Open 4WD category to provide stability in 2021 and beyond
Renamed class demonstrates increased appetite for electric technology
RallyX Nordic presented by Cooper Tires has announced that FIA-approved electric rallycross cars will be permitted to compete alongside internal combustion-engined Supercars in a re-named ‘Open 4WD’ headlining class in all remaining rounds of 2021.
The new season got off to a spectacular start at Nysum in Denmark last weekend (1-2 May), with entertaining racing across the board. Moving forward, all FIA-approved rallycross EVs will officially be able to compete wheel-to-wheel with their combustion-engined counterparts in RallyX Nordic’s ‘Open 4WD’ category. To preserve the current championship battle, whilst electric entries will be classified in the results, they will not be eligible for points.
An RX Promotion spokesman said: “The concept of running ICE and EVs alongside each other is one that has never been tried before but we have no doubt that RallyX Nordic fans and drivers will greatly enjoy the racing spectacle.
"We are carefully managing the development of rallycross and, being based in the Nordic area of our world, we clearly see the need to adapt our future strategy - an example being our intention to become a 100% fossil-free sport going forward.
"The revolutionary P1 Racing BIO RACING 100% fuel has been approved for use in all RallyX Nordic classes and our aim for the 2022 season is to hold fossil fuel-free events; this is something that is unique in motorsport and is vitally important for future generations. All of our up-and-coming drivers in the Supercar Lites, CrossCar/Crosskart and CrossCar Junior classes will hopefully see a cost-effective future in rallycross - tomorrow's stars are vital to the sustainability of our series and our sport.
"Electric vehicles and fossil fuel-free ICE cars can now compete on a level playing field, helping us retain the dedicated fanbase and amazing atmosphere that RallyX Nordic has become synonymous with while leading the way into a new era of rallycross.
“What’s more, with all of the RallyX Nordic action in 2021 being broadcast live and free-to-air, it offers the perfect platform to introduce viewers to the future of our sport with both electrical and fossil-free fuel options going forward. Our aim is to deliver first-class action and intense on-track battles for all of our fans, old and young. We can guarantee they will not be disappointed."
RallyX Nordic resumes at Sweden’s iconic Höljes circuit on 13-16 May, followed by a new double-header fixture at OuluZone, close to the Arctic Circle in Finland, on 5-6 June. The campaign will conclude and titles will be decided at Arvika in Sweden over the course of a high-stakes single-header weekend on 13-15 August.
