Named Off-Road Driver of the Year 2024 by the Danish Motorsport Federation, Mads Larsen is ready to take the next step in his career. After making a strong impression on the national scene, he is now embarking on an ambitious new challenge by joining RallyX North in the Supercar Lites category.
Despite his young age and only two seasons of rallycross experience, Mads Larsen has already built up an impressive track record. After finishing fourth in the Danish championship in 2023, the 17-year-old driver achieved the remarkable feat of winning both the Danish Rallycross and Folkrace titles in 2024.
This success naturally earned him recognition from his ASN, but also inspired him to take his career in a new direction. This year he will compete in RallyX under the banner of Linnemann Promotion.
“At the end of last season, Ulrik Linnemann asked me if I’d be interested in a test session behind the wheel of a Supercar Lites and that’s how I got my first taste of the category,” explains Mads.
“I was immediately fascinated and impressed by the car and quickly wanted to continue the experience. That’s how we decided to buy a Supercar Lites and Ulrik Linnemann helped us to bring it to Denmark.”
Now, Mads will have the opportunity to prove his potential on the RallyX championship stage.
“I love how intense the competition can be and that’s exactly what I’m looking forward to in RallyX. That’s why we decided to focus on this championship,” he says.
Despite an already impressive pedigree, the young Danish driver approaches this new challenge with humility.
“I don’t feel any pressure from the titles and awards I’ve won so far. Driving for me should be about having fun, gaining experience and sharing the journey with my family. My goals for this first season are simple: finish the races as well as possible, avoid making any major mistakes and learn as much as I can about the car and the tracks,” he explains.
One thing is certain – his introduction to Supercar Lites in November 2024 has only strengthened his determination.
“My first test in a Supercar Lites was an unforgettable day full of learning. It was a unique experience compared to anything I’ve driven before. Being behind the wheel of such a car is by far the most incredible experience I’ve ever had,” he says.
Far from being satisfied with this milestone, Mads Larsen already has a clear vision for his future in rallycross.
“Over the next few months, my main goal will be to understand all the nuances of Supercar Lites.
What excites me about rallycross is the variety of surfaces we have to adapt to, from gravel to tarmac – that’s what makes this sport so unique.”
His relationship with Ulrik Linnemann plays a crucial role in his development.
“I feel very comfortable with Ulrik by my side. He’s my team-mate, my mentor and without him I might never have dared to compete in RallyX. Unlike many others, I don’t come from a motorsport family and I’ve only been doing rallycross for two seasons. But the fact that Ulrik believes in me is enough to make me believe that I can succeed.”
Ulrik Linnemann has been a real pillar of support for the young Danish driver.
“Ulrik’s greatest strength is that he is always there for me, no matter what. He never gives up and knows exactly what it is like to be a driver, in good times and bad. He understands better than anyone what goes through my mind during a race and that is invaluable”