Larsson Tops Group E Podium with Fraser McConnell Finishes Second and Kevin Eriksson Third. Pastrana Wins Side-By-Sides.
Phoenix, Arizona’s Wild Horse Pass Motorsport Park played host to the heart-pounding action of Nitrocross 2023-24 over the Veterans Day weekend. Racing fans flocked to witness two nights of exhilarating racing, culminating in a sold-out event on Saturday.
The electrifying atmosphere was matched by the thrilling performances on the track. Sweden’s Robin Larsson reclaimed the top spot in Group E, showcasing his skill and determination. Meanwhile, Nitrocross founder and global icon Travis Pastrana emerged triumphant in the Side-By-Sides category, adding another victory to his illustrious career.
But it was the emerging star Casper Jansson from Sweden who truly stole the show. In his debut weekend of top-flight competition, Jansson not only swept the NEXT category but almost landed on the Group E podium as well. His exceptional performance sent shockwaves through the racing world and established him as a force to be reckoned with.
Another rising star, Lia Block, impressed the crowds with her podium finish on Saturday. This marked her first top-three Nitrocross finishes, solidifying her status as a rising force in the sport.
The event saw a significant increase in attendance, with a staggering 58% rise compared to the previous year’s stop. The enthusiastic Phoenix fans created an electric atmosphere, driving the competitors to push their limits.
Expressing his gratitude to the Phoenix fans, Larsson said, “This was a good showing for Nitrocross, and it really shows the potential of this sport and this series." Fraser McConnell, who made a remarkable comeback from sixth place to second in the Group E final, echoed Larsson’s sentiments, acknowledging the incredible support from the Phoenix crowd.
With Larsson’s victory, the Group E series standings have become more competitive. Larsson now sits just one point behind current leader Kevin Eriksson from Sweden, intensifying the battle for the championship title. The fight for third place is equally fierce, with Larsson’s teammate Andreas Bakkerud from Norway holding onto the position by a slim margin over McConnell.
For Jansson, his sensational win in the NEXT category not only secured a clean sweep in Phoenix but also extended his win streak to three consecutive victories. In an unexpected turn of events, Jansson found himself competing in both NEXT and Group E after Benito Guerra had to withdraw due to illness. Despite limited experience in the high-powered FC1-X, Jansson showed tremendous skill and narrowly missed out on a podium finish in his Group E debut.
Block, who faced tough calls from stewards in previous stops, finally had her breakthrough moment in Phoenix. With back-to-back podium finishes, she celebrated the fruits of her hard work and expressed her satisfaction with the results.
The Side-By-Sides category saw Pastrana clinch his first win of the season, fending off tough competition from rising star Kainan Baker and current series leader Tyler Remmereid.
Adding to the excitement, the Classic Baja Bugs desert racers brought their own brand of fun and drama to the event. Ryan Rodriguez defended his Friday win by sweeping the weekend, while UFC legend Donald “Cowboy" Cerrone had a spectacular crash but emerged unscathed, waving to the crowd in acknowledgement.
Nitrocross in Phoenix proved to be a spectacle of adrenaline-fueled racing, showcasing the immense talent and passion of the competitors. As the series moves forward, the stage is set for more exhilarating battles and unforgettable moments in the world of Nitrocross.
Next up, Nitrocross returns to Southern California’s legendary Glen Helen Raceway for more double-header action December 9-10. Tickets are available now at nitrocrossracing.com,
Looking ahead to defending his title and keeping the Ken Block Trophy, Larsson said, “At Glen Helen, we need to aim for the same type of consistency we had here (in Phoenix) and pick up points wherever we can. Glen Helen has such wide banks and corners but is such a tight track, and last year, everyone was within a second of each other. It’s a track that you can go really hard and go for passes, so I’m really looking forward to getting back there.”
Block added, “That track [Glen Helen] is so fun because it’s not too technical, but it’s very fast. I’ve been there before, so I’m excited to go back.”
For fans that cannot make it out to Glen Helen and experience Nitrocross in person, Rumble Sports, the leading platform for live-streaming action sports, will livestream the pulse-pounding action, all live and all for free.