The Rokiškis Grand Rally, serving as the fourth stage of the Lithuanian Rally Championship and the eighth round of the European Rally Trophy (ERT), kicks off this weekend with a 134.27-kilometer competitive route. The event features 59 crews, including three Latvian teams, competing across 17 special stages held throughout Friday and Saturday, according to event organizers.
Latvian Representation at Rokiškis Grand Rally
Three Latvian crews have confirmed their participation in the event: Ralfs Sirmacis/Māris Kulšs, Guntis Lielkājis/Zane Lielkāja-Gerika, and Kārlis Folkmanis/Gundars Pečaks. All three teams will pilot Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution models. The entry list includes a highly competitive field, featuring 11 Rally2 machines alongside various Proto and R5 class vehicles, as reported by Go4speed.
Did you know?
The Rokiškis Grand Rally also serves as the fourth stage of the “TER – Tour European Rally” series, drawing international competitors to the Lithuanian roads.
Sirmacis Racing’s Intensive Preparation
Ralfs Sirmacis and co-driver Māris Kulšs enter the event as leaders of the LARČ6 class, having secured victories in the first three stages of the season. To prepare for this round, the team undertook a comprehensive rebuild of their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII. According to Sirmacis, the process began after the Sarma Rally and involved replacing significant portions of the chassis, including the floor and rear sections.
The reconstruction reached a critical stage in late July, requiring around-the-clock labor from mechanic Indulis Kalniņš. Sirmacis noted that the team faced significant logistical challenges, including sourcing parts and managing a tight timeline for sandblasting and powder coating. The effort was supported by partners including RallyWorkshop, Spectrum Factory, and D9 workshop, who assisted with components, painting, and the car’s new livery design.
Technical Logistics and Final Preparations
The final push to prepare the vehicle for the Rokiškis event saw the team working until the moment of departure for Lithuania. Sirmacis confirmed that final adjustments were still being performed in the days leading up to the rally. Despite the compressed schedule, the vehicle successfully passed technical inspection on Thursday evening following the completion of reconnaissance.
Pro Tip:
In rally racing, the ability to manage supply chain delays and emergency mechanical repairs is often as critical to a podium finish as driving skill.
Future Trends in Rally Preparation
The intense, collaborative effort required to field a competitive car highlights a growing trend in privateer racing: the reliance on specialized “boutique” workshops to manage legacy vehicle maintenance. As parts for older platforms like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution become scarcer, teams are increasingly relying on rapid-response networks to maintain performance parity with modern Rally2 cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total distance of the Rokiškis Grand Rally?
The total competitive distance of the rally is 134.27 kilometers.
How many stages are scheduled for the event?
The rally consists of 17 special stages, with six scheduled for Friday and 11 for Saturday.
Which classes are represented in the entry list?
The field includes 11 Rally2 cars, as well as multiple Proto and R5 class vehicles, alongside the LARČ6 class competitors.
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