„Special stages included in rally „Kurzeme” have always attracted rally drivers – roads in the bottom of Kurzeme are very fast and technically difficult. For rally drivers a victory in this rally is a proof of mastership and excellence, therefore the best drivers from Latvia and also from the nearest neighborhood every year gathers here in Liepaja to race. This year is not an exception as many great drivers will fight for victory or at least for podium and to predict the winner is very difficult, actually – impossible,” says Uldis Hmielevskis, the director of the Festival of Speed – Rally „Kurzeme 2014”.

One favorite in the battle for victory definitely are going to be Russian pilot Alexey Lukyanuk – who is loved because of his great driving style - uncompromising and pushing through at maximum speed in every meter of the special stage. A. Lukyanuk participates in N4 class with his "Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X”, but thanks to his extremely good driving skills he is a tough rival also for more capable class drivers - R5 and WRC.

In the battle for victory will definitely involve Lithuanian and Belarussian champion – Lithuanian pilot - Vytautas Svedas, Latvian Rally champion - Janis Vorobjovs and Marcis Kenavs from Liepaja. For M. Kenavs this will be the second race with four wheel drive "Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X". In his first race at rally-sprint „Kalnmuiza 2014” he proved his ability to be fast not only in two wheel drive cars. Tough rivals will also be Estonian pilots Roland Murakas and Siim Plangi and Lithuanian Martynas Samuitis.

It will also be very interesting to follow Latvian Rally champion in groupe A+ Martins Svilis who is going to be the first ever Latvian who will drive R5 rally car. With the same type of car „Ford Fiesta R5” will participate rally pilot from Ukraine Oleksii Kikireshko.

Attention also has to paid to Benediktas Vanagas who participated in the legendary „Dakar rally 2014” with „OScar”, built by Latvian engineer Andris Dambis. In rally „Kurzeme 2014” B. Vanagas will race with „Subaru Impreza WRC”.

A battle for victory is going to be tough also among two wheel drive cars. One of the favorites at the Festival of Speed – Rally „Kurzeme 2014” are Russian rally champion in R1 class Mikhail Skripnikov, Estonian Sander Parn – the leader of "Drive DMack Fiesta Trophy", Ralfs Sirmacis - the youngest Latvian rally champion, Rainer Rohtmets – R2 class 2nd place winner at rally „Kurzeme 2013” and Emils Blums – talanted rally driver from „LMT Autosporta Akademija” who won „300 Lakes Rally” in two wheel drive group. In Liepaja we are going also see Latvian rally champion Andis Neiksans who will drive "BMW M3" as well as many very competitive Estonian rally drivers.

Since 2010, "Kurzeme" is not an ordinary rally – it is the Festival of Speed gathering the best rally drivers from Latvia and closest neighboring countries and participants from other motorsports, as well. This year, the program of the Festival of Speed will be enriched by the final cup of the Latvian Open Water Motorsports Championship of Powerboats, taking place directly in the center of Liepāja, as well as other motorsport activities.

Festival of Speed – rally "Kurzeme 2014" is organized in co-operation with "LDz Cargo", Liepāja city, Port of Liepāja, "VEGA 1", "Canon IBServiss", "Cēsu alus", "Ramirent", "LDC datortehnika", “IF Apdrošināšana", official car Nissan from "Skandi Motors".

Tickets can be purchased in advance in the cash registers of "Biļešu serviss", in „Skandi Motors” in Riga Lielirbes street 32 and in Liepaja Brivibas street 146c, in Toursim information centre in Liepaja Rozu square 5/6 and as well as in on-line sales points "Bilesuserviss.lv", "Piletilevi.ee", and "Bilietupasaulis.lt".

Dzintars Hmieļevskis.