2026-07-15
Final Starting Grid Confirmed After Technical and Administrative Scrutineering
Only two days remain until the start, but the teams have already passed their first and most important test. On Wednesday, participants of the Aurum 1006 km powered by Hankook race completed the administrative and technical scrutineering, after which the final list of teams and cars set to line up for the largest endurance race in the Baltic States was confirmed. All 20 registered teams were granted permission to start.
As in previous years, the technical commission was led by long-time Chief Technical Scrutineer from Estonia, Raul Koov, together with his team. The administrative and technical commissions inspected not only the competitors’ documents and safety equipment, but also the cars’ compliance with the technical regulations. Only after successfully passing this stage were the teams allowed to enter the paddock and begin their final preparations ahead of the first practice sessions.
“The technical and administrative scrutineering is always the first serious test for the participants. We are pleased that all teams passed it smoothly, allowing us to focus entirely on what matters most - the race itself. This year we will see an extremely competitive field, many experienced drivers and several teams capable of fighting for victory,” says the event’s chief organiser, Darius Jonušis.
This year’s entry list includes not only a strong contingent of Lithuanian drivers but also competitors from abroad, many of whom have regarded the Aurum 1006 km powered by Hankook race as one of the key events of their season for years. Several previous winners and podium finishers will line up on the starting grid, making this year’s list of favourites longer than ever.
This year’s line-up of machinery is equally impressive. The favourites for the overall victory include a strong field of professional-level GT3 and GT Open cars. Once again, this proves that the Palanga circuit presents a top-level challenge for everyone involved – drivers, strategists, team managers and mechanics alike.
Among the 20 teams are five Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, two Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II, one Lamborghini Huracán GT3, three GT4-class cars and a wide variety of machinery from other classes. The field also features seven BMWs, including one diesel-powered car. Among the two Volkswagens on the grid will be the fan-favourite Caddy, better known locally by its nickname “Kablukas”, which won over spectators last year. Such a diverse and competitive field promises one of the most exciting battles of recent years, both for the overall victory and in the individual classes.
This year’s entry list is also notable for its international diversity and the mix of generations. The grid will feature both seasoned competitors with extensive international racing experience and young talents who have already claimed victories in Baltic and European championships. This blend of experience and youth has become one of the distinctive hallmarks of the Palanga race.
On Thursday, the participants will take part in the first practice sessions, followed by the traditional team parade along Vytautas Street in Palanga, where spectators will have the opportunity to meet the drivers and see the race cars up close. Fans will also get their first taste of the racing action during the Volfas Engelman Non-Alcoholic Super Sprint race.
Over the weekend, all eyes will turn to the circuit, where, after more than one thousand kilometres of racing, the winners of the 2026 Aurum 1006 km powered by Hankook will be crowned.
Photos by Vytautas Pilkauskas and Andrius Laucius.