In a gripping show of tenacity, resilience, and tactical mastery, Jamaica’s Fraser McConnell defied mechanical gremlins and fierce competitors to safe a exceptional third-place end at Spherical 7 of the RallyX Sequence, held on the storied KymiRing circuit in Finland.
The occasion, marking the first-ever Rallycross race at KymiRing, provided a stage enjoying discipline for all the 19-driver grid — and McConnell seized the chance regardless of early heartbreak.
Early troubles in qualifying mar Fraser’s begin
McConnell’s weekend started with promise as he posted the third-fastest time in Free Apply, showcasing the potential of his OMSE-developed FC2-spec automotive in opposition to a fleet of superior-powered Supercars.
However fortune soured in Qualifying 1 (Q1). After a blistering launch from P3 to the lead by Flip 2, a damaged toe hyperlink – sustained with barely any contact – compelled an early and sudden retirement simply two corners later. The mechanical mishap dropped Fraser to the underside of the standings.
“That early failure was irritating,” McConnell admitted. “Particularly as a result of we had been wanting so sturdy proper out of the gate.”
Undeterred, he rebounded in Q2, setting the third-fastest time and leaping to eleventh general. However his momentum stalled once more in Q3, as overheating points hampered efficiency mid-race, relegating him to thirteenth — one place exterior the highest 12 wanted for the semi-finals.
Do-or-die This fall: McConnell delivers underneath stress
Together with his event future hanging within the stability, McConnell delivered when it mattered most in Qualifying 4 (This fall). A measured and composed drive noticed him leapfrog the competitors and climb to ninth general, sealing a spot within the semi-finals with a P5 grid begin.
From there, he unleashed his racing instincts. Ranging from the again row within the semi-final, Fraser neatly dodged chaos in Flip 1 and opted for an early joker lap — gaining clear air and setting his sights on the entrance pack.
An exciting nose-to-tail battle ensued with a extra highly effective Supercar, culminating in McConnell ending simply 0.007 seconds shy of second place.
“Lacking second place by such a good margin was a bit disappointing,” he mirrored.
“Nevertheless it was nice racing, and I’m by to the Finals — which wasn’t anticipated based mostly on how my race weekend was going.”
From again row to podium: Fraser clinches hard-fought third in closing
Lining up on the again row as soon as once more for the Closing, McConnell displayed nerves of metal. He steered away from early contact, skilfully maneuvered round monitor incidents, and emerged in second place after Flip 2. Although ultimately handed by one of many dominant Supercars, he held agency to assert a exceptional third-place end — a feat few noticed coming after the challenges he had confronted.
Notably, Fraser was the one driver in an FC2-spec automotive among the many Supercar-heavy Closing line-up — making his podium end much more extraordinary.
“A podium end is at all times nice, however this one is much more particular contemplating my points within the qualifying session,” stated McConnell.
“I’m additionally extraordinarily proud to be part of the OMSE Staff that’s growing this FC2 automotive, which is slowly however absolutely displaying that it will probably compete with the normal Supercars at a fraction of the fee.”
Subsequent cease: Sweden awaits
Fraser McConnell now turns his focus to Spherical 8 of the RallyX Sequence, slated for June 28–29 in Sweden, the place each he and the evolving FC2 platform will look to construct on this momentum.
With grit, progress, and podium promise on full show in Finland, McConnell continues to show why he’s among the many most fun names in international rallycross.
