The 2023-2024 Season Wraps In Vegas In A Star Studded Event.
Robin Larsson secured his second Nitrocross title by dominating the Las Vegas doubleheader. The DRR JC RX Cartel driver clinched victory in all his preliminary races, firmly establishing his path to the final. Despite needing only to start the second heat race after winning the first, Larsson maintained his relentless pace. In the six-lap final, he seized an early lead from pole position, fending off a persistent challenge from Timmy Hansen, the 2018 Nitrocross champion.
Larsson’s teammate Andreas Bakkerud encountered early trouble when a tussle with Guillaume de Ridder sent him into the wall at Turn 1. Meanwhile, Hansen closely shadowed Larsson, with de Ridder in pursuit. However, Larsson thwarted Hansen’s attempts to overtake, maintaining his steadfast position at the front. On lap 5, a move by de Ridder compromised Hansen’s momentum, allowing Larsson to extend his lead and ultimately secure victory.
Hansen claimed second place, with de Ridder securing third. Fraser McConnell finished fourth, solidifying his second position in the points. Despite finishing fifth, Conner Martell’s post-race burnout resulted in a dramatic spectacle as his front tires burst into flames. Viktor Vranckx, driving the alternate car after a previous crash, earned sixth place with an Evel Kneivel-inspired livery.
The season culminated with Larsson claiming the title with 82 points over McConnell, while Kevin Eriksson finished third. The NEXT season concluded with Casper Jansson securing a record eighth consecutive win. Additionally, significant events included a red flag delay during the final due to Ellis Spezia’s roll, and Elias Svensson’s impressive debut weekend resulting in a second-place finish behind Jansson, while Lane Vacala secured third place.
In the Side-by-Sides category, Branden Sorensen triumphed ahead of Banks Hovey, Gray Leadbetter, and Amanda Sorensen, with Matt Crafton completing the top-five. Furthermore, Blake Wilkey claimed victory in the Baja Bugs final, with UFC star Donald “Cowboy" Cerrone achieving his first podium finish of the season, followed by Jim York.