Andreas Bakkerud and Fraser McConnell have both been taken to hospital following heavy crashes during timed practice for round three of Nitro Rallycross at ERX Motor Park in Minnesota.
The Dreyer & Reinbold duo were part of the first batch of drivers to run in the second practice session of the day, but both suffered rolls on their first timed laps – independently overshooting the same jump.
“Dreyer Reinbold Racing JC drivers Andreas Bakkerud and Fraser McConnell crashed during a Nitro Rallycross pre-race practice session today at ERX Motor Park,” the team said in a statement.
“Both drivers quickly received medical evaluation at the scene. After initial treatment from the medical team on site, Bakkerud was transported to the ERX Medical Center due to soreness in his shoulder.
“Bakkerud and McConnell are going to the hospital for further observation as a precautionary measure. More information regarding their conditions will be released as it becomes available.”
Despite the incidents, at the time of writing, the team refused to rule out both drivers continuing with the remainder of the weekend.
“We are still assessing the damage to the vehicles to see if they will be able to race this weekend. We are happy that the cars are built to keep our drivers safe.”
Vermont SportsCar pair Travis Pastrana and Conner Martell topped the timesheets in practice – Pastrana setting the benchmark of 52.668s in the second session, 0.470s quicker than his team-mate.
Olsbergs MSE driver Oliver Eriksson was third quickest ahead of championship points leader Robin Larsson, series returnee Kevin Eriksson – who missed the first two rounds of the season through injury – and Oliver Bennett.
Jenson Button, making his Nitro Rallycross debut this weekend, wound up eighth, 2.601s off Pastrana.
In the first side by side heat of the weekend, Robin Shute suffered a similar flip to Bakkerud and McConnell. That incident brought out a red flag, but Shute was able to get out of his vehicle under his own power.
