A top-tier racing spectacle successfully concluded!

A top-tier racing spectacle successfully concluded!
Another thrilling and unforgettable edition of the Rally Show Santa Domenica has come to an end, setting itself apart from all previous ones. On the muddy track in Savršćak, Simon Wagner, with co-driver Hanna Ostlender (Škoda Fabia RS Rally 2 Evo), claimed victory.

In front of more than 10,000 spectators, 127 drivers from eight countries tested their skills. This year’s edition of the Rally Show featured numerous innovations, including the extension of the competition program from the previous two days to three.

Friday, November 22, was dedicated to the administrative part of the competition, followed by the ceremonial start in the evening at the main square in Sveta Nedelja, accompanied by the traditional fireworks. A unique feature of this year’s start was the new rotating ramp, which allowed the excited and large crowd to enjoy a view from every angle. Although the weather forecast promised favorable conditions, the teams were met with rain and sleet. All eyes were turned to the sky.

A tense battle until the very last moment

Saturday, November 23, began with official practice runs, giving drivers a chance to test their vehicles just before the race. In the afternoon and evening, two Savršćak by Night special stages took place. The vehicles, accompanied by fireworks on the course and additional lighting on the cars, created a magical, fairytale-like atmosphere.

Right from the first special stage, Simon Wagner demonstrated his determination to claim victory at Savršćak for the third time. However, in the second special stage, the Hungarian crew of Martin Laszlo and Viktor Ban (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) closed the gap slightly, leaving Wagner with just a one-second lead as they headed into the overnight break.

Sunday, November 24 – The competition continues

A sunny Sunday morning set the stage for the first of three special stages, Savršćak Arena. The Hungarian crews of Ádám Velenczei/Vanesza Zolt (Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo) and Péter Ranga/János Czako (Škoda Fabia R5) joined the fight for the title. Hungarian champion Velenczei took the lead with a razor-thin margin of just 0.1 seconds ahead of Wagner after the special stage.

In the fourth special stage, Wagner reclaimed the lead, entering the final stage with a 2.9-second advantage over Velenczei and 5.5 seconds over Ranga. It was clear the battle for the top step of the podium would be among these three unless unforeseen events or technical issues arose.

Despite finishing only third in the final special stage, with Ranga taking the fastest time, Wagner’s advantage from the previous stages was enough to secure victory. He triumphed with a 2.5-second lead over Velenczei and a 4-second lead over Ranga.

The thrilling drives, not only from the leading crews but also from the others, combined with sunny weather and unusually high temperatures for this time of year, delighted the large crowd gathered along the track.

Among the drivers with a Croatian license, the most successful was young Matteo Bernini (Hyundai I20 R5), securing tenth place overall out of the 107 drivers who completed the competition. He was followed by Lorenzo Martincich (Škoda Fabia R5) and Martin Ravenščak (Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo).

This event also marked the first of four competitions in the newly established GRAVEL RALLY CHALLENGE, a cup that will take place in Croatia during the winter months.

Looking Ahead

Thrilling drives and an incredible atmosphere made this year’s Rally Show Santa Domenica truly unforgettable. And for us at AKK Sveta Nedelja? Our thoughts are already focused on the upcoming milestone 15th edition and how to surprise both the audience and participants.

See you in 2025!