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 | Evia Rally: 162 participants in April´s "Balkan Cup" opener - entries still open.
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The island of Evia in Greece year by year hosts cross-country rally drivers and amateur adventurers. The 2012 edition of "Evia Rally Raid" between 23-28th April flatters with even bigger experience as the organizers decided to increase both the number of days and the distance.
The 1300 km race distance and the 5 days promise a lot of fight and adventure. And those who stay some more days after the rally can enjoy Greek hospitality and can discover the marvelous landscapes also out of race. Taking all this into consideration, who wouldn’t think about sending his entry immediately?
We talked to chief organiser of the rally, Meletis Stamatis about his plans for this year.
RRMG: What is the difference between the 2012 edition and the previous ones?
Stamatis: "In order to fulfil the needs of the drivers as well as possible, we continuously research and evaluate feedback. Based on these, we significantly increased the former 800-900 km race distance and we also increased the race days to five. In this way we can make a longer and more varied route. And moreover, teams can enjoy our hospitality for a longer time."
RRMG: In which categories can one enter?
Stamatis: "Of course, in all of the official categories (T1, T2, T3, T4, Quad, Bike) and beside these we opened the challenge category for bikers, quad riders and cars. This latter means that even production vehicles can be entered. For them we prepare an easier route, conditions and entry fees. The most important is that they enjoy their stay and return to the Evia Rally Raid next year."
RRMG: What kind of route do you prepare for 2012?
Stamatis: "We’ll have a permanent assistance park in Kimi, in the capital area of the island. Every day, competitors start from and return to there. There will be specials also outside the island, we plan to make one near Athens, using parts of the tracks of Rally Acropolis. There will be some dusty, stony sections but the route will mostly include mountain tracks. There will be some fast sections as well, but the majority of the tracks will be technical and requires good navigation skills."
RRMG: Those who are interested in taking part in the rally or in the raid where can obtain information? What is the procedure of entry?
Stamatis: "They can find information on the official website of the rally on [ EVIARALLY.COM ] or can ask their questions at the European promoter of the rally, Oliver Sólyom at [ info@solyomteam.hu ] address.
The procedure of entry is simple: they should fill in the online entry form on the website of the event and click the ‘Send’ button. Entries can be sent till 30th March, 2012, so far 130 bikes, 31 cars and 1 truck has entered. Entry fees are between 200-400 Euros depending on the category, but all information can be found in the detailed entry fee table on our website."
RRMG: What would you say to the competitors, why should they travel to Evia?
Stamatis: "Because they can race in breathtaking landscapes on tough mountain terrain, in a rally of very good atmosphere, where all skills of the driver and the co-driver are needed. There will also be a 200 km long marvellous seaside stage - and just near the rally HQ there waves the sea."
The Rally Raid Media Group will follow the event in Greece live online.
2012/03/30 | 10:37 CET | ARTICLE: MR/SY/HS
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