No Place Like Höljes: OC Veiby Prepares for Fierce Fight at Familiar Track

After a positive third place in the season opener, the Norwegian heads to Höljes full of confidence and looking to build momentum.

Reflecting on his performance in Portugal, Veiby said, “Portugal was good, some good points, but you’re not always 100 per cent happy with third place. We were able to get in the right place at the right time. When the Hansen brothers collided, we were able to sneak round the inside to collect third.”

Pleased with the result but clearly hungry for more, he added, “It was some good points, but as a team we wanted more. KMS is not used to being third and fifth, we’re usually leading the team championship from the start.”

Ahead of the event, KMS made the decision to switch from internal combustion to electric power, a move the team is hoping will help their chances this weekend. “We are back in a new car this weekend and looking to build momentum,” he said.

When asked about the decision to switch powertrains, Veiby revealed the monumental task it has been for his KMS team, explaining, “After Lousada, the team had already started rebuilding the ICE cars. Then, when we decided to switch, it was a huge turnaround. They’ve worked incredibly hard just to get the car ready for testing and this weekend.”

In preparation for the event, KMS have been busy testing their newly reintroduced EV-powered cars. “We tested on Monday and Tuesday this week, which was really helpful,” Veiby explained. “We haven’t been in the electric car for a couple of years, while the other teams have been testing a lot in that time. So we had to bring over some of the setup work we did on the ICE car and see how it translates to the EV. Overall, it was a really positive test, but there was no rain, so there’s still a bit of uncertainty heading into the weekend.”

Despite the uncertainty, Veiby is optimistic, especially if the wet conditions continue. “Rain is rain,” he shrugged. “It’s the same as any other track. You just need to change your driving and the setup of the car. Usually we’ve been good in the rain, and Johan [Kristoffersson] is the master of it, so I think these conditions will favour us.”

While not technically a home round, Höljes is as close to one as it gets for Veiby. “This track is only an hour and a half from my home. It’s special to race here. It’s always a magic weekend at Höljes, nothing really compares. I think the whole team has a long guest list this weekend!”

Veiby will also have some special guests of his own, with his girlfriend and daughter cheering him on from the grandstand at this event. Veiby added, “She’s only 11 months old, so not quite behind the wheel yet! But it will be her first rallycross event, which is quite special.”

As for the competition, Veiby is keeping his eyes on multiple threats. “Everyone knows this track inside out. It’s almost like a home round for half the field. I think it’ll be tight. We were strong here two years ago, but the others have improved. It’s not going to be easy, so I’m excited for the challenge.”

Still, with a familiar track, a fired-up team, and a solid result under his belt, OC Veiby is ready to fight for more in front of a home crowd at Höljes.