The air was filled with the roar of engines, squealing tires, and the smell of drifting on Saturday, November 8th, at the ZalaZONE Automotive Proving Ground, which hosted its first amateur car race as part of the R-Cup Challenge series. The event, jointly organised by ZalaZONE InnoTech Nonprofit Ltd. and Sportevo Ltd., saw a record number of 125 competitors sign up. Every category was represented, from Trabant drivers and tuned Ladas to professional rally cars.
On the high-speed handling track, the drivers completed three races, each consisting of 2.5 laps, totalling approximately 5 km. The worst time was discarded, and the average of the three best laps determined the final result. The technical layout, tight chicanes, and high-quality asphalt tested both the machines and the drivers. “The rhythm is completely different from a rally—fewer straights, more chicanes,” stated Tibor Róbert Toldi, a competitor from Zalaegerszeg driving his Subaru Impreza. He added that the opportunity to compete at the ZalaZONE test track was a long-held dream coming true.
ZalaZONE InnoTech was also represented in the competition: our development engineer, Patrik Tóth, drove a rear-wheel-drive cross car with a GSX-R engine, provided by the Bognár Rally Team from Keszthely, calling the drive an “absolute pleasure.” Noel Kovács, a driver from Zalaszentgrót, arrived with his 127 horsepower Suzuki Swift, fresh from placing 8th in the national championship. He commented: “The track is fast, the grip is perfect—everything is in place for great racing.”
The originator of the idea, Zsolt Bertalan, and his son, professional rally driver Márton Bertalan, were satisfied with the outcome: “A high-calibre field came together. Anyone who performs well here can confidently step up to a higher level.” Márton waved the start flag to signal the beginning of the race.
A key objective for the organizers is talent nurturing and promoting the enjoyment of safe track driving instead of using public roads for risky maneuvers. The organizers explicitly wish that enthusiasts of the sport do not attempt these dangerous moves on public roads.
Hundreds of spectators attended the event, so there are plans for similar competitions in the future. Additionally, collaboration with the police is underway to develop traffic safety programs.