This year is no exception, as the attention of participants and spectators will be captured by two ambitious crews, who will line up at the start with a very rare Porsche and a race-prepared Volvo.
Porsche with a Hollywood twist
In the car enthusiasts’ community, Dmitrijus Juvko is well known as a Porsche brand expert and the founder of OBS Arena, but this coming weekend he will become one of more than 80 Press Rally participants trying to unravel the tasks prepared by the organizers.
He will take on this challenge together with co-driver A. Juozapaitis, driving a special model – the Porsche 911 RS (964).
This car is unique not only for its technical features but also for its history – only 290 units of this series were made. Moreover, D. Juvko adds that it was with this car that Hollywood actor Jim Carrey was once chauffeured around the legendary Spa-Francorchamps race track.
An extraordinary challenge awaits
D. Juvko admits that this year’s Press Rally is symbolic for him. After spending several years in Germany, the man recently returned to live in Lithuania, so the start of the race marks a new chapter in his life.
“This car is one of the treasures of my collection, not driven daily. Returning to Lithuania and debuting in the rally with such a model is very symbolic for me. I wanted the vehicle to be special for the return, something to be truly proud of,” says D. Juvko.
Although the historic car is very well protected and loved, D. Juvko does not hide that he will go on the track with a fighting spirit. The car enthusiast admits that rallying with a model designed for circuit racing will require enormous physical endurance, but the emotions experienced fully compensate for it.
“When driving such a car, you only feel tired after everything is over. At first, pure emotion and true pleasure carry you. Only when you return to the garage and try to crawl to bed do you start wondering if it was a good idea,” jokes D. Juvko.
“But classic cars give an irreplaceable sense of authenticity – here you are a real driver, not a passive passenger. Modern cars solve everything for you, but rallying with a classic is a show, a moment, and real rock and roll that you need to feel,” he adds.
Volvo not prepared for a church trip
On the other side of the classic car category barricades, spectators’ eyes will be drawn to the Volvo 240 driven by Tadas Medelinskas and Linas Žvinakevičius. Although this model looks very exotic among modern cars, rivals should definitely not underestimate it.
Co-driver L. Žvinakevičius, who will perform the co-driver duties in the Press Rally, emphasizes that the historic machine is prepared for a serious test.
“This is not a standard Volvo meant for Sunday trips to church. The car is prepared to be fast in every aspect: modified engine, suspension, shock absorbers, and brakes. It has already proven its suitability for fast driving on tracks in classic car rallies in Poland,” says L. Žvinakevičius.
Asked about the quirks of old technology and preparation for surprises, L. Žvinakevičius remains optimistic. The car has been tested multiple times in local and international competitions, so the crew hopes to avoid breakdowns on speed sections or transfers.
“I’m not a mechanic, but we carry tools and plastic fastening straps in the trunk. We’ll be happy if they just stay there,” smiles L. Žvinakevičius, adding that long hours in a sporty classic car do not tire him at all.
“I don’t even think about endurance. Every time I sit in the sports seat and fasten the belts, it’s a pleasure for me.”
Highest goals for the result
Although historic cars primarily offer nostalgia and a beautiful spectacle to spectators, the goals of the Volvo 240 crew are much bigger than just showing up on the track.
L. Žvinakevičius confesses: when sitting in the co-driver’s seat, ambitions are always the highest. Although in this rally format his influence on the final time is somewhat less than in his usual precise driving discipline, the crew will strive for the best possible result.
“We will try not to make mistakes and see where we end up on the leaderboard at the end of the day. Besides following the results tables, it’s always fun to participate in this unique event full of wonderful people, communication, and adventures. We eagerly await the start,” summarizes L. Žvinakevičius.
Whether these and other classic cars will manage to overcome all the challenges of the speed sections without obstacles will be revealed this weekend. The Press Rally competition starting on May 28 will last two days and finish on May 30 in Nida.
