During the administrative commission, the organizers checked all documents necessary for the start – sports licenses, insurance policies, and documentation. Only after successfully completing this procedure can participants continue their preparation and later proceed to the technical commission inspection.
However, in Vilkyčiai, not only formalities awaited each athlete. Arriving participants also received symbolic gifts from the organizers with ASK “Vilkyčiai” attributes, commemorating the anniversary stage of the European Autocross Championship in Lithuania.
The international spirit of the event could be felt as soon as one entered the administrative commission premises. Flags of all participating countries were displayed here, and the same alley of flags greets visitors near the track. This year, symbols of as many as 16 countries flutter in Vilkyčiai.
Athletes from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, France, Greece, and Israel will compete for victories in the third stage of the European Autocross Championship. Next to them, the flag of Ukraine is also raised. Although athletes from this country are not starting in Vilkyčiai this year, the organizers thus express their support for Ukraine, which has been fighting against Russian aggression for several years.
This year’s stage in Vilkyčiai is special because the European Autocross Championship is being held here for the tenth time.
Over the year, the organizers carried out numerous infrastructure upgrades – a new asphalt surface was laid, some safety barriers were renewed, and an accessible lift for disabled people was installed in the race control center. This is another step towards ensuring the highest standards of international competitions.
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This year, a particularly large number of participants gathered in Vilkyčiai. More than 80 athletes are registered in the European Championship classes, including the brightest stars of this sport. The “Buggy 1600” class also promises to be highly competitive, with Lithuanians Tomas Zavarskis, Andrius Lugauskas, and Saulius Žunda among the 21 participants.
On Saturday, training and qualifying heats will begin at the Vilkyčiai motorsport complex, and on Sunday, spectators will enjoy semi-finals and finals, after which the winners of the third stage of the European Autocross Championship will be announced. The competition program will also be supplemented by a solemn opening ceremony featuring the ANBO aerobatic flying group from Kaunas Aeroclub.
The organizers hope that the anniversary European Autocross weekend will attract not only a large number of athletes but also thousands of spectators to Vilkyčiai.
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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