Nitro Rallycross has named the first six teams to commit to its all-new electric class which will debut in 2022.
The series will begin this September with Supercar and Lites-based NRX NEXT development categories, then will launch a standalone electric competition as an addition next year.
NRX will also go global in ‘22 with races in Europe and the Middle East in addition to the US.
Ahead of the EV class’s launch, NRX has confirmed the first teams that will compete, with a number of top European teams joining the US ranks.
As expected, Vermont SportsCar, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, and Olsbergs MSE – which is developing the single-make FC1-X machine alongside QEV Technologies that will be used from 2022 onwards – have committed to the series, having previously been confirmed for the Supercar class this year.
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In addition to them, World Rallycross event-winning outfit Grönholm RX, Xite Energy Racing – which previously competed in Americas Rallycross and currently races in Extreme E – and Good Times Racing have all purchased FC1-Xs. An additional team will be announced at a later date.
“We have worked closely with the teams and manufacturers to build the very best rallycross car ever developed,” said Joe Carr, CEO of NRX parent company Thrill One Sports and Entertainment.
“This collaboration and buy-in is a testament to their belief in NRX as the future of rallycross.”
“From the first announcement that Nitro Rallycross was expanding into a global series, industry response has been tremendous,” he added.
“This far-reaching commitment from some of the most prominent teams in motorsport demonstrates their strong confidence in the property and the direction we are headed.”
The FC1-X will provide manufacturers a record-breaking platform to showcase their new electric crossover SUV.Joe Carr, Thrill One's CEO
The FC1-X is a revolutionary rallycross platform built around a lightweight, tubular steel frame chassis. Its all-electric drivetrain produces 1,000bhp, which enables it to launch from zero to 60mph in a mere 1.5 seconds, and onto a top speed of 180mph, which will comfortably make it the fastest top-level rallycross car in the world.
The car is already undergoing testing, and was recently on display at the second race weekend of the RallyX Nordic season at Höljes.
“In addition to offering teams unprecedented performance, the FC1-X will also provide manufacturers a record-breaking platform to showcase their new electric crossover SUV models, the fastest-growing category in the industry, in front of a global audience,” Carr said.
While every team will utilize the same car and drivetrain, teams and manufacturers will have the ability to adorn the cars with bespoke bodywork, providing outfits with a low-cost but high-profile platform to showcase EV technology for road cars.
