However, before this stage, athletes talk not only about points. Spectators and racers are awaiting the second, new configuration of the Vilkyčiai track, which features a longer gravel section, higher speed, and a different driving rhythm. Many drivers are convinced that these changes will make the race even more exciting.
One of them is Edvinas Miknius, who holds second place in the “Super 2000” class championship. He already tested the new track version last autumn and says the difference from the usual configuration is obvious.
“I had the chance to train on that configuration last autumn. When we prepared the ‘Honda’ for Bikernieki, we went to make adjustments and drove to Vilkyčiai. That was exactly when I drove the new configuration. I was very surprised and pleased with that version of the track because it’s much more fun, with more speed.
If on the main configuration the jump is not jumpable, on the second configuration there is more speed and you can definitely get airborne over the jump. Also, the gravel section is very interesting because it is both fast and followed by a sharp turn. It’s a very technical spot where it’s easy to slip or overtake someone. It will definitely be very fun to drive this configuration.
This year, since I’m driving without expectations because it’s my first full season in rallycross, I’m not counting points much, but I am in second place in the class. Those results probably speak for themselves, and they only give me more incentive and motivation to drive,” said Edvinas Miknius.
After four stages, Edvinas Miknius is second in his class and trails the leader Lenard Lepsys by 18 points.
There is also a serious fight for the championship title in the “Super 1600” class. Rytis Rutkauskas holds second place here, trailing the leader Valdas Mikužis by nine points. According to the racer, the new track configuration will require a very good start.
“That configuration is quite good. The most important thing is to manage to spread out after the start and get a bit ahead of the rivals because the sharp turn afterward is quite tricky and it’s easy to get into contact with competitors there. That’s why I personally might prefer the first configuration more, but the second one is interesting too. It’s definitely different.
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We are already preparing for the race, the mechanics are checking the car. There won’t be much work, maybe just some cosmetics, the front bumper was damaged after the last race, but the units are healthy. The ambition is to fight for the top places because now I have dropped a few points in the standings, but I hope to make up for it,” said Rytis Rutkauskas.
In the “Cross Car” class, the fierce battle for the championship title continues as well. Kernius Šulinskas, who is in second place, trails the leader Robertas Purmalis by 15 points, so the Vilkyčiai stage could become one of the most important in the entire season for him.
“I like the second configuration. I like gravel, and there is more gravel in it. The very first turn is very fast and then sharply slows down. It’s very technical, so I like this configuration more than the first one.
I am coming to the fifth stage with the same expectations as always – as high as possible, as clean as possible, as fast as possible. And of course, I want to improve,” said Kernius Šulinskas.
After the Vilkyčiai stage, only one race weekend in Riga will remain until the end of the season, so every point earned can determine the final championship standings. That is why the upcoming races promise not only an exciting fight for victories but also one of the most important season showdowns in the battle for championship titles.
More information about the upcoming races in Vilkyčiai, ticket prices, and other details can be found on the organizers’ Facebook page.
