News

2025-07-17

Traukos varžybas Palangoje teko sustabdyti – dalyviai laukia starto rytoj

Thursday in Palanga was filled with the roar of engines on the track – here, the “Aurum 1006 km powered by Hankook” participants held qualifying sessions, “Porsche Club Lithuania” members took to the circuit for practice, and the “A.R.S.A. Group Drag” qualifying and final runs began. However, these races had to be stopped earlier than planned.

“We didn’t complete the test run when rain started, so we decided to suspend the races. The preliminary plan is to continue tomorrow, but everything will depend on the weather. In the morning we’ll monitor the situation and, after consulting with participants, make a decision. At 9 a.m. we’ll hold a drivers’ meeting, and if conditions are good, the races will resume outside the race track, on the section heading toward Klaipėda,” said Aivaras Rudzis, organizer of the “A.R.S.A. Group Drag” competition.

That section of the track was originally planned for only quarter-mile races, but due to the changed plans, the 1/8 mile (201 m) races will be held there as well.

This year, a total of 59 participants lined up at the start of the competition, competing in five different classes: daily, stock, street, ultra street, and the most powerful – unlimited. The most powerful car on the grid produces 1,800 HP – an Audi R8 driven by Kęstas Gylys. He also recorded the most accurate 1/8 mile time of the day, completing the distance in 6.38438 seconds. Another driver, Mindaugas Beniušis, in a Nissan GT-R, reached a qualifying speed of 195.35 km/h.

An intense day ahead

On Friday, the “Aurum 1006 km powered by Hankook” paddock will see an even more intense schedule: practice and qualifying sessions will take place, the “Women’s Challenge” will start with nearly 100 teams lining up at the start, and “Porsche Club Lithuania” track sessions will continue. The “Volfas Engelman Ice Non-Alco” mechanics’ 1,000-meter run will also be held.

Next to the main circuit, another traditional event will take place – the “Technitis Spectator Slalom,” which is open to everyone. Participants can join with their own cars, and the slalom doesn’t require special skills – it’s a great chance to experience a bit of what the racers go through just meters away.

The fastest lap time in Thursday’s practice was set by Karolis Jovaiša, racing for the “Bio-Circle & HSG by SWAG” team in an Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II – his lap time was 1:06.477. Meanwhile, a team from Latvia, driving a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, had to return to their tent on foot after their car slid and sustained minor damage. However, the driver, Vadims Vakarjuks, confirmed that the car will be back on track tomorrow.

Photos by Elijus Kniežauskas