Dodge Hornet FC1-X Scores First Victory in Nitrocross Debut

In its debut, the Dodge Hornet R/T FC1-X stormed to victory lane in its first-ever Nitrocross event, thanks to a dominating performance by two-time and reigning Nitrocross Group E champion Robin Larsson. The Swedish driver powered his 1,000-plus-horsepower, all-wheel-drive (AWD) Dodge Hornet to a clean sweep at Richmond Raceway on Saturday, September 7, marking a sensational start for the Dodge brand in the 2024-25 Nitrocross series.

The Richmond Raceway event, which kicked off the 10-round national series, saw Dodge introduce its four-car lineup, fielded by Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (DRR), the defending Group E team champions. The team features Larsson alongside fellow racers Andreas Bakkerud, Fraser McConnell, and 17-year-old Lia Block, each piloting a high-powered Dodge Hornet R/T FC1-X, built for both dirt and paved surfaces.

Larsson’s Dominant Performance – 

Driving the DRR Monster Energy JC Dodge Hornet R/T FC1-X, Larsson delivered a near-flawless performance during Saturday’s round. After securing the fastest qualifying time, Larsson won his heat race, semifinal, and the final, where he led the race from pole position to the checkered flag.

“It’s always special going into a new season,” said Larsson after his Saturday victory. “Of course, everyone is seeking the championship at the opening race, and we have a strong team with DRR. For me, it’s a cool feeling being with Dodge. It’s the first time I have been with an auto manufacturer. I’m very proud to have Dodge on board, and I couldn’t ask for a better start to the season.”

Larsson’s control of the event was clear, especially in the dirt portions of the tricky 3/4-mile Richmond Raceway circuit. “The track was slippery on the gravel sections, and I didn’t want to make any mistakes,” he noted. “I had a perfect day thanks to the team, and it’s great to put Dodge in the winner’s circle.”

Strong Team Effort – 

Larsson wasn’t the only one putting in a solid performance for the Dodge team. Jamaica’s Fraser McConnell had a strong showing, finishing third in Saturday’s final and second in Sunday’s main event. Despite some setbacks, including a first-lap collision in Sunday’s race, McConnell expressed optimism: “I feel if I didn’t get hit on the first lap, I would have won the race. But we are so pleased to have Dodge with the DRR team, and we look forward to the next event.”

Seventeen-year-old Lia Block, making her debut in the Group E division, posted a pair of sixth-place finishes over the weekend. “These other guys have a couple of seasons on me already with these racecars, and it has been hard,” Block said. “I have been learning so much with the Dodge Hornet, and my teammates have been a great help.”

Andreas Bakkerud, the fourth member of the Dodge lineup, faced some tough luck in both main events, suffering a punctured tire in Saturday’s race and being hit in Sunday’s final. Despite this, Bakkerud managed seventh and eighth-place finishes.

A New Era for Dodge in Motorsports – 

The Richmond Raceway debut wasn’t just a win for Larsson—it was a major milestone for Dodge as it entered the Nitrocross series. Known for its muscle cars and performance heritage, Dodge’s entry into this new motorsports discipline with the Hornet R/T FC1-X has created a buzz among fans.

“I’m so ecstatic with Dodge’s debut with our Dreyer & Reinbold Racing team,” said team owner Dennis Reinbold. “You think about Dodge, and you think about muscle cars. And our Dodge Hornet R/T FC1-X race car is so fast and quick off the line. Dodge is all about performance and feel, and they will fit in so well with Nitrocross.”

Looking Ahead – 

With Larsson’s Saturday victory, a podium finish for McConnell, and promising runs from Block and Bakkerud, the Dodge Hornet R/T FC1-X team has set the stage for a thrilling season in the 2024-25 Nitrocross championship. The team now looks ahead to the next event, the “Busch Light Race to the Mountains,” on October 5-6 at the Utah Motorsports Campus.