- RallyX Nordic adds CrossCar to official programme alongside Supercars, Supercar Lites, SuperTouring and RX Academy classes
- All-new FIA XC Cross Car to form basis of championship alongside Xtreme CrossKart
- Inclusive new Nations’ Cup and Teams’ Trophy added to prize count for 2019
- Expanded race programme creates unified RallyX Nordic career path and points structure
RallyX Nordic presented by Cooper Tires has affirmed its commitment to promoting rallycross talent across all disciplines this season with the introduction of the new RallyX Nordic CrossCar category, plus the formation of two inclusive new championships.
A firm favourite amongst fans, Crosskarts featured in a selection of rounds in 2018 but will for 2019 be officially brought into the RallyX Nordic fold and compete as part of the support package for all seven rounds
Moreover, by placing CrossCar directly alongside RX Academy, Super Touring, Supercar Lites and Supercars, it further emphasises RallyX Nordic’s pledge to establish a formal career path for aspiring rallycross talent, as well as encouraging teams to invest in their future.
Many of rallycross’ leading competitors have progressed through the ranks via Crosskarts and RX Academy, with RallyX Nordic’s promise to promote tomorrow’s talent demonstrated by various initiatives, including a fully paid season in Supercar Lites for the RX Academy champion.
The RallyX Nordic CrossCar class will make use of the brand-new FIA-sanctioned XC Cross Car, though Extreme CrossKart machines are also eligible to compete.
The category is regarded as one of the most cost-effective entries into rallycross and has paved the way for several high-profile drivers starting out in the sport, including 2018 RallyX Nordic champion Oliver Solberg, with organisers committed to ensuring entry fees remain competitive.
Introduction of Nations’ Cup and Teams’ Trophy
To emphasise RallyX Nordic’s more inclusive approach between its racing categories, two new championships will be formed this season alongside the more traditional drivers’ and teams’ competitions.
Nations’ Cup
After attracting a number of drivers from outside the Nordic region to compete in RallyX Nordic last season, the series’ growing international appeal has formed the basis of the new Nations’ Cup and is available to Supercar and Supercar Lites categories.
Format: The scores of the leading two drivers representing each competing nation count towards a total at the end of the event. The nation which garners the strongest results over the course of season will come out on top.
This points structure covers Supercars and Supercar Lites classes, meaning if the highest placed Swedish driver at the end of event competes in Supercars with the second highest-placed in Supercar Lites, those drivers will count towards the score. Nationality is determined on the country of licence region.
Teams’ Trophy
The Teams’ Trophy encourages cross-team success by allowing two drivers to score as a unit, but not necessarily from the same class or team. The format encourages experienced drivers to motivate and inspire younger drivers for a collective reward.
Format: Two drivers form their own ‘team’ with their combined points totals going towards a championship table with points awarded to be equal to total points received at the end of the event. The pairing with the highest combined total at the end of the year are crowned champions. In the event of a tie-break the team with the most overall wins, then second places and so forth will decide the title.
Ian Davies, RallyX Nordic Chief Operating Officer, commented: “We feel it is crucial to invest in the future of rallycross as a sport, which is why we are focusing our efforts in ensuring there is a strong foundation from entry-level competition all the way up to Supercars.
“The Crosskarts category has been a fundamental part of rallycross culture for a long time so it is a pleasure to be welcoming it under the RallyX Nordic banner for the first time. As well as offering excellent exposure and live television coverage across five markets, we feel Crosskart and the new XC Cross Car are excellent value options for drivers to demonstrate their abilities in front of the right people, as well as adding even more entertainment value to the RallyX Nordic programme.
“The introduction of the Nations’ Cup and Teams’ Trophy unites the classes like never before and creates a genuine bond between teams and drivers intended to help them progress through the ranks for a collective reward.
“These initiatives are are all part of RallyX Nordic’s commitment to establishing a clear career path for drivers and teams by ensuring we offer competitive racing for all at a competitive price.”
Photo: Toni Ollikainen / Tonigraphs
