The 2022-23 Nitro Rallycross season continues this weekend with a doubleheader in Arizona.
Group E Rundown
The Group E class will be headlined once again by the usual group of drivers. Joining the regular group will be two guests and one returning driver. The two guests are active NASCAR Drivers Chase Elliott and Austin Cindric. Kris Meeke will also be returning to Nitro Rallycross this weekend after missing both Minneapolis and California. Robin Larsson leads the championship with a 23-point lead over teammate Andreas Bakkerud. Fraser McConnell sits third, 13 points behind Bakkerud. Oliver Eriksson sits fourth, 50 points behind McConnell. Oliver Bennett rounds out the top five sitting 15 points behind Oliver Eriksson.
NASCAR Drivers Go Nitro
Chase Elliott and Austin Cindric will be joining Nitro Rallycross this weekend. This will be Elliott’s second time in Nitro Rallycross. As he would also compete in one round last season. Where Elliott would place eighth in the final.
Meeke Returns
Rally legend Kris Meeke will be making his Nitro Rallycross return. Meeke competed in the first two rounds as a substitute for Jenson Button. Button isn’t attending this weekend due to a decision made by the team and driver. Meeke currently sits 10th in the championship standings, two points behind Niclas Grönholm.
Chaotic Schedule
Nitro Rallycross Arizona will be a doubleheader event. The event was changed from a single round to a doubleheader after Nitro Rallycross Saudi Arabia was cancelled. Friday will see a full round of racing in a single day, including the full battle bracket, heats, semi-finals and finals for Group E. This will force drivers to be at their best. As any significant damage could end their day and any chance of points for round five. Saturday and Sunday will return to the regular schedule. With Saturday featuring the Battle Brackets for Group E plus the SXS and NRX Next classes. Sunday will feature the Group E Heats, Semi-finals, LCQ and Finals.
My name is Joe Moore. I am a writer for Belly Up Hockey, Belly Up Racing, and Belly Up Sports. You can find me on Twitter.
