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Dodge is set to showcase its first electrified vehicle, the Hornet, in the upcoming Nitrocross Series this weekend. Representing the Group E class, Dodge will introduce four rallycross cars branded as Hornets for the 10-race series, one of which will be driven by Lia Block, marking a historic moment as she becomes the first female competitor in this class.
For this venture, Dodge has teamed up with the highly regarded Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (DRR) team, which has clinched back-to-back driver and team championships in the Nitrocross Group E for the last two years. The newly developed race car is named the Hornet R/T FC1-X.
While this specific FC1-X retains the appearance of its conventional PHEV counterpart, its performance specifications and framework provide a distinct advantage. All FC1-X models competing in Nitrocross are equipped with four axial flux motors that deliver a total output of 1,070 horsepower (800 kW). These rally cars can achieve nearly 2g of acceleration from a standstill, with the capability to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 1.4 seconds.
The electric rallycross vehicle is also outfitted with racing-specific enhancements, which include a tubular chassis, a carbon-fiber tub, an Alcon braking system, and adjustable anti-roll bars at both front and rear. The suspension features a front and rear double wishbone R53 with adjustable camber and caster, providing 12 inches of wheel travel.
In addition to Lia Block, the driving team for Dodge’s inaugural electrified rally cars includes two-time series champion Robin Larsson from Sweden, Fraser McConnell from Jamaica, and Norway’s Andres Bakkerud. Block not only makes history as the first female participant in the Group E class but is also the only woman racing in this season’s series. At just 17 years of age, she is set to become the youngest competitor in the class. Following in her late father’s footsteps in motorsport, Lia aspires to forge her own racing legacy while honoring his memory. The championship trophy for the Nitrocross Series bears the name of Ken Block.
The 2024-2025 Nitrocross season kicks off this weekend at Richmond Raceway in Virginia. The DRR team, led by Larsson, secured first and third places (McConnell) on the podium for Saturday’s Round 1. Among the eight competitors in the class, Block and Bakkerud finished in sixth and seventh places, respectively. Round 2 concludes today, with future races scheduled in Salt Lake City, Phoenix, and Miami, culminating in a finale in Las Vegas. The series will be broadcasted on Fox throughout the season.
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