Running within the amalgamated Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and JC Raceteknik team, under the Monster Energy RX Cartel DRR JC banner on the significantly-revised historic Swedish circuit, Norwegian star Andreas Bakkerud and Nitro RX round one winner Robin Larsson stormed through the final to secure a second consecutive 1-2 finish.
Bakkerud was among the front-running pace throughout the weekend, then made the best start in the final to lead throughout and claim a maiden Nitro RX win. Larsson meanwhile had to battle through the second phase of the weekend, following broken steering in the opening heat race. He fought back by winning the semi-final from low down on the grid, then climbed to second in the final to chase Bakkerud for the majority of the race and finish a close second.
Joel Christoffersson, JC Raceteknik Team Principal:
“It’s been a fantastic weekend here in Strangnas with a 1,2,3,4,5. I almost cannot believe it - it’s a really great achievement for the team, and a big achievement for the drivers. It’s nice to see how we have got the cars going, and a setup that is working well. We had some bad luck in some races, but overall it’s been a great weekend and I’m glad to see Andreas on the top step of the podium. The feeling is very good and now we look to ahead to the next races in America.”
Andreas Bakkerud (NOR), Group E:
“It’s insane the effort that JC is putting into this Nitro Rallycross programme, with eight cars on the grid this weekend. Before the weekend I was a bit sceptical, especially having five of those cars in Group E. I thought it was too much but at the end finishing 1,2,3,4,5 with me as the winner – I couldn’t be more proud of the whole gang. I know many of the mechanics and I know every car has a top team to win and that’s a huge effort. It’s cool for me to finally win the big hardware. I’ve done a few races in Nitro Rallycross and taken a third, second and now a first. For me and Robin now in the championship, we'e very equal, it’s a mega job. We stayed away from trouble, and that was a key for this great result.”
Robin Larsson (SWE), Group E:
“We had a really good weekend again, this time Andreas took the P1 with me in P2. The result is pretty incredible for the team. Things looked pretty dark for me after the first heat on Sunday morning where I got a small hit in the front wheel. I started way back in the semi-final, I didn’t have much expectation but after two corners I was in P1 and it felt really good. I controlled the race from there. In the final I also got a good start. I hunted Andreas for the first two or three laps but the lap I went into the joker I made a mistake and he did a perfect lap. That is what it is, it’s really small margins, but it’s been a really good weekend.”
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