Latvia’s premier rallycross venue is set to host the season-opening event of the Baltic Rallycross Championship this Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Biķernieki track in Riga. The event marks the official start of the regional championship, drawing competitors from seven nations across nine distinct classes.
Among the notable entries, Norwegian driver Andreas Bakkerud will compete in the RX3000 class behind the wheel of a BMW, bringing international experience to the opening round. Bakkerud, a recognized name in global rallycross circles, views this event as valuable preparation ahead of the upcoming FIA European Championship round scheduled for May 9-10 at the same venue.
Latvian driver Bruno Ādams Blumbergs, the reigning Supercar class champion, makes an unplanned return to competition in what organizers describe as a “return to the roots” scenario. Blumbergs will pilot a BMW in the RX3000 class, a notable shift from his usual Supercar category participation. This unexpected move adds intrigue to the season opener, particularly given recent challenges in assembling competitive entries for the top classes.
The RX3000 class features additional competitive entries, including Latvian driver Adrians Apsītis, who comes into the event as the 2025 BMW RX3000 vice-champion. Apsītis will compete alongside Blumbergs, creating an interesting dynamic between the reigning Supercar champion and the RX3000 vice-champion sharing the same vehicle platform.
In the Super 2000 class, last year’s champion Lenards Patriks Lepsis will compete alongside the Gebrāni brothers – Ivo and Gabrāns – who are noted as particularly strong contenders in this category. Both Lepsis and Ivo Gabrāns have indicated plans to participate in the FIA European Championship event two weeks later, using this opening round as preparation for the higher-level competition.
Organizers confirmed that international participation extends beyond Europe, with at least one competitor from China expected to compete in the Cross Car class. This class has garnered significant interest with 19 entries received for the opening event, highlighting the growing appeal of the category among regional competitors.
The event schedule places the Baltic Rallycross Championship opening round just days before FIA European Championship officials conduct private testing sessions at the Biķernieki track. Some international competitors have opted to participate in the local championship event specifically to utilize these pre-championship practice opportunities.
As the Baltic region prepares for its rallycross season launch, the combination of international stars like Bakkerud, returning champions like Blumbergs, and developing talent across multiple classes sets the stage for a competitive opening round at the historic Biķernieki venue.
The Baltic Rallycross Championship continues throughout the season with additional rounds scheduled at various regional venues, with the next major checkpoint being the FIA European Championship event at Biķernieki on May 9-10, 2026.
What are your thoughts on this season’s Baltic Rallycross Championship opener? Share your predictions for the RX3000 class showdown between Bakkerud and Blumbergs in the comments below.
