Youngtimer are classical cars produced in the time period from the 60ties till 80ties of the 20th century. The cars of this category mark a new era in the world machine manufacturing; it is time when a car becomes democratic and available to anybody, at the same time preserving its exclusivity and style. Valts Ceplevičs — the representative of the Latvian Antique Automobile Club (LAAC) and organizer of the Youngtimer Rally — tells about the Youngtimer movement: “It is a significant coincidence that Youngtimer Rally this year returns home as two years ago exactly in Talsi the first event complying with the Youngtimer definition was organized starting wider movement all over Latvia.”

During the Youngtimer Rally Talsi (YRT) synchronous regularity drives are envisaged within a closed track, three stages in total with the length of 4 to 7 km, furthermore each stage is to be covered twice. Each stage is to be covered at concrete speed, and exceed or delay of any control time will be counted as lost time. The more precise time, the lesser seconds lost and the higher place in the total valuation.

In each stage there will be two time control points – one in the finish and one in a secret place in the stage, thus motivating participants to cover the particular stage at the established speed. Upon covering the stage for the 1st time, the participants’ result will be compared with the average stage speed envisaged in the legend. However during the 2nd drive the participants will have to drive at the same speed as in the 1st time.

“This year we have managed to ensure to the Rally Talsi spectators a wider programme and a possibility in addition to temporary rally cars to see in stages also historic cars, thus giving insight in the car manufacturing achievements in the 20th century,” begins Raimonds Strokšs – the Director of the Rally Talsi Organizer RA EVENTS SIA. “My own highest results in rally were achieved with the Audi 80 Quattro of 1983, thus from my personal experience I can say and encourage others that although these cars may look old, all of them are part of the rally history and still have sportive soul in them.”

“Unlike other LAAC events, YRT will be more sportive with rally elements, and we will se 19 crews from Latvia, Estonia and Russia that with three crews will be represented by the Club GorkyClassic. Such rarely seen cars as Porsche 944 of 1984 and Mercedes 190E Cosworth will be represented. There will be also such legendary models as SAAB 96 and SAAB 99, Opel Manta and Opel Ascona,” Valts Ceplevičs gives short insight in the list of YRT participants.

In addition to the Youngtimer cars, Rally Talsi spectators will be able to see in stages also the participants of the Historical Automobile Regularity Rally starting with cars manufactured till 1984. Although crews may apply for participation till 9th May 2014, until participation has been announced already by three crews starting with VAZ, GAZ and Lada cars.

Youngtimer Rally Talsi competitors:

Jānis Unbedahts, RA EVENTS. Foto: Pony&Smith