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17-05-2017 06:34
Šlepikas – Looking forward to meeting the many Rally Talsi spectators
Gintautas Šlepikas will be one of four drivers competing for this year’s Champions Cup in Rally Talsi. The 2016 Lithuanian Rally Champion in LRC2 (N4 group) class will contest the Talsi based event for the fifth time, but it will be his first opportunity to take home the prestigious Champions Cup, which has previously been won by two other Lithuanian drivers – Vytautas Švedas (in 2011, 2014, and 2016), and Dominykas Butvilas (in 2013). Šlepikas will drive a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X N4, with Audrius Pivoras as a co-driver.
“Last weekend we took part in a small tarmac based competition here in Lithuania, doing so on gravel tires for practice. Some other Rally Talsi competitors also took part there, so we are obviously not the only ones seriously preparing for the rally!” begins Gintautas Šlepikas. “I have seen the entry list, and, as always, it is quite long, with many fast and strong drivers, which means that the battles for victory will be very close. At the moment, I do not feel fast enough to confidently say that I will be faster than everyone else. However, as you know, rally is an unpredictable technical sport where anything can happen. I am going to drive cautiously to avoid mistakes and wait for an opportunity – if one arises, I will take advantage of it!”
“I really enjoy competing in Talsi! You have good and interesting roads which are always fun to return to. The jumps are great as well – you can jump high and far, yet not damage the car and continue on your way to the finish. And, of course, the Rally Talsi spectators – there are always lots of them, and they come to the stages equipped with flags to support the rally drivers. That is something unique in your rally that I hope this rally never loses!” says Gintautas Šlepikas before the start of Rally Talsi.
Rally Talsi would not be possible without our supporters, so we would like to thank the rally city of nine hillocks – Talsi, sponsors Neste and Talce / SC Grupa, as well as Autobrava, who provide the official car of Rally Talsi. We would also like to thank our supporters Canon Business Center, Krauzers, Lakalme, Ramirent, and Swecon. Thanks to our media partners Delfi, JCDecaux, Kurzemes Radio, Re:TV, SIN, Talsu Televīzija, Talsu Vēstis, What Car?, and Zebra, for their informative support. The event would also not be possible without our rally friends – Alfa SLS, Dardedze Hologrāfija, Esi Draugs, FN Serviss, Holography, Meža Dārzs, Red Bull, Sportland, Törley, Venden, and the Latvian Automobile Federation.
Jānis Unbedahts, Media officer. Photo: Aigars Tīdmanis, Mārtiņš Vanags, go4speed.lv
