Tight championship battles ahead of minirallij 'Gulbis 2026'
After three rounds of the Latvian minirally championship, the standings are very close in most classes, making the upcoming event in Gulbene potentially decisive.
The minirally "Gulbis 2026" will take place on July 25 during the Gulbene city festival, with participant registration still ongoing. After three rounds, the championship standings reveal intense competition in nearly every class, leading organizers to expect a particularly significant event in Gulbene.
In the 1600 class, Kristaps Priedīte leads with 124 points, but his closest rivals Arnis Blūmfelds (108) and Modris Krieviņš (90) have finished only two events due to technical issues and hope to close the gap. In the 2000 class, Oskars Pugovičs (150) is just two points ahead of Reinis Trūps (148), with Oskars Virsis (114) third.
In 2WD, Matīss Ralfs Putniņš (132) tops the standings without a win so far, but only 12 points behind are two-time event winner Gvido Rozenblūms (120) and Gunvaldis Vēsmiņš (114). In 4WD, Lauris Ozerovs (146) leads by ten points over Roberts Zalcmanis (136), followed by Ingus Kazulis (118). In 4WD+, Elmārs Aukšmuksts (128) is followed by Estonian Martin Kutser (120) and Kaspars Purvēns (102).
In the popular Rookie classes, margins are small: 2WD Rookie is led by Estonian Jarmo Lige (120), with Patriks Jaunbelzējs (108) and Artūrs Ilvs (108) close behind. 4WD Rookie leader Jānis Krusts (118) is just ten points ahead of Andris Stabiņš and Marko Eespak (both 108). In Open classes, Uģis Dombrovskis dominates 2WD Open with 162 points, while in 4WD Open, Jānis Zelčs (158) and Edgars Zuģickis (156) are separated by only two points.
Junior class features only Estonian competitors this season, led by Kenners Mārtins (130). Buggy class has two participants: Gatis Ritenieks (120) and Roberts Veismanis (96). In the Student class, Kate Dzenīte (144) leads. The team standings are topped by "ERST Finance Rally Team" (158).
During the minirally, the Gulbene Sports Center stadium will host the auto festival "LatvianSide" with drift and motorcycle demonstrations, while city festivities begin on July 23. Registration for the minirally remains open until the afternoon of July 17, and organizers hope for a large field and competitive racing.
