Photo: Krist Anderson
Four countries of the Baltic Sea region have joined forces, creating a new international rally championship this year – the “Baltic Sea States Rally Championship”. In its first season, the newly established rally championship will unite four member states – Finland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia – during the 2023 season, from March to August, with four stages taking place. The first stage of the “Baltic Sea States Rally Championship”, winter rally “Jyväskylä”, is scheduled for 3-4. in March. Meanwhile, Latvia will be represented in the newly created championship by the “Cēsis” rally, which is scheduled to take place on 4-5 in August.
“Baltic Rally Championship” 2023 season calendar
1. Rally “Jyväskylä” Finland 3.-4. March
2. Rally “Kelme” Lithuania 2.-4. June
3. Rally “Cēsis” Latvia 4.-5. August
4. Rally “Paide” Estonia 25.-26. August
The “Baltic Sea States Rally Championship” has six qualifying classes*
The “Baltic Sea States Rally Championship” has a total of six qualifying classes, and participation in the championship is allowed for rally cars that meet both international and national technical regulations – both all-wheel drive and single-axle drive cars.
Individual assessment
Participants are informed that separate registration for the “Baltic Sea States Rally Championship” is not planned. All crews that will start in one of the championship stages with a rally car that meets the technical regulations of the championship will be automatically included in the championship standings.
At each stage of the championship, the 15 fastest crews in each competition class will receive championship points. According to the table below, the winner will receive 30 points, while the 15th place holder will receive 1 point.
Participants should note that in order for the crew to be included in the “Baltic Rally Championship” season standings, it must compete in at least two of the four stages of the championship. According to the “Baltic Sea States Rally Championship” season ranking, the three fastest crews of each competition class will be awarded. Cups will be presented to the fastest crews of the season during the “Paide” rally, the final stage of the championship.
The standings of the nations
The winners of the “Baltic Rally Championship” will also be determined in a separate Nations competition. According to the results of each round of the championship, the two fastest drivers representing a country will receive points according to the table below. By summing up these points, one country will be determined during the season, whose representatives will be presented with the winner’s cup.
Information prepared by:
Janis Krastins