Excitement builds as new-look RallyX Nordic presents fresh challenges and initiatives

  • Upgraded venues add to appeal of revitalised RallyX Nordic
  • Nysum in Denmark fills remaining spot on popular series’ calendar
  • Start and finish in Sweden at iconic Höljes and all-new Tierp
  • Season-long Race Director to promote clean, fair racing
  • Enhanced value for money with three semi-finals at each event

Anticipation is building ahead of the fast-approaching 2018 RallyX Nordic campaign, with a new company formed to take the series into the future, a pioneering five-year plan and a freshly-confirmed calendar offering a mix of new and upgraded venues – all set to truly challenge some of the finest drivers in the discipline.

Entries are open until Saturday, 21 April for round one (click here), and organisers are delighted to be able to reveal a six-round schedule visiting all four of rallycross’ Nordic heartlands – Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland.

Prompted by elevated interest – with more than 18 entries already received for all major classes – and in a new initiative designed to offer competitors more track time, each event will feature three semi-finals, presided over by season-long Race Director, Christer Jönsson.

The season will rev into life at Höljes on 6 May as, for the very first time, RallyX Nordic competitors go doorhandle-to-doorhandle around one of the most iconic circuits in the sport – home to Sweden’s prestigious FIA World Rallycross Championship event. The action will remain in Sweden for round two on 3 June, with fast and technical Arvika retaining its place on the calendar for the fifth consecutive year as a classic old-school test.

“RallyX Nordic will provide fans with an extra opportunity to see the spectacular Supercars and Supercar Lites at this legendary rallycross circuit in 2018,” enthused Höljes club chairman, Morgan Östlund. “We are looking forward to being a part of this fast-growing series.

“We’re confident that some World RX drivers will also show up to challenge the Nordic regulars, and together with the support classes, we can offer spectators a full package of entertainment in May. We anticipate a very exciting weekend ahead.”

Grenland in Norway plays host to round three on 24 June, with Nysum following on 12 August as RallyX Nordic returns to Denmark for a mid-summer blast. In recognition of the championship’s burgeoning profile and reputation, both venues have invested significantly in upgrading their facilities over the winter to offer competitors and spectators an enhanced experience.

“We are really looking forward to being a part of RallyX Nordic’s exciting new era,” said Helle Nielsen, a member of the Nysum organising team. “Last year’s event was fantastic, and this year, we hope to have two Danish drivers from Motorsport Nordjylland participating in the Supercar class. We are excited about showing the Danish spectators once again how spectacular and powerful these rallycross cars really are – not to mention their incredible sound.”

Kouvola in Finland is a welcome new addition to the schedule on 26 August, as the former FIA World RX venue heralds its return to the forefront of international rallycross. The campaign will conclude at all-new track Tierp on 7 October, with the eagerly-anticipated circuit – located just an hour north of Stockholm – set to stage a pulsating finale, preceded by a test and media day on 18 September.

“Spectators will have a fantastic experience watching RallyX Nordic at Tierp Arena later this year,” said the circuit’s Operations Manager, Urban Axelsson. “The new rallycross track has been designed with fans very much in mind, which is why we enlisted world champions Johan Kristoffersson and Petter Solberg as well as Andreas Eriksson from Olsbergs MSE to lend their input for a layout that is challenging, fast and fun.

“With 70 per cent of spectators able to see the entire track, fans won’t miss a moment of what is sure to be some exhilarating action from the next generation of rallycross stars.”

There is no doubt that RallyX Nordic is currently going from strength-to-strength – as evidenced by the high-profile drivers already committed to the series for 2018 and the recently announced television package, with arrangements with other countries ongoing and set to be announced in due course. Series Manager Ian Davies is confident the choice of calendar and new initiatives will prove to be a hit with competitors and fans alike.

“The fact that we have had to expand to three semi-finals across all major classes is testament to the rising interest in RallyX Nordic,” he revealed. “Not only that, but the appointment of a single, season-long Race Director in Christer Jönsson will guarantee consistency in decisions and assist in the promotion of clean, fair racing.

“By the same token, we have worked tirelessly to secure the right venues in such a pivotal season for the championship. It was important for us to visit all four of the key Nordic countries for the sport, and we think we have come up with the ideal combination.

“As Scandinavia’s fabled home of rallycross, Höljes needs little introduction, while Arvika has been a firm favourite of the RallyX Nordic faithful for the past five years. Grenland and Nysum have both put in a tremendous effort to enhance their facilities – to the benefit of entrants and fans alike – and we are delighted to see Kouvola back where it belongs, as a top-tier venue in a series with international appeal.

“Last but far from least, we are all hugely excited to see what Tierp has to offer. A herculean effort has gone into developing this brand new track, and we are sure that it will provide a fitting backdrop for the thrilling final act in RallyX Nordic’s title battles. We cannot wait for the season to start.”

The full 2018 RallyX Nordic entry list will be released at 14h00 CET on Monday, 23 April.

Confirmed 2018 RallyX Nordic Calendar

May 5/6                      Höljes, Sweden*
June 2/3                      Arvika, Sweden
June 23/24                 Grenland, Norway
August 11/12             Nysum, Denmark
August 25/26             Kouvola, Finland*
October 6/7               Tierp, Sweden*

*Events including the RX Academy