Latvian Autocross Championship Continues in Pilskalni; International Success for Latvian Drivers
This weekend, Pilskalni hosts the third round of the Latvian Autocross Championship, while Latvian drivers have achieved notable results abroad, including Ivo Gabrāns' first podium in the European Rallycross Championship.
Latvian Autocross Championship in Pilskalni
After the first two rounds in Brenguļi and Pluņģe, which created significant intrigue in almost all classes, the Latvian Autocross Championship moves to Pilskalni in the Jēkabpils region. The event is expected to start in muddy conditions, potentially causing shifts in class order. The round begins on Saturday, with all main events taking place on Sunday, when the strongest in each class will be determined.
International Achievements in Rallycross
Latvian drivers have also been active in international series. Ivo Gabrāns competed in the third round of the European Rallycross Championship in Sweden, achieving a podium finish—third place—in the RX4 class after a tough battle. This is his first podium at this level in his debut European Championship season, joining notable Latvian rallycross podium finishers such as Reinis Nitišs and Jānis Baumanis.
In the RallyX series, Roberts Vītols secured a win on the first day of the Honkajoki round in Finland among four participants, and finished third on the second day. Jānis Baumanis, in the same event, placed 12th in the CrossCar class (out of 14) on the first day and improved to ninth on Sunday. Later, at the Alvsbyn track in Sweden, Baumanis earned fifth and sixth places in two days of competition in the CrossCar class.
Latvian Drivers in the European Autocross Championship
The European Autocross Championship has held rounds in Germany (Mačenberg) and the Czech Republic (Novapaka). In Mačenberg, Ervins Grencis finished ninth in the SuperBuggy class, while Markuss Ūtēns took sixth in the CrossCar class among 42 participants. In the Junior CrossCar class, Klāvs Žvagins placed sixth out of ten competitors.
The Novapaka round proved more challenging for Latvian drivers. Grencis retired from two of three qualifying heats in SuperBuggy and finished 32nd. Ūtēns was classified 34th in CrossCar. However, young driver Oskars Zaķītis impressed, securing 18th place in the CrossCar class out of 50 participants. Zaķītis also competed in the third round at Vilkičos, achieving 13th place. The Junior CrossCar class did not compete in Novapaka.
