Bakkerud Clinches Two Wins in Dodge Hornet at Nitrocross

Veteran driver Andreas Bakkerud showcased incredible determination by securing two feature victories at the Utah Motorsports Campus, driving the Dodge Hornet R/T FC1-X electric-powered racecar. Despite battling strep throat and a fever reaching 104°F, Bakkerud achieved a stunning “clean sweep” during rounds three and four of the Nitrocross Series, leading a Dodge 1-2 finish each day.

Challenging Circuit Conditions – 

The exciting event unfolded on a demanding 1.732-mile course that features both pavement and dirt surfaces, located near Salt Lake City. Known for its challenging layout, the track includes a 100-foot gap jump and high-banked turns, making it one of the toughest venues in the Nitrocross circuit. Bakkerud’s mastery of the track resulted in his first victories in over a year, bolstering the Dodge brand’s position in the 2024-25 Nitrocross campaign.

Race Highlights and Performance – 

The weekend kicked off with Bakkerud setting the fastest lap, followed by wins in his heat race, semifinal, and final on Saturday. Piloting his No. 13 Dodge Hornet R/T FC1-X, he finished one second ahead of his Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (DRR) teammates, Robin Larsson and Oliver Eriksson.

On Sunday, Bakkerud replicated his Saturday success, excelling in the preliminary rounds and taking the lead in the final from his front-row starting position. He maintained a strong performance throughout, crossing the finish line with a two-second margin over Larsson.

Reflecting on his triumphant return to the winner’s circle, Bakkerud stated, “It’s been tough times, and this year was all about getting back and having fun again. I caught strep throat on Thursday and was shaking, but I felt good once we got to the race.” He acknowledged the challenges presented by the track conditions and the low sun during the races.

Championship Implications – 

Larsson’s consistent performance earned him two runner-up finishes, enabling him to reclaim the Group E points lead as the series heads to Firebird Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona, for rounds five and six on November 15-16. “Those were such tough finals to drive,” Larsson remarked, emphasizing the importance of maintaining consistent finishes for the championship.

In addition to Bakkerud and Larsson’s impressive results, their DRR teammates Fraser McConnell and Lia Block also performed well, securing fourth and fifth places, respectively, on Saturday and Sunday. Block, a local competitor from Park City, expressed her excitement about finishing in the top five despite the chaotic nature of the final race on Sunday.

Team Owner Comments – 

DRR team owner Dennis Reinbold commended the team’s performance, particularly praising Bakkerud’s resilience in overcoming his illness. “To be honest, we weren’t sure how Andreas would perform with his sickness. But he fought off that sickness as well as the on-track competition this weekend. It’s a solid weekend for the team, and we’re looking forward to the next rounds in Phoenix next month.”

Watch the Nitrocross Series – 

The Nitrocross series continues to gain traction, with races broadcast live on Rumble.com and Fox Sports 1, providing fans with thrilling insights into the world of electric motorsport. Bakkerud’s double victory not only highlights his talent but also reinforces the potential of the Dodge Hornet R/T FC1-X in the competitive racing landscape.

Upcoming Nitrocross Schedule –