The last event of the Lithuanian Rally Championship “Samsonas Rally Utena” offered a surprise that rewrote the history of Lithuanian rally. For the second year in a row, this competition is won by a young guest from abroad – and not because anyone gave them concessions. They’re just damn fast.
Last year Samsonas Rally Utena was wiped out by the then twenty-year-old Finn Sami Pajari, who is now competing in the World Rally Championship, and this year by the Norwegian Karl Peder Nordstrand. He is only sixteen and started his career last year. Arriving in Lithuania as a participant of the Latvian Rally Championship, he faced considerable competition from M. Samsonas, E. Kauras, V. Jurkevičius and G. Notkus, but the young Norwegian’s speed and only one mistake allowed him to climb to the highest podium of the “Samsonas Rally Utena 2023”. He agreed to share his thoughts about the past weekend with the Lithuanian rally community.
First of all, how do you feel after the weekend in Utena?
It is a very good feeling. It’s always a good feeling to win. And with such a good rally with roads and everything, perfect!
It‘ is probably difficult to judge everything only after a race, but maybe you can give us an impression of rallying in Lithuania? Organisation, stages, atmosphere, competition?
Atmosphere is 10/10 to be a national rally! The road had everything and the rally went smoothly with the organization too! The only thing I was wondering about was all the penalties from the Shikane for everyone.
It‘s been almost a year since you drove the Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo in official competition. Do you have to get used to this car or is it‘ very similar to the SRT Proto car?
-The Rally 2 car is pretty much similar to the Proto. Couldn’t feel anything on the power. Maybe some small things in the body shell 🙂
You are the youngest rally winner in the history of Lithuania, but this is not even your first overall victory. How does it feel to achieve such a high goals in life?
It’s great to make history in that way. It’s also good to have such things to show people. Especially when we want to climb the tree to the top step.
What are your plans for the next season? Can we hope to see you in Lithuania next year?
At the moment we need to get a budget in place. And have a good plan in place. But who knows? Maybe we will be back:)
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