2025-07-19
Ceremonial Start Given for the “Aurum 1006 km powered by Hankook” Race in Palanga
On Saturday, July 19th, sports cars lined up at the starting line in Palanga for the 26th consecutive year – at 12:00 noon, the ceremonial start of the “Aurum 1006 km powered by Hankook” race was given.
The Lithuanian national anthem was performed by young singer Aistė Gedvilaitė, and the legendary phrase “Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines” was announced by Palanga Mayor Šarūnas Vaitkus.
Starting from pole position was the “Bio-Circle & HSG by SWAG” team with Karolis Jovaiša behind the wheel. Second to cross the starting line was “Stokex Circle K Miles Plus”, with Domas Raudonis driving an Audi. Third on the grid, following the qualification, was “STATETA BRO & VEESLA by AIBE” with British driver Adam Christodoulou.
This year, 16 teams are competing on the track, including seven Porsche cars, three Audis, two BMWs, and one each of Lamborghini and Mercedes-Benz. Also crossing the start line were the well-known red “Lada” and a rare entry for this type of racing – the unusual-bodied Volkswagen Caddy, which drew plenty of attention.
Interesting Facts About the Race and Racers
The title of oldest driver goes to Swiss racer Tim Miuller, born on December 7, 1966, who is competing for the second year in a row with the “RD Signs Šiauliai” team. Just two and a half years younger is V. Gedutis from “Antėja Racing Team.”
The youngest competitor is Vilnius-born Domas Raudonis from “Stokex Circle K Miles Plus”, born October 27, 2011. Last year, he claimed podiums in the “Creventic 24h Series Spa-Francorchamps” and the “Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux” championships. He also used a recent race in Italy as preparation for Palanga.
Just a few years older than him are Tomas Rudokas from “Porsche Lietuva 91” and Orestas Burgaila from “Baltic Karting Academy,” with Agnius Narbutas from “Skaylink Racing Team” being three years older.
In total, drivers will need to complete 373 laps, each 2,682 meters in length. The checkered flag will wave once the leading team completes the full 1006-kilometer distance. Last year, the fastest to do so was “STATETA BRO-TOKS by IGNERA,” who finished in 8 hours, 3 minutes, and 37.833 seconds.
So far this year, the lap record has not been broken. The current record belongs to a Danish driver who set it in 2023, clocking a time of 1 minute 5.941 seconds. Due to frequent rain showers during practice and qualifying sessions, racers haven’t had many chances to push for their fastest pace.
Photos by Vytautas Pilkauskas