2025-07-19
The 26th edition of the “Aurum 1006 km powered by Hankook” race kicked off smoothly – all cars started successfully and completed the opening laps, with drivers diving into day-long battles immediately after crossing the start line. Spectators are enjoying the sunshine in Palanga and steadily warming weather.
This year’s grid is especially powerful and colorful, and the relatively small number of participants on the 2,682-meter-long track brings advantages – drivers are likely to get in some “clean” laps, increasing the chances of breaking the lap record, which was last improved in 2023.
Some competitors are taking on the Palanga race for the first time. “STATETA BRO & VEESLA by AIBE” driver Adam Christodoulou shared both nerves and excitement before the start: “This is my first time at this race, and I’m thrilled to finally be here. I’ve followed it for many years and prepared by watching a lot of last year’s race footage.”
This team is unique in that it consists of just two drivers.
Technical Challenges Begin Early
Although racers were enjoying nearly ideal conditions for a fast-paced event, technical issues emerged early on. Robertas Kupčikas had to exit the track after just 20 laps – the engine of the “Porsche 911 GT3 CUP” from “Porsche Lietuva 92” started overheating. Mechanics pushed the car into the paddock for repairs. When asked how long the fix might take, one of the race’s fastest drivers said it was hard to predict. After an hour had passed, unfortunately, the team’s car was still stationary.
“Skaylink Racing Team” also had to return to the paddock with their Volkswagen Caddy after a brake hose failure. Fortunately, the repair only took a few minutes, and they were soon back on track.
The “Kauno ASK” team, racing with the legendary Lada 2104, returned to the pit lane after just a couple of laps – initial reports suggest a differential failure.
After the first hour, “Bio-Circle & HSG by SWAG” retained the lead, followed by “RIMO & LKU by EQUPAY.CH” with a Porsche GT3 CUP. In third place – “STATETA BRO & VEESLA by AIBE”.
As the second hour began, the first contact incident occurred – a minor bump between the Porsche GT3 CUP 992 of “OVOKO by D2D,” driven by Eduardas Klepikas, and the Volkswagen Caddy of Ovidijus Latoža. During the first hour, “OVOKO by D2D” PRO driver Tauras Tunylas kept up an impressive pace, holding off any competitors behind him.
Photos by Andrius Laucius