Five-car JC Raceteknik line-up set for RallyX on Ice 2018
Swedish rallycross team JC Raceteknik will get its 2018 race season underway this weekend as it fields five Supercar Lites in the opening round of the RallyX on Ice series at Ostersund (February 3), as part of a record entry.
Norway’s Sondre Evjen will compete in the four-round series, having finished third overall last winter with two podiums, including victory at his home race, Gol, which also features on the 2018 schedule as round four (March 3). Before then, the second round will take place at World Rallycross circuit Holjes (February 10) and round three will be held at Ål (February 25).
Rising Swedish rally star Pelle Wilen made his Supercar Lites debut last winter in the series’ finale at Ostersund and will race with the squad this winter, while 2016 FIA European Rallycross TouringCar Champion Ben-Philip Gundersen will made his JC Raceteknik debut as he plans for a full season of RallyX on Ice and RX2 International Series action with the team.
Cousins Jimmie Walfridson and Jonathan Walfridsson will also join JC Raceteknik for RallyX on Ice. For Jimmie, it’s his first foray into rallycross, having previously had experience in rally and crosskart (with numerous overall podiums and event wins). Jonathan has previously raced a Supercar Lites in a range of series.
JC Raceteknik Junior Team driver Isak Reiersen will also be in action at Ostersund, making his rallycross debut in the single-make RX Academy category, driving a Renault Clio RS RX, where he will compete against friend and experienced rallycross Supercar driver, Oliver Solberg.
Joel Christoffersson, Team Principal :
"I’m very excited that the season is starting and the whole team is ready to go. We had a good summer last year, and were also third and fifth in RallyX on Ice. This year we aim even higher. "
Sondre Evjen (NOR) :
"It will be very exciting to compete again; the whole team is looking forward to this. I will be aiming to fight for the podium in the series. The level is very high this year, so a consistent and strong performance will be needed from my side. Last year I didn’t really get on with the track at Östersund so I’m definitely aiming for the podium there.”
Pelle Wilén (SWE) :
"First and foremost, it will be fun to do something different after a few seasons in the Swedish Rally Championship. I’m looking forward to several fun weekends and to have new experiences. Of course good results are the goal, but the most important thing is just to have fun, throwing the car on the track and learning more about four-wheel drive and rallycross.”
Ben-Philip Gundersen (NOR) :
"I'm really looking forward to getting started with the new team and winter driving. I’ve driven on the track in Östersund and enjoyed it, so I look forward to going back there. I hope to make it into the final but there are many very good drivers this year so it will be a very hard fight. The target for the winter season is to get into as many finals as possible and to get onto the podium in at least one round.”
Jimmie Walfridson (SWE) :
“I'm really psyched to get started and racing again. It’s exciting that so many new drivers are going to participate. My goal is to get to the finals. It will be really tough because it’s a record entry. But, the goal is set and I will do everything to try to achieve that. It's super important to be alert and fast right from the first heat. I have the disadvantage of living where there is no snow at the moment, so I haven’t been able to practice as much as I wanted.”
Jonathan Walfridsson (SWE) :
"I'm charged and ready for the new season. In Östersund I hope to do well and avoid incidents. For me, it's more fun to drive in winter than in the summer, it fits more my driving style. It's my third season in Lites, but the first time with JC Raceteknik. The cooperation will work well; we just need to get to know each other.”
Isak Reiersen (SWE), RX Academy:
"This is completely unbelievable. I haven’t completely taken it in yet. It will be really exciting, especially when you look at the entry list. One driver has competed in the Supercar in the United States, some have raced in Super1600 and then my friend Oliver Solberg races too. It will be my first race in a car, so the goal is to get so much experience as possible. I'm really so grateful to get this chance. It will be very, very, very fun. "
