Rally Latvija is less than a month away, and, just like in past years, will host not only modern rally cars, but also historic vehicles. Competitors racing the modern race cars will be able to battle for points in both the Latvian Rally Championship and the FIA Baltic Rally Trophy.

In accordance with the sports hierarchy, the level below rallying is taken by the Latvian Rallysprint Championship, where the competitors will have to tackle up to 60 km in special stages. Rallysprint is a one day event, with the competition being held on Saturday, July 22.

Crews who are just beginning their rally careers will be able to test their skills in two events – rally supersprint on July 22 and minirally on July 23.

Historic racing cars are sure to be an especially colourful part of Rally Latvija, with them competing in Historic Rally Latvija. The event, which will take place over three days – from July 21 to 23 – will be split into two parts, by separating the regularity and sports groups. Historic Rally Latvija regularity crews will be further split into three classes – Regularity Expert, Regularity Historic, and LAF rally veterans. Meanwhile, Historic Rally Latvija sports group will have three classes – overall classification, Historic 2WD, and Historic Lada Classic.

“I am happy that, despite changing the time of the event, we have managed to keep the stage geography around Jūrmala, Tukums, and the Biķernieki track. This will surely give new and valuable experience to both spectators and competitors, as, for the first time in quite a while, this will be the first summer rally in Latvia! I would also like to remind all potential competitors that the registration closes in early July – according to FIA regulations, the rally crews can register until July 7, while rallysprint, minirally and historic rally crews have up to July 10 to decide!” Rally Latvija organizer Jānis Krastiņš.

Rally Latvija would like to thank its partner Jūrmala City Council for their support in organizing a Latvian Rally Championship event, and would also like to thank sponsor Conti STL. Gratitude also goes out to supporters Autobrava, Hydroscand, and Prodex. Informative support is provided by TVNET.

More information and the results can be found on the official website of the Latvian Rally Championship at http://autorally.lv/, as well as on social media - Twitter, facebook, and YouTube.

Jānis Unbedahts, RA EVENTS. Photo: Raimonds Volonts