Hockey coach Artis Ābols wins first autocross race in Smiltene
Latvia's U-20 national ice hockey team head coach Artis Ābols has claimed his first-ever autocross victory at the fifth round of the Latvian autocross championship in Smiltene, held in difficult weather conditions.
The fifth round of the Latvian autocross championship took place on August 23 at the "Tepers" track in Smiltene, where hockey specialist Artis Ābols scored a surprise win in the 1600 class. Ābols is head coach of the "Zemgale" club and Latvia's U-20 national ice hockey team, and a former hockey player himself, but this season marks his debut in autocross competition.
According to the Latvian Automobile Federation, roughly 80 of the 128 registered drivers from Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania took to the start in the fifth round. Heavy rain turned the track into mud, while strong wind added further difficulty, making every run a genuine test of endurance and skill.
An unexpected win
In the 1600 class, Ģirts Kuzmanis of Riga finished second, while Valentīns Briedis of Lithuania took third. Class leader Linards Jasons, who could have clinched the championship title early with a win, finished only fourth, keeping the battle for the overall standings alive.
Ābols said it was unclear before the final how things would unfold, given the difficult track and minimal visibility. He thanked his mechanic for preparing the car and stressed that the result would not have been possible without teamwork.
Winners in other classes
In the RWD 3000 class, Raivis Geriks of Valmiera took first place, while Artis Radionovs of Augšlīgatne won the OPEN class and Juris Mesters of Lielvārde topped the 2000 Super class. In the B6000, or "crocodile", class, Martins Talvs was fastest, Bruno Leimanis of Cēsis won the D12 class, and Estonian driver Tajo Āsatohts took first in D13.
