Publicity photo
That moment is here – drift returns to the Witch’s Cauldron, Biķernieki track – one of the most dangerous drift tracks in Europe. On Saturday, September 11, we will have an exciting race “FIA NEZ” (Northern European Zones) and Latvian / Estonian / Lithuanian championship stages, as well as the Baltic Drift Championship stage and the Latvian and Estonian Drift Cup Semi pro class stages. On Saturday, 27 members of the Pro class and 23 participants of the Semi pro class will start in “Raganas katla”.
This part of Biķernieki track stands out with thorough changes of terrain, opaque curves and small safety zones, making it an unforgettable experience for both riders and spectators. Knowing the level of the pilots and the fact that many have already entered this track in previous seasons, this stage will definitely be remembered with an impressive performance.
“Raganas katls” attracts riders and spectators with its specifics – drift is observed all the way to Raganas katls, in a very wide area, as well as the entrance to Raganas katls is from a completely different side in Biķernieki – remember – the entrance is from Biķernieku Street, or the forest side. From the hills on the sides of the track it is possible to see almost the whole track. Also this year, a video screen will be placed for spectators to see the track, and a screen will also be placed in the participants’ park. In addition, this is the time when the organizers invite you to safely take your chairs, ottomans or personalized seats, etc. from home to enjoy the drift in the “Witch’s Pot”.
From Latvian athletes in the PRO class we will see all TOP riders at the start – Jānis Jurkis, who demonstrates a great performance this season and is currently also the leader of the overall season in both the Livonian and Baltic drift championships. We will also see Raivi Alkšārs at the start, who is showing a great performance this year as well, and a week ago he picked up his laurels, climbing to the highest pedestal in the Baltic Drift Championship stage in Estonia. The NEZ drift Riga race will also be a return race for Pro driver Ingus Jēkabsons, who took a short break while driving, but has now returned and will take the first race directly to the witch’s cauldron. Ingus from the so-called “old school” drifters will also be joined by Ivo Cīrulis, who has repaired his car and is ready to fight after the accident at the DMEC Riga stage. In addition, Edmunds Bērziņš, who became the winner of the Red Bull car pak drift this year, will definitely compete a lot for PRO pilots. From the loudest drift words in the Baltics, we will see Benediktas Čirba, Mihkel Norman Tults, Ao Vaida and Gediminas Ivanauskas at the start. The full list of participants is available at www.nezdriftriga.eu.
Fierce battles are definitely expected in the Semi Pro class, because at the same time as the Latvian test, there will also be an Estonian test. The leader of the overall standings in the Latvian test at the moment is Edgars Kroģeris, followed closely by Edgars Jenčs, Jānis Bērzinš and Roberts Bāriņš.
Competition program:
Friday, September 10:
13:00 -19: 00 Training trips for both clearing classes
Saturday, September 11:
The entrance is open to spectators from 09:00
09:00 -10: 00 PRO class training rides
10: 00- 10:50 Semi Pro class training rides
12:00 -13: 00 PRO qualification rides
13:00 -14: 00 Semi Pro qualification rides
14:00 Official opening of the competition
14: 40-17: 00 Pro Tandem rides
17: 10-19: 00 Semi Pro tandem rides
19:10 Award ceremony
All information for viewers about Covid-19 regulations is available on the official websites www.nezdriftriga.eu and www.driftlatvia.com. Spectators will have access to two free parking lots, one in the territory of the track, with a limited number, and one on Biķernieku Street, in addition, we invite everyone who places a car on the street to follow the signs. In addition, the organizer reminds that the entrance takes place from the side of Biķernieku Street – the forest side, and not through the standard entrance to the Biķernieki track.
For more information on competitions, entrances, parking, agenda, ticket prices and other issues, visit www.driftlatvia.com or www.nezdriftriga.eu
The information was prepared by:
Elīne Berķe
