Early in the morning, the athletes first lined up for warm-up rides. During these, the racers had the opportunity to once again familiarize themselves with the track conditions, assess grip, and ensure that the equipment was working flawlessly after the final preparations.
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After the warm-up laps, much more serious challenges began on the Vilkyčiai track. Class after class, athletes lined up for timed practice starts, where every fraction of a second can be significant for the rest of the weekend. Participants in the European Championship are scheduled for two such practice sessions on Saturday.
More than 80 athletes from 15 countries gathered at the third round of this year’s European Autocross Championship in Vilkyčiai. Racers from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, France, Greece, and Israel will compete for victories. A large crowd of spectators also welcomes the anniversary, tenth European Championship round held in Vilkyčiai.
The greatest attention traditionally turns to the most powerful “Super Buggy” class, where the brightest stars of European autocross compete. Equally intriguing battles await in the “Buggy 1600”, “Cross Car”, “Junior Buggy”, and “Junior Cross Car” classes. Lithuanian fans this weekend will pay special attention to the “Buggy 1600” class participants – Tomas Zavarskis, Saulius Žunda, and Andrius Lugauskas. Experienced Lithuanians will aim to use the home track advantage and challenge the numerous European autocross elite gathered for the anniversary round in Vilkyčiai.
Although Saturday morning is dedicated to practices, in the evening, the athletes will face the first serious challenges of the season in Vilkyčiai. On the same evening, the racers will line up for the first qualifying heats, where the real battle for positions in the decisive weekend races will begin.
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Qualifying heats will continue on Sunday. Only after them will the semifinalists be determined, who will compete for spots in the finals. On Sunday afternoon, the winners of the third round of the European Autocross Championship will be announced at the Vilkyčiai motorsport complex.
Spectators can expect more than just battles on the track. A solemn opening ceremony of the competition is scheduled for Sunday, which will be adorned by a performance from the ANBO aerobatic flying group of Kaunas Aeroclub. Meanwhile, on Saturday evening, a concert program will take place in the participants’ park, which spectators who have purchased event tickets will also be able to attend.
Tickets can be purchased online on the “Bilietai.lt” platform. Tickets will also be sold at the event venue, but organizers recommend purchasing tickets in advance.
More information about the upcoming event can be found on the organizers’ “Facebook” page.
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