Richmond, VA — The 2024-25 Nitrocross season roared to life this Saturday at the Richmond Raceway, marking the series’ first event east of the Mississippi since 2021. The race featured a 1.25-mile track that combined both dirt and pavement surfaces, a setup not seen at the Richmond Raceway since the 1960s.
Two-time Group E champion, Robin Larsson, seized the spotlight with a flawless performance from start to finish, clinching the win in the season opener and setting a strong pace for a potential third consecutive championship. Larsson finished a full second ahead of his closest competitor, Oliver Eriksson, while Fraser McConnell secured third place after a challenging race that saw him fighting back from an early slip.
Larsson shared his relief and satisfaction after the race, stating, “It’s been a really good day. I was a little bit worried going into this one. It’s a lot of tarmac and I’m not a big fan of tarmac for my driving skills, but when you get the confidence that you’re faster and you can drive on a completely different level, you get a whole ‘nother calm in your body. I’ve had the perfect day thanks to the team.”
In other racing categories, the newly introduced NEXT EVO class saw a thrilling final as Mitchell De Jong marked a successful return to racing after a seven-year hiatus, narrowly defeating Tommi Hallman. Lane Vacala completed the podium, adding another layer of excitement to the series’ innovative race format.
The Side-by-Side finals also provided high-octane drama, with Cash LeCroy making a stunning last-lap pass against Travis Pastrana to claim victory. Kory Willis capitalized on the action, moving past Pastrana for second place, while reigning SxS champion Kainan Baker showcased his skill by racing in both the NEXT EVO and Side-by-Side categories, a testament to his growing presence in the Nitrocross hierarchy.
LeCroy, still awestruck by his win, said, “It’s a dream to race at a level this high, but to be able to mix it up with guys like Travis Pastrana is something you can’t put words to.”
Nitrocross fans can look forward to more adrenaline-pumping action as the season continues on September 8 in Richmond, Virginia. All events are available for live streaming free of charge on Rumble Sports at www.rumble.com/nitrocross.
For further details on the full 2024-25 Nitrocross schedule, updates, and more, visit www.nitrocrossracing.com and follow Nitrocross on its social media platforms.
It was so awesome to see Mitchell DeJong return to the track and take the win after 7 years. His story is truly inspiring.