McConnell sits second after Nitrocross opening weekend

JAMAICA’S FRASER McConnell ended the first weekend of the Nitrocross rally series at Richmond Raceway, securing crucial points and moving into second place in the overall championship standings.

On Saturday, McConnell secured a third-place finish in round one. During the second round, he earned pole position before winning the semifinal and earning another pole for the final.

On Sunday McConnell took early control, leading the final into turn three before a half-spin pushed him off his racing line and allowing Oliver Eriksson to take the lead.

McConnell battled with Eriksson at the front of the pack for six laps.

Despite relentless pressure, he finished second, clear of third-place Viktor Vranckx. Saturday’s winner, Robin Larsson, finished fourth.

“We had a great start, went into turn two in the lead. By turn three, I tried to be nice and neat, and then I just got spun around. It’s tough to swallow,” said McConnell.

“However, I’m proud of the team, and while it’s unfortunate we didn’t grab that top step today, we’re still in a strong position and there’s a lot more racing ahead.”

McConnell now sits on 107 points in the standings, just 11 points behind Eriksson and four points ahead of defending champion Larsson going into rounds three and four in Utah on October 5 and 6.