Mattias Ekstrom and Max McRae, two renowned drivers, have recently made the tough decision to withdraw from the highly anticipated Race of Champions event in Sydney, Australia. Ekstrom, a four-time Race of Champions winner, unfortunately had to step back from the event due to an unexpected illness, while McRae faced a setback with a wrist injury, forcing him to sit out as well.
These sudden changes have led to a significant shuffle in the Nations Cup lineups. Chaz Mostert, a 24-time Australian Supercars race winner, will now be stepping in to fill Ekstrom’s shoes, joining Johan Kristoffersson to form Team All-Stars. On the other hand, Alister McRae will be taking McRae’s place in the Team GB pairing alongside the illustrious David Coulthard, a two-time Race of Champions winner.
The Nations Cup field is brimming with talent, with notable pairings like Travis Pastrana and Kurt Busch representing Team USA, Sebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher for Team Germany, and Petter and Oliver Solberg for Team Norway. Notably, Oliver Solberg will be competing under the Swedish flag in the individual Race of Champions competition. Other standout pairings include Hayden Paddon and Louis Sharp for Team New Zealand, Sebastien Loeb and Victor Martins for Team France, and Valtteri Bottas and Heikki Kovalainen for Team Finland.
Adding to the excitement of the event, the Race of Champions has selected six vehicles for this year’s competition. Among them are the classic SuperCar Lites rallycross car and the KTM X-Bow, along with the Polaris RZR. Additionally, the Subaru BRZ tS, Toyota GR86 Cup, and FC2 rallycross car will make their debut at the event, promising a thrilling spectacle for both drivers and spectators alike.
Fredrik Johnsson, the president and co-founder of the Race of Champions, expressed his enthusiasm for the diverse lineup of cars, emphasizing the unique skill set required to master each vehicle. He highlighted the importance of consistency across all cars, noting that the driver who can adapt and perform well in each vehicle will have a competitive edge during the races.
With a minimum of three cars available in each category and a team of experienced mechanics and engineers on standby, the organizers are prepared for any unforeseen challenges that may arise during the two nights of racing. While the goal is to ensure all cars remain in top condition throughout the event, Johnsson acknowledged that unexpected events can sometimes disrupt even the best-laid plans.
As the countdown to the Race of Champions begins, anticipation is running high among fans and participants alike, eager to witness the thrilling competition and remarkable displays of skill that are sure to unfold on the track. Stay tuned for an unforgettable weekend of racing action in Sydney, where champions will be crowned, and legends will be made.
