Mattias Ekstrom joins JC Raceteknik for RallyX Nordic finale in Tierp
Former FIA World Rallycross Champion Mattias Ekstrom will race for JC Raceteknik in the final round of RallyX Nordic at Tierp in Sweden this weekend, at an event where the Kil-based team will fight for the Supercar and Supercar Lites titles (September 20 – 21).
A fortnight ago, JC Raceteknik driver Robin Larsson secured the FIA European Rallycross Supercar title in France. The Swede is now targeting the RallyX Nordic crown in the last round of the campaign in Tierp. Larsson is currently second in the points, just four points off the lead.
Ekstrom has a collection of successful rallycross seasons in his locker, including winning the Teams’ and Drivers’ World Championship in 2016. After retiring from the sport full-time, he returned for the World RX round at Spa in Belgium earlier this year to race an EKS-built Audi S1 Supercar in collaboration with JC Raceteknik, and will now race on home soil with the team this weekend.
JC Raceteknik is also well placed in the Supercar Lites championship points. Norwegian Ben-Philip Gundersen, who was runner-up last year in RallyX Nordic, leads by 12 points in the series. Team mate Sondre Evjen also has strong medal hopes, currently in third overall, while Jimmie Walfridson is sixth heading into the finale, as well as being joint third in the Swedish Championship.
Joel Christoffersson, Team Principal:
“JC Raceteknik has collaborated with Mattias and EKS this season. We did an event together in World RX at Spa, and to be able to get him back in the team, and on Swedish soil, feels great. When I called Mattias and asked if he wanted to drive for JC Racetechnik in Tierp he didn’t take long to reply. He is a very good driver, so we will take the opportunity to try a few things with the setup and to develop the car further. But at the same time, everyone who knows Mattias knows that he will be pushing hard to be standing on the podium. It will be a fun event with lots of action and we hope to see many rallycross fans in the grandstands.
With Robin, we go to Tierp as a hunter in the championship fight, but we are not worried. We are four points off the lead, with the plan to simply have a smooth weekend. For Ben-Philip, the goal throughout the season has been to take the championship title. He leads by 12 points and we will fight hard to keep that to the end.”
Mattias Ekstrom (SWE) :
“I am always excited to drive this car and after Spa I also know that working with JC Raceteknik and Joel is good. They have done a fantastic job this year and I look forward to supporting them and competing myself - I love winning and chasing the big trophies. Since this event is close to my home town, I expect there will be some people from there on site in Tierp. I’m excited to have some old partners and new colours on the car for this weekend. Bilmetro has always been kind and supportive of EKS since day one, so I thought this was a good idea as they just built a new facility for their Audi dealership in Gävle. Thanks also to Ramudden, who always supports motorsport in several categories. "
