Bakkerud leads Dreyer & Reinbold dominance of Sweden Nitro Rallycross
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing with JC Raceteknik remains undefeated in the 2022-23 Nitro Rallycross season, with Andreas Bakkerud leading a 1-2-3-4-5 for the team in Sweden.
The reigning European Rallycross Champion made the best start in the eight-car, six-lap final, finishing top qualifier and pole-sitter Oliver Eriksson, leading throughout the race.
It wasn’t an easy run to the flag though, with teammate Robin Larsson chasing him for the first three laps, until he opted for the longer wildcard lap on the fourth tour. Bakkerud went a lap later, but held onto the lead comfortably, crossing the line 1.963s ahead of Larsson.
Four-time World Rallycross and reigning Extreme E champion Johan Kristoffersson held off a challenge from Fraser McConnell to take third place in what was a one-off appearance in the series for him.
Kristoffersson at the same time joked against Larsson, and a lap behind McConnell, who rubbed doors with him heading into Turn 1 on the penultimate lap. Resolute defense from Kristoffersson saw him retain third, but McConnell continued to shadow him to the finish line.
World Rally Championship regular Ole Christian Veiby completed the DRR JC sweep in fifth, with American racer Conner Martell in sixth. He was the last to finish, with Kris Meeke and Eriksson both failing due to punctures.
For Meeke, it compounded a disastrous weekend with software issues preventing his car from running for the entirety of Saturday’s qualifying. Eriksson, meanwhile, won the qualifying heat and his opening heat on Sunday, unable to complete the job in the main event thanks to his retirement.