Run-aces set to go toe to toe on ice at ROC in Sweden
Driving teams from all over the world have arrived in icy Sweden ahead of this weekend’s Race Of Champions and are enjoying their first training laps on the specially built ROC parallel track on the frozen Baltic Sea at Pite Havsbad, just 90 km from the Arctic Circle.
Race Of Champions brings together some of the world’s top drivers from the major disciplines of motorsport – including Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar, Le Mans, World Rally and Rallycross – and sets them free to fight head-to-head.
As always, drivers will compete in identical cars on the exact same track, so the winners will be decided solely by skill. This year’s selection of machines includes the FIA RX2e – an electric rallycross car that generates 250 kW of power and up to 510 Nm of torque. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport will also be available alongside the Polaris RZR PRO XP off-road vehicle, while the SuperCar Lites will return, this time powered by 100% fossil-free biofuel.
There has been a late change in this weekend’s line-up as second in the W-series 2021 Emma Kimilainen replaces F1 star Valtteri Bottas, who has late commitments with his new Alfa Romeo team for the 2022 season.
“What I like most about this event is being with friends and being close to drivers who were our heroes – Mika Hakkinen in my case,” said reigning Indy 500 champion Helio Castroneves, who competes for Team Latin America. “I grew up watching him compete and now I compete against him, so it’s a real honor. I’ve never ridden on snow but the good news for our team in the ROC Nations Cup is that I’m paired with a rally driver. I is so happy that Benito (Guerra) is in my team, but I have to warn him: You are alone here … ”
NASCAR legend became IndyCar racer and ROC veteran Jimmie Johnson, who competes for the United States with IndyCar star Colton Herta, said: “The Race Of Champions has two sides: what the cameras see on the track and what happens after the cameras go out The best thing is the friendship in this group and being able to hang out with racers from other disciplines that we usually do not get a chance to meet. My first ROC was in the Canary Islands 20 years ago and it was a special experience. “Chances are, this time it’s obvious we’re the favorites, right? We’re two Californian guys who’ve never ridden on snow and ice before … What could go wrong?”
Herta said: “I’m just so excited about being here and getting started. I’m enjoying everything so far but it’s very new to me because I’ve never ridden on ice. Jimmie has some experience with dirt but I do not even have it. “Every single technique you learn in single-seater is the opposite of what you learn here. The starts will be important because the traction that pushes away is very different. But I look forward to the challenge. This is the most fun I’ve had in a long time!”
This weekend’s action begins with the ROC Nations Cup, where the drivers come together to fight for the title of the world’s fastest nation. Then all teamwork goes out the window for individual Race Of Champions to crown the ROC Champion of Champions on Sunday, 06: 00-09: 00 ET.
ROC coverage is available on MAVTV and MotorTrendonDemand in the US and REV TV in Canada.