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KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Former World Rallycross Champion Timmy Hansen closed out the inaugural Nitro Rallycross season with a victory at the Florida International Rally and Motorsports Park. Series founder Travis Pastrana left the multi-purpose track at the Keystone Heights Airport with the first Nitro RX championship. And with a sellout crowd on Sunday, Northeast Florida made a lasting impression on the international organization. “This far exceeded our expectations,” said Nitro RX general manager Chip Pankow. “Keystone Heights were super hosts.”

The three-day event was considered a risk by Pastrana because of its remote location, but his group put together enjoyable days of racing that included portions of pavement, soft sand turns and high-flying ramps. Race fans from across the country responded in an overwhelming manner and they were treated to a lot of thrills – and controversy – in the Supercar season finale.

It took less than 100 yards after the start for Pastrana to change the complexion of the race – and his own championship hopes. He started third behind Subaru teammate and pole winner Scott Speed with Timmy Hansen on the outside pole. Speed was on the inside going into the first right-handed turn when Pastrana went left through the dirt after being bumped by Kevin Hansen and pushed Speed out of the inside groove toward the wall. Hansen quickly steered his car right to avoid the melee and took the lead. “I couldn’t get on the brakes. I really messed him up,” Pastrana said. “I feel horrible.” Pastrana quickly went to Speed’s car after the race to explain his side.

“We got smashed by Kevin [Hansen] coming in the first [turn], which I would have done the same. He hit me. Once you break loose on pavement … I really feel bad for Scott coming in there. He mentored me. He was the fastest at the race this year. I hate to have something like that to go down.” Pastrana didn’t want to accept the championship trophy until the race stewards made the results official. Speed didn’t wait for any rulings, though, telling Pastrana to “Take the trophy. It’s yours.” Kevin Hansen wound up 1.187 seconds behind for the runner-up spot in the race, while Speed was third and Pastrana was fourth. Pastrana and Speed each finished with 219 points toward the championship, but Pastrana won the tiebreaker with two wins this season. Speed had one victory. “I know there will be some interesting things after this,” Pastrana said. Timmy Hansen finished third in the championship with 2018 points. “We were coming into this championship fight in third place,” Hansen said. “And we had to do was win – even better with a first, second place [with Kevin] and see how it all played out. It was the perfect weekend here.

My car has been absolutely on point. We came through one and two. It’s a fantastic way to end the season.” Former NASCAR champion Chase Elliott made his first rallycross start, driving his way into the eight-car main event during one of the heat races. Despite finishing eighth and having no experience in offroad racing – particularly making 100-foot jumps on a two-story-tall ramp – he said he hopes to compete in future races. “This is a different vibe. It’s fun for me,” Elliott said. “At the same time, I’ve enjoyed working with all of these guys. I would love to do more of this and get a little bit more up to speed on it. I feel like I came a long way in my couple days here, but I certainly have a long way to go. Two other classes also competed on the 1.6-mile raceway. Another Swede, Mikafia Ahlin-Kottulinsk, won the side-by-side class by beating Kory Willis. Former Indy Car and IMSA series driver Sage Karam won the Nitro RX Next division race, but Casper Jansson’s second-place finish easily propelled him to the support class’s championship. Nitro RX safety officials cut off ticket sales Saturday afternoon after it determined the track had reached maximum capacity. Many portions of the track weren’t accessible because it borders thick woods on one side and the airport on the other.

Nonetheless, several thousand fans packed the parking lot, general admission and VIP areas with fans watching eight-deep in the standing-room-only areas. “I tell you: I love the FIRM,” Pastrana said. “You guys have been awesome, everyone down here in Florida.”

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