For the third consecutive year, the Älvsbyn circuit will host the RallyX championship on 6–7 June. Having firmly established itself as one of the most demanding and spectacular venues on the RallyX calendar, the Swedish track’s local organisers have no intention of easing their efforts as they look ahead to the 2026 season.
That ambition is very much shared by Viktor Johansson, double RallyX champion and current president of the Älvsbyn event’s organising committee. Renowned both for its significant elevation changes and for the intensity of the battles that unfold into the first corner, the Swedish circuit has quickly become one of the championship’s must-see stops.
“For the third year in a row, returning to the RallyX championship calendar was an obvious choice for the organising committee,” Johansson explains.
“We are all volunteers, no one is paid, and everything we do is driven purely by passion. When we took the time to carefully analyse all the possible options, RallyX clearly emerged as the most natural fit. Being able to host the event for a third consecutive year is a tremendous honour and a real acknowledgement of the work carried out by the organising committee. It shows that we have done things properly. Of course, we will continue to develop and improve the event.”
After hosting a round of the FIA European Rallycross Championship back in 1994, the circuit has, since 2024, once again welcomed top-level rallycross competition, encouraging the organisers to refine their approach with patience and precision.
“In 2024, for the first edition, we put a huge amount of effort into the track and its maintenance so that drivers could feel confident and fully exploit its potential. In 2025, the focus was on a complete rebuild of the paddock, with the aim of offering better conditions for teams, drivers and the public. For this third year, our priority will be even more focused on everything surrounding the event,” Johansson continues.
That evolution also reflects a clear desire to broaden the overall spectator experience.
“We want to improve the camping area, involve more local businesses and offer a more complete experience. The core rallycross audience is now firmly established, but to take the next step we also want to attract people who do not necessarily come for motorsport alone. This could include family-friendly areas or entertainment such as live concerts. The aim is to give the event a broader dimension and turn it into a truly popular gathering.”
Previously scheduled for the end of June, the Älvsbyn round has been brought forward by several weeks — a change that represents a major strategic lever for the organisers.
“We have always hoped for higher attendance figures. The first two editions were very positive, but they were held on the same weekend as one of the largest junior football tournaments in northern Europe, which prevented many families from attending. This year, with a new date set for 6–7 June, we believe we have found a much better window. Finding the right slot in the calendar is never easy, with other major local events, weather constraints and circuit conditions to consider, but this date feels ideal to us.”
All the more so as the event will take place on a symbolic weekend.
“The fact that the event is held during Sweden’s National Day weekend is a fantastic opportunity. It allows us to think bigger, showcase northern Sweden and deliver something truly special, both for the drivers and for the spectators on site, as well as those following the event from afar. We sincerely hope these changes will result in record attendance.”
Beyond the sporting aspect, the Älvsbyn event has now become a key pillar for the wider region.
“This event is vital for the economic health and attractiveness of the entire area. The early years served as a discovery for many people who were unfamiliar with the RallyX championship. Last year, we welcomed drivers from fourteen different nationalities, and viewers from all over the world followed the action on YouTube. It is an exceptional showcase for highlighting our region, the midnight sun and everything that defines the identity of northern Sweden at this time of year.”
That impact has been further strengthened by growing institutional support.
“This year, the municipality is even more involved in the project, particularly due to our new date on the calendar. The objective is to promote the town and its surroundings, not only to spectators attending in person, but also through television broadcasts. We want to show the whole world just how unique this region is.”
From a sporting perspective, the philosophy remains unchanged: build on existing strengths without compromising the circuit’s DNA.
“The layout will remain unchanged, because it is a spectacular track that delivers plenty of action for both drivers and spectators. We now have solid foundations in place, with a functional paddock and a recognised circuit. This season, our priority will clearly be to improve everything around the site: expanding and optimising the camping area, enhancing the welcome, and perhaps even introducing festive entertainment, either at the circuit or in the town.”
A balance deliberately struck between continuity and further growth.
“For those who have already taken part in or attended the event, everything will feel familiar. It will simply be bigger, more refined and even more impressive. The objective is clear: to surpass the attendance figures of previous editions.”