Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (DRR), a dominant force in the motorsports world, has announced an exciting new partnership with the Dodge brand, adding a thrilling twist to the upcoming Nitrocross Series. The collaboration will see DRR fielding four Dodge Hornet R/T FC1-X electric-powered race cars in the Group E class of the popular 10-round series, starting this weekend at the Richmond Raceway in Virginia.
DRR, a two-time Group E championship-winning team, led by Swedish driver Robin Larsson, has consistently demonstrated excellence on both pavement and dirt tracks. Larsson, who clinched the last two Group E championships with seven victories, will spearhead the Dodge Hornet FC1-X team. Joining him are Fraser McConnell from Jamaica, a former ARX2 Rallycross champion with four Nitrocross wins, and Norwegian driver Andreas Bakkerud, who boasts two victories and strong finishes in past seasons. Completing this dynamic lineup is 17-year-old Lia Block from the U.S., the youngest competitor ever in the Group E class and a rising star in the rallycross scene.
Dennis Reinbold, team owner of Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "Dodge is well known as a performance brand, so to have them come on board to partner with us is the perfect fit. We both love to go fast, so it’s like we share the same DNA. Such a great alignment for us to compete in Nitrocross as it continues to grow at a record-breaking pace. The level of excitement is growing throughout this series and Dodge has just cranked it up even more! You have to come out to see the power of these cars battling as they literally fly around the track."
Founded in 1999 by Reinbold, an Indianapolis auto dealer with a rich family legacy in racing, DRR has an impressive track record, having qualified 50 entries for the Indy 500 over 25 years. The partnership with Dodge marks a significant milestone for both the team and the manufacturer.
Matt McAlear, Dodge brand CEO – Stellantis, shared his excitement about the new venture: "The Nitrocross series has grown in the past four years, making it the perfect venue for Dodge to expand its motorsports presence and to showcase the Dodge Hornet to the enthusiastic Nitrocross audience. We’re looking forward to a great inaugural Nitrocross season for the Dodge brand, with a championship-winning organization like the Dreyer & Reinbold Racing team carrying the Dodge banner and with fans getting the chance to experience the Dodge Hornet up close and personal through our Dodge Hornet Rally Rides. It all starts at Richmond."
The Dodge Hornet FC1-X race cars are engineering marvels, powered by Magelec Propulsion axial flux motors, delivering an astounding 1,070 horsepower and capable of accelerating from 0-60 in just 1.4 seconds. This rapid acceleration surpasses that of an F1 car, providing more than enough power to tackle the 200-foot gap jumps characteristic of Nitrocross courses. The cars feature a tubular chassis, carbon fiber chassis tub, an Alcon braking system, and advanced suspension components to handle the rigors of the race.
Nitrocross, known for its fast-paced and high-adrenaline events, features uniquely designed tracks that combine pavement and dirt, offering spectacular jumps and intense wheel-to-wheel action. The 2024-25 series will traverse ten rounds, with notable stops in Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Miami, and Las Vegas.
Chip Pankow, Nitrocross General Manager, welcomed the new partnership, stating, "Nitrocross is thrilled to welcome Dodge to the series as our first official manufacturer entry. Dodge is about performance and so are we, and we can't wait to see them prove it on the track."
