Nitrocross, the high-flying racing series created by Travis Pastrana, continues its season Oct. 5-6 with a trip to the Utah Motorsports Campus in Salt Lake City.
This two-day event marks Rounds 3 and 4 of the season schedule. The first two rounds took place at Richmond Raceway on Sept. 7-8 as the series took on its first NASCAR crossover.
The trip to Utah Motorsports Campus is significant for the series where cars jump over each other numerous times throughout the weekend. This facility first hosted the Nitro World Games in 2018, which featured an early version of Nitrocross.
The racing event returned to UMC in 2019 and once again in 2021 as part of the first full Nitrocross season. UMC has remained a pivotal part of Nitrocross, and it will continue to do so this weekend while hosting the series for the fifth time.
We have take off in Salt Lake City 🛫#RTTM24 pic.twitter.com/SJoujs128e
— Nitrocross (@Nitrocross_) October 4, 2024
Nitrocross in Utah information
Daily schedule: The top-level Group E series headlines the schedule on Saturday and Sunday, but it is not the only show in town. The Nitrocross schedule also includes the second-tier Next Evo series with its FC2 race cars.
Additionally, both the side-by-sides and the fan-favorite Baja Bug races will return to fill out the action-packed day of racing.
The daily schedule begins with Group E heat races at 2 p.m. MT/4 p.m. ET. This is the same time that the gates open for the fans in attendance. Baja Bug practice is at 2:30 p.m. MT/4:30 p.m. ET.
The schedule continues with side-by-side and Next Evo semifinals at 2:45 p.m. MT/4:45 p.m. ET; Group E semifinals at 3:30 p.m. MT/5:30 p.m. ET; side-by-side and Next Evo last chance qualifying at 4 p.m. MT/6 p.m. ET; Group E last chance qualifying at 4:45 p.m. MT/6:45 p.m. ET; and Group E finals at 5 p.m. MT/7 p.m. ET.
Photo credit: Nitrocross
Broadcast info: Every event on the Nitrocross schedule streams live on the internet. Rumble Sports provides coverage. The website does not require an account or a subscription. Although Rumble Premium removes ads.
Guest drivers: The top-level Group E has several standout drivers from around the world. This includes Tanner Foust, Pastrana, Fraser McConnell, Oliver Eriksson, and Conner Martell as examples. These drivers are full-time as they contend for the Ken Block Championship Trophy.
The side-by-side division, for comparison, has some guest drivers on hand to help put on a show. Three members of the legendary Block family will compete in side-by-sides races split between the two days. Hailie Deegan will also take part in this division's races.
The track: The Nitrocross series is unique in that it features drivers competing on a variety of surfaces. This weekend's events, in particular, will have a mix of old and new pavement. The dirt portions of the track will feature the berms, the tabletop jump, and the crossover gap jump.
Photo credit: Nitrocross
Fan experience: The races are the focus for the viewers at home, but Nitrocross' organizers have continued to emphasize the fans over the years. This return to the Utah Motorsports Campus is no exception.
There are no premium ticket options separating the grandstand area and the garage area. The entire event is laid out like a paddock, so fans can walk around and get an up-close look at drivers, teams, and cars.
The race weekend at UMC includes driver autograph sessions, which are open to all of the fans in attendance.
Nitrocross also pushes for a festival experience with a large number of fan attractions. The list includes Nitro Circus freestyle motocross shows, live music, a gaming zone, a concession area with diverse food trucks, car displays, crazy carts, and free haircuts.
The Nitro Club VIP tickets provide access to an exclusive trackside club area, commemorative gear, food and drinks, and other perks.