On Thursday, not only the administrative but also the scrutineering of the “Samsonas Rally Utena 2024” started its work in Utena. The task of the technical delegates working in it is to check the compliance of the participating cars with the technical requirements of the respective classes and all the equipment that ensures the safety of the participants. Only after approval by the scrutineering will the participants be given the green light to start the competition, which will take place from September 27 to 28. This is the final event of the Lithuanian, Latvian and Baltic Championships.
On Thursday, during the first half day, the participants, who visited the administrative commission of “Samsonas Rally Utena 2024” and received the starting stickers, later had to present their cars to the technical commissioners with the help of their mechanics. The participants themselves do not usually take part in this procedure, as they check the special stages and take pacenotes at this stage. During the scrutineering, the car documents and all safety equipment are checked, and some parts are sealed so that the participants cannot change their parameters during the competition. Special attention is paid to the requirements of the different classes, the diameter of the air intake of the engine – “restrictor” – is checked, the pop-off valve is checked, and other important technical attributes that give the cars an equal chance to fight in one class or another.
The solemn opening ceremony of the “Samsonas Rally Utena 2024” competition will take place on Friday at 13:00 next to the Creative Industries Center “Taurapilis”, where the headquarters of the rally is located. At the opening of the competition, participants will drive past the ceremonial arch in their sports cars, be interviewed by the hosts of the event, and drive to the first special stage, which starts at 14.25. On Friday, participants can expect a total of five special stages, two of which will be held on the night streets of Utena. They will start at 19.30.
On Saturday, after a busy day of eight stages and the conclusion of the competition, the selected cars will be checked as usual and the participants’ results calculated. While this procedure, which requires a great deal of care, takes place, the guests and participants of the event will be entertained by the music of “DJ MIX”. After the official results of the rally have been announced, the award ceremony and prize-giving will begin at 20.30 on the large stage behind the Utena House of Culture. After the last champagne has been poured in the light of the fireworks, the “AC/DC Tribute.lt” group will take over the stage and fill the whole of Utena with rock’n’roll.
