After an impressive start to the 2026 season at Valkenswaard, where he claimed both a victory and a podium finish across the opening weekend, Vetle Try quickly established himself as one of the early contenders in the RallyX North campaign.
The situation proved far more complicated a few days later at Tierp. Despite arriving in Sweden among the favourites, the JC Raceteknik driver could do no better than eighth in the intermediate standings during Race 1 before making the most of changing weather conditions to secure an unexpected second-place finish in the final after the rain arrived.
The second event of the Swedish weekend turned out to be considerably more frustrating. Hampered by two retirements in Q1 and Q3, Try’s run came to an early end at the conclusion of the qualifying heats.
Despite the mixed outcome, Try prefers to focus on the positives rather than dwell on the first real setback of his season.
“In Sweden, we mainly took the points that were available to us. Given the circumstances, I think we maximised our weekend. We had several engine issues, including a failure in Q3 that forced us to completely change the engine. Fortunately, a neighbouring team was able to help us out, so a big thanks to them,” explained Try, who currently sits ninth in the RallyX North standings.
Already disrupted by a series of mechanical problems during the opening day, the Tierp weekend ultimately never allowed the JC Raceteknik driver to fully exploit his potential.
“It was a weekend of ups and downs. In the first race, the rain arrived at the perfect moment for us and we managed to take advantage of it in the final to secure second place. The second day, though, was much more complicated with further mechanical problems.”
Try also admitted he did not always manage to get the maximum from his machinery in particularly demanding conditions.
“We only managed the seventh-fastest time in one session where we were practically running alone, which is obviously not ideal. I also made a few mistakes myself, so I have to take my share of responsibility. In Q3, I probably pushed too hard. I made a mistake and ended up in the wall. That was entirely my fault. Even so, the team did a tremendous job throughout the weekend to get the car back together.”
Attention has now shifted toward the Finnish round at Honkajoki, where Try discovered a particularly fast new circuit during Friday evening’s free practice session, which he finished eighth in the CrossCar category.
“The circuit is much faster than I expected. You have to be extremely precise and carry a lot of speed through the corners. Personally, I have quite a smooth driving style, so it takes some adaptation here.”
Even so, the Norwegian appears to enjoy the characteristics of the track and the challenges it presents.
“It’s an interesting circuit and really enjoyable to drive. I walked the track with my father and he immediately told me the level here would be extremely high. In the end, he was right. I especially like the Joker Lap section as well as the fast and flowing gravel sections. There’s definitely time to be found on a track like this if everything is executed perfectly. We still made a few small mistakes during free practice, but we also know where we can improve. The objective now is simply to keep pushing and fight for the top spot.”