103 Crews Registered for "Gulbis 2026" Mini Rally
The "Gulbis 2026" mini rally in the Gulbene area has attracted 103 entries, including several debutants and participants returning after a break.
Record Participation and Route
A total of 103 crews will take part in the upcoming "Gulbis 2026" mini rally in Gulbene municipality. Competitors will cover nearly 168 kilometers, with 23.6 kilometers consisting of special stages set on scenic local roads.
Event Schedule
The race day begins with administrative and technical checks, followed by course reconnaissance. The start is scheduled for 12:30 PM at the Gulbene Sports Centre stadium. Simultaneously, the stadium will host the "LatvianSide" car festival and the Gulbene Buku Cup basketball tournament. Participants are expected to return to the stadium by 8:30 PM for the awards ceremony.
Class Overview and Notable Participants
The first to hit the road will be the Junior class, which this season includes a Latvian crew for the first time – Mārtiņš Dreibe with Aigars Tīdmanis, competing against the top three Estonian crews in the class. In the Student class, Jēkabs Šverns with Matīss Meinards Puķulauks will make their debut.
In the 1600 class, Atis Līcis and Māris Rodis – the 2024 vice champions – return after a season and a half break. The 2WD Rookie class sees the debut of Pēteris Aluki, who previously competed in folk race and winter/summer cup events.
Several debutants and returnees will compete in the 4WD classes, including Raitis Kažociņš, Mārtiņš Beriņš, and Gundars Latvers. Also participating are last season's 4WD+ third-place finisher Jānis Lazdiņš and 4WD Rookie cup winner Ralfs Kārkliņš.
The final groups to start are the 2WD Open, 4WD Open, and Buggy classes. In 2WD Open, last season's second-place finisher Kaspars Ozoliņš and third-place finisher Arvis Āboliņš return. Meanwhile, experienced rally co-driver Renārs Šķenders will make his debut as a driver, facing off against his longtime driver Krister Cimdiņš.
City Festival and More Information
From July 23, Gulbene will host the city festival "Uzlādē sajūtas!". Further details on the mini rally can be found on the championship's website, while the festival program is available on the Gulbene municipality website.
