RallyX Nordic has announced an immediate rebrand of its top-line Supercar class, which includes the addition of electric cars for the first time.
Now dubbed Open 4WD, Nordic’s premier category will be open to FIA-approved electric machines as well as traditional Supercars – a move that brings it in-line with the World Championship which plans to allow electric cars to compete alongside combustion-engined vehicles from next year ahead of a full electric takeover further down the line.
“The concept of running ICE and EVs alongside each other is one that has never been tried before but we have no doubt that RallyX Nordic fans and drivers will greatly enjoy the racing spectacle,” said a RallyX Nordic spokesman.
Among the cars now eligible for RallyX Nordic will be STARD’s Projekt E cars that featured on the World RX bill last year. Now renamed ERX, those cars have already been confirmed as eligible for the British championship.
However, unlike British Rallycross, no electric cars will be eligible for RallyX Nordic championship points in 2021 in a decision made to “preserve the current championship battle”, with the series having started at Nysum in Denmark last weekend, before the inclusion of EVs became official.
As well as allowing EVs into its premier category, RallyX Nordic will also introduce a 100% biofuel formula for its combustion cars next year to further its green credentials.
“We are carefully managing the development of rallycross and, being based in the Nordic area of our world, we clearly see the need to adapt our future strategy – an example being our intention to become a 100% fossil-free sport going forward,” the spokesman added.
“The revolutionary P1 Racing BIO RACING 100% fuel has been approved for use in all RallyX Nordic classes and our aim for the 2022 season is to hold fossil fuel-free events; this is something that is unique in motorsport and is vitally important for future generations.
“All of our up-and-coming drivers in the Supercar Lites, CrossCar/Crosskart and CrossCar Junior classes will hopefully see a cost-effective future in rallycross – tomorrow’s stars are vital to the sustainability of our series and our sport.
“Electric vehicles and fossil fuel-free ICE cars can now compete on a level playing field, helping us retain the dedicated fanbase and amazing atmosphere that RallyX Nordic has become synonymous with while leading the way into a new era of rallycross.”
World RX team Ferratum Team RX is the first team to confirm it will compete with an electric car in the category, with two-time Finnish SRC-class champion Henri Haapamäki set to drive the squad’s Ford Fiesta ERX at Höljes on May 13-16.
