Nitrocross to launch SIERRA Car class

Nitrocross will add another support category next season, with a new SIERRA Car class firming up its development ladder.

The off-road vehicle manufacturer is no stranger to Nitrocross, having been an occasional support class in the early days of the series -- as well as the latter days of its predecessor Americas Rallycross -- but this will be the first time it has had a full, sustained presence across a full season. It will also be an all-electric class, with EV powertrain manufacturer Hypercraft partnering with SIERRA for the project.

“SIERRA Car is the perfect storm of electrified performance in a race-proven chassis. It’s the ultimate hyper-performing, rally-inspired race vehicle that excels in multi-terrain racing environments,” said Kirk Miller, VP of sales and marketing at Hypercraft. “The incorporation of that platform within Nitrocross has for the first-time created a powerful stepping stone series for drivers of all disciplines, from professionals to up-and-comers. We couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to facilitate that.”

SIERRA Car will form a fourth rung on Nitrocross’ development ladder, which also features a Side-by-Side and the rallycross-inspired NEXT category below the headline Groupe E class. AHead of its debut next season, the SIERRA category’s 1550 lbs, 306hp, rear-wheel-drive SIERRA ECHO R-Spec car will be demonstrated at the 2023-24 season finale in Las Vegas this weekend with an invitational time trial event that will feature Amanda Sorensen, Ellis Spezia, Collete Davis and Lindsay Brewer.

“This new class and partnership marks a pivotal moment in the motorsport industry,” said Nitrocross General Manager Chip Pankow. “Together, we’re redefining action sports by pairing the most innovative, race-proven electric vehicle with the world of Nitrocross, and have made it available for immediate purchase.

“From day one, Nitrocross has sought to deliver unprecedented driving experiences while creating pathways for developing drivers. The SIERRA Car support series is the embodiment of that purpose.”