Photo: Grzegorz Motorsport Photography
During the past holidays, the “Avia Unimot Rajd Barbórka Legend” rally took place in Poland for the 63rd time. The victory was won for the fourth year in a row by the Polish athlete, this year’s European rally champion Miko Marciks “Skoda Fabia RS Rally2”.
Brothers Ivars and Andris Velmes entered the show class with ‘Audi Quattro Sport E2′. There was no time recording in this show class, or Legends Trials class. The winner will be determined based on fan ratings submitted on the mobile app, as well as a specially selected panel of judges for each stage. The jury’s vote will make up 30% of the total result, while the fans’ vote will make up the remaining 70%.
The Velmes brothers won the first place in the jury’s evaluation, and the third in the absolute ranking. Polish rally legend Leszczek Kuzajs (Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo) celebrated the victory.
“In general, the roads were interesting, technical. One stage took place on a track like our 333 combined with a training center field. We also had to drive along the karting track, such a huge port area, a large industrial area. It should be noted that in this section of the industrial area there was such an interesting recording of the track – a car with headlights on was driving ahead, then ten athletes followed in a column. These drove off, then the next ones drove off. This is so that no one would pass through that area, because locals were still working there at that time. In general, there were no such classic rally stages, but exactly what is needed for a show rally,” in a conversation with the portal Go4speed tells Ivars Velme.
After the race, the crew did another separate stage. “After the rally, there was another separate 2.1 kilometer long stage, which took place in the Old Town of Warsaw, next to the Presidential Palace. This was a kind of super sprint stage, which takes place in the center and was watched by notable celebrities, statesmen and ladies. The interesting thing here was that we recorded this stage of a little more than two kilometers on foot, because at that time everything was closed (laughs). We took the notebook in our hands and we went along the track. Did we record twice? No, we recorded very well once (laughs).
Photo: Lukasz Kos Photography
Velme revealed that this is a very popular competition where the fastest drivers can attract new sponsors. Special attention is paid to the final speed stage Karov criterion (2.1 km), which does not count towards the total. “How important and significant this show rally is for Polish athletes is shown by the fact that, for example, this year’s ERC champion Miko Marcik was in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, on December 12, where the FIA award ceremony was held. After the ceremony, he immediately flew back to make it to the event. Arrived early in the morning and after a couple of hours already went to the track. As far as the local Poles told me, there have been cases when a rider goes to a sponsor after this final stage to talk about possible support, then the question often follows: “You have won the Kryterium Karowa stage?” No. Well, when you win, come again – let’s talk. I was told that the one who wins this stage can get very big supporters and sponsors for the next season.”
Photo: Dace Janova
Interestingly, when the brothers had to drive in this final stage, the live feed went off because the football was being broadcast live. Polish friends write, what time do I start. I say I met and met. But in the end, two cars in front of us interrupted the live broadcast because football started (laughs). That’s why you already know that I “really like” football (laughs), continues Ivars, who expressed his joy that he had the opportunity to drive around Warsaw’s old town with his sports car.
During the competition, Ivars also got to know the Polish legend Lašček Kuzaj, who had watched a lot of videos of the Velma brothers before the competition. “We met the multiple Polish rally champion, 59-year-old Lašček Kuzaj, who started driving in the rally in 1986. What has he never driven in his life – Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IV, Subaru Impreza S5 WRC ’98, Subaru Impreza S7 WRC ’01, Toyota Corolla WRC, Peugeot 206 WRC, Ford Focus WRC ’01, Subaru Impreza STi N12B, Škoda Fabia WRC, etc. He was pleasantly surprised when he found out that we built this car ourselves. He told us that he had watched a lot of videos about us before the rally. After the event, they said that if we need anything, just call him and he will help. Pleasant.”
Photo: Roberts Shivars
This event, like the previous one, also had a lot of spectators. If the first time the Poles had not yet met the brothers, this time it was already different. “There were a lot of people in general at the competition, especially in the Old Town dope. Stands were even built there separately for a week, which, of course, were full during the competition. This short stage, which went outside the competition, is a huge event with its own story.”
“The fan support was great. After the previous event, they already knew us better this time, so many people came to talk and take pictures. Many had already prepared posters with us and our car at home, which they also had to sign. Crazy people in a positive way. Really sympathizes with your favorites and supported us too. I’m glad that there were also many Latvian fans.” concludes Velme, who took eight people away with his car the day after the competition on a special invitation.
At the end of the conversation, Ivars says a big thank you to his friends, without whom there is no support. “I would like to say a special thank you to Dāvi Leitis for the bus, Raivi Garoza for the trailer, as well as the Voišić brothers for their support. Many thanks to Jānis Krustas and Jānis Niķis, who were our mechanics. Also, thanks to Mārtiņš Dzenītis for the tires!”
Juries and absolute results:
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