The racing may still be two days away, but the atmosphere is already building in Älvsbyn. On Thursday evening, drivers and fans gathered in the town centre for a pre-event showcase ahead of the upcoming RallyX weekend, with an impressive crowd lining the streets to welcome the cars and competitors.

For Viktor Johansson, the event carries a particularly personal significance. Alongside his role behind the wheel, he has also been heavily involved in organising the weekend. After an intense build-up, the turnout in the centre of Älvsbyn made the long hours worthwhile.

“I am really impressed,” said Johansson. “We have been working flat out for the past few weeks, both with the car and the event. We have changed the engine and put in a lot of hours. When I arrived on the main street in Älvsbyn, it was crowded. I have never seen so many people here before.

“I am really proud of everyone who has helped. It is only the first day and we still have two days before we go racing, but to see this many people already is fantastic. I am really hopeful for the weekend.”

Johansson enters the round with little margin for error after an engine failure earlier in the season cost him valuable track time. His approach, however, remains unchanged.

“I need to be on top of my game in every remaining race this season,” he explained. “But we will do it like we always do: heat by heat, lap by lap. We will try to stay up there at the front. A lot can happen, so we just need to keep pushing and keep grinding.”

Eriksson focused on race wins

Championship leader Oliver Eriksson was another driver enjoying the Thursday evening atmosphere. With a 17-point advantage at the top of the standings, Eriksson arrives in Älvsbyn in a strong position, but his focus remains firmly on delivering results on track rather than calculating the championship permutations.

“Everyone says that Älvsbyn has one of the best tracks in Sweden. I would say it is one of the best tracks in Europe,” said Eriksson. “It is a proper track in a very small village, and it is great to see the whole community gathering for this event. It is only Thursday, and tomorrow we will have the soapbox race as well. It is fun to do something for the community.”

Asked about his strategy for the weekend, Eriksson kept his answer characteristically simple.

“I had a strategy talk with my spotter. He always gives me the best advice. Normally, it is: take the start and win. So I will probably try that.”

The championship leader is expecting close racing on a circuit where the smallest mistake can prove costly.

“It is a fun class and the times are so tight because we are all in equal machinery,” Eriksson added. “Kevin is back again and he was very quick last time in Holland. But it is a joy to race on this track. I just want to go out, have fun and race hard against good drivers.

“I want to win races. In my opinion, it is still too early to think about the championship. We will see what happens.”

Lindeqvist looking to build on breakthrough win

Alex Lindeqvist arrives in Älvsbyn with momentum on his side after claiming his first victory at the previous round. Like the rest of the field, he was impressed by the reception in the town centre.

“It is a fantastic way to start the weekend,” said Lindeqvist. “When you first come here, it feels like you are in the middle of nowhere in northern Sweden. But when you reach the centre, it is amazing. I have never seen so many people here before. I hope we will have the same atmosphere at the track.”

Lindeqvist has previous experience of the Älvsbyn circuit after competing there in CrossCar last season. Its gravel-heavy and technical character is one he believes will suit his driving style.

“I really like the track,” he said. “It is technical, with small jumps and a lot of gravel. That is what I enjoy. It feels more like rallycross to me, with less tarmac. Finland was similar in that respect, so I am really looking forward to driving this rallycross car here.”

Double duty for local hero Öhman

Few drivers will have a busier weekend than Adam Öhman. The local favourite, who lives just ten minutes from the circuit, will compete in two different categories as he looks to make the most of his home round.

“I was a little surprised to see so many people, to be honest,” said Öhman. “But it is really nice to see the village coming together to look at all the amazing cars. It is great fun.”

Öhman explained that the opportunity to compete twice on home soil was simply too good to turn down.

“Why not? I have the car and I live ten minutes from the track, so I thought I might as well race both of them,” he said. “I practised here last Friday, and the feeling in the two-wheel-drive car was not the greatest because I have adapted to the four-wheel-drive car. The driving styles are quite different.

“But it is my home race, so I want to race as much as possible. I will do my best.”

Öhman is realistic about the challenge ahead but believes his knowledge of the circuit could give him his strongest opportunity of the season so far.

“I would not be competing if I was not aiming for the top positions,” he added. “To be realistic, I have not quite had the pace yet. But this will be my best opportunity so far because I know this track in both cars. It will be fun, and I am really looking forward to the weekend.”

With the streets already packed on Thursday evening, Älvsbyn has set the stage for a memorable rallycross weekend. The anticipation is building, the local support is firmly in place, and the drivers are ready to put on a show when the racing action begins.