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Dodge Hornet R/T FC1-X Electrifies Nitrocross Series With High-Powered Debut
Dodge is entering the 2024-2025 Nitrocross Series with four Dodge Hornet R/T FC1-X electric race cars. These vehicles will compete in the Group E class, starting at the Richmond Raceway on September 7-8. The Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (DRR) team, which has previously won the Group E championship, will field these cars during the 10-race national tour.
Seventeen-year-old Lia Block from the U.S. will drive one of the flagship Dodge Hornet R/T FC1-X cars. Joining her are two-time Group E series champion Robin Larsson from Sweden, Fraser McConnell from Jamaica, and Andres Bakkerud from Norway. Block has already made history as the youngest American Rally Association champion and is also the first and only woman in the Group E class.
The Nitrocross Series was introduced by motorsports star Travis Pastrana in 2020 and has quickly become popular in North America. The series features unique competitions with spectacular jumps and wild drifts. Cars battle inches apart in practice rounds, qualifying heats, and main events across five categories, with Group E being the leading class.
"Nitrocross is thrilled to welcome Dodge to the series as our first official manufacturer entry," said Chip Pankow, Nitrocross general manager. "Dodge is about performance and so are we, and we can't wait to see them prove it on the track."
The Dodge Hornet R/T FC1-X race cars are powered by axial flux motors that generate 1,070 horsepower (800 kW). They can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 1.4 seconds and produce nearly 2g of acceleration from a standing start. These capabilities allow them to handle the 200-foot gap jumps common on Nitrocross courses.
The vehicles feature a tubular chassis, carbon-fiber chassis tub, Alcon braking system, electric power-assisted steering, front and rear double wishbone suspension with adjustable camber/caster, 12-inch wheel travel, and adjustable anti-roll bars.
Team Background
The Dreyer & Reinbold Racing organization develops and maintains these Group E machines. Founded by Dennis Reinbold in 1999, DRR has a long history dating back to the 1920s with Reinbold’s grandfather Floyd "Pop" Dreyer. The team has successfully qualified 48 drivers for the Indy 500.
"Dodge is well known as America’s performance brand," said Dennis Reinbold. "To carry the Dodge brand’s banner and compete in Dodge Hornet R/T FC1-X cars is the perfect fit for our group."
Nitrocross Event Schedule
The Nitrocross Series will commence in Virginia before moving to other locations such as Utah Motorsports Campus in Salt Lake City (Oct. 5-6), Firebird Motorsports Park near Phoenix (Nov. 15-16), Miami Marine Stadium (Jan. 11-12), and Las Vegas (March 1-2). The entire season will be televised on FOX network.
The Richmond event will also feature Dodge Hornet Rally Rides where fans can experience hot laps in a production-spec Dodge Hornet R/T on a specially built course.
Dodge Hornet Features
The Dodge Hornet disrupts the compact utility vehicle segment with muscular styling and best-in-class standard performance from a multi-energy powertrain roster. The Dodge Hornet R/T performance hybrid delivers 288 horsepower and offers an all-electric range of 32 miles via a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery.
The Hornet R/T also features an on-demand PowerShot that supplies a burst of 30 horsepower, reaching 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The Dodge Hornet GT reaches this speed in Sport Mode within 6.5 seconds.
Historical Context
For over a century, Dodge has been synonymous with performance since its founding by John and Horace Dodge. Today, it continues this legacy with electrified muscle cars like the next-generation all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack.
Mopar represents Stellantis' genuine parts and accessories division since its inception in 1937 as an antifreeze product line. It evolved into a global name for vehicle care and authentic performance parts for enthusiasts worldwide.
Fans can follow all NHRA action this season at DodgeGarage for updates on drag-racing news including daily updates and access to an online racing HQ.
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