE Energy has no confirmed drivers for Nitrocross Phoenix. With just 7 days until the event starts, there isn’t much time for XITE to find a replacement unless they have one lined up. Kris Meeke will once again be absent from the event it’s not what XITE was hoping for. With such short notice, there’s no guarantee that XITE will be able to find anybody in time and they may just end up missing Phoenix altogether. This would be a huge hit for the team. Not only in the team’s championship but also in gaining experience. Sure the XITE drivers have been off the pace so far this season and last season. However, any seat time in an event is valuable for a driver. As the only way you improve is by driving the car.