As the season comes to a close, the driver’s title is still anyone’s game as three drivers head up the field for a run at gold in Nitro Rallycross’ inaugural season.
The Nitro Rallycross mastermind, Travis Pastrana leads the field as the series heads to The FIRM. Coming off of two consecutive event wins, Pastrana currently holds first with a total of 182 points on the season. He has shown a blazing pace throughout the season with consistent results round after round but catching his big break just a few weeks ago when he won at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, AZ. The series then traveled to Glen Helen Raceway where he once again showed he was the best of the rest clearing the finals with ease. Pastrana may be at a disadvantage this weekend as the track features tarmac and gravel and he has previously stated he’s a bit worried about his performance on mixed surfaces. Regardless of his disposition, he remains closer to the title than anyone else but is followed closely by another blue and gold Subaru.
Teammate Scott Speed follows closely behind in second place after bolstering the team’s performance last time out. The former three-time GRC champion enters the final round tailing with 175 points. Speed is poised to take a run at the championship title based on his pace and experience alone in this position, being a former champion of two other series giving him a slight advantage under pressure. The question remains as to whether Subaru Motorsport USA will allow the two to race closely and fight for the title come Sunday but one thing is for sure a heated battle between teammates is on its way.
Another battle between teammates could have been on the table for Timmy Hansen of Team Hansen but unfortunately his brother Kevin was eliminated from championship contention the last round out. Meanwhile, Timmy still looks to secure the winners wreath this weekend as he sits third in the standings at 165 points. The former World Rallycross champion is coming off a loss to Johan Kristoffersson in the WRX standings after a weekend of disappointment across the pond. He will seek redemption as he returns to the states to compete with Speed and Pastrana to topple the Subaru’s among the standings.
The final round of Nitro Rallycross will surely be a jam packed event as coming out of the battle brackets on top will be key to securing those extra points on Saturday. When the action resumes on Sunday, it will be up to the fastest man on track to win and get that precious gold they’ve been seeking all season.
