“This year, the HunGarian Baja is preparing for its 23rd edition, which, when you think about it, is truly an extraordinary milestone. Over the course of more than two decades, the event has survived changes in governments, prime ministers, forestry directors, military range commanders, and mayors alike. Hungary entered a new political era this year with a newly elected government, a change that inevitably affects the lives of all Hungarian citizens, and consequently the operation of the HunGarian Baja as well. However, just as in the past, this does not mean we are slowing down. On the contrary: we are approaching this year’s event with even greater momentum and determination, while already keeping our eyes firmly set on the anniversary 25th HunGarian Baja, the preparations for which are underway every single day.
I believe it is undoubtedly a success story that the event has been organized continuously, without interruption or extended hiatus. Since the very beginning, the HunGarian Baja has been supported by a dedicated and consistent team, without whom the race simply could not exist. They work tirelessly for the success, development, and constant renewal of the event, and they deserve enormous gratitude for that. I would not like to single anyone out by name right now, but in a year when we are organizing the 23rd HunGarian Baja and Hungary itself is undergoing structural changes, it is important to reconnect with our foundations. And there is one particularly important message: while everything around us has changed, we have remained together. We stay together, and we renew ourselves together.
It is a tremendous source of pride for all of us that we are able to host World Cup and European Cup rounds, as well as Hungarian championship races. At the same time, we must recognize that the world is constantly evolving, and we need to keep pace with these changes to ensure that the event reaches not only its 25th anniversary, but also its 35th and even its 50th. We must adapt to current expectations and, at times, leave behind even the most proven traditions if we want motorsport to maintain its appeal. We need to create an event that people genuinely want to attend, a place where they feel safe, comfortable, and entertained. It is essential that the highest level of safety and an outstanding atmosphere go hand in hand, together making the event truly unforgettable.
The most important mission of Hungarian cross-country rallying, the HunGarian Baja, and in fact motorsport as a whole, is to find the best possible path for nurturing future talent and guiding new competitors into the sport. We are investing tremendous effort into developing the strongest possible program, and we sincerely hope that by the 25th HunGarian Baja in 2028, the Power Race Up Cup launched this year will already be delivering tangible results. Our goal is to establish not only a strong current field of competitors, but also a new, broad grassroots base of young rally-raiders who have become just as passionately “infected” by cross-country rallying as we once were, and who will carry the sport, and the off-road culture surrounding it, into the future and make it even stronger.
With all of these changes in mind, we are continuously searching for the right path to ensure that the HunGarian Baja and the Hungarian Cross-Country Rally Championship remain sustainable and viable in the long term. Through our programs, we aim to reach the widest possible audience, whether in the heart of Várpalota, in the spectator zones, trackside in safe and well-organized surroundings, or even behind the wheel of a race car, completing a legendary competition.
We warmly welcome everyone to Várpalota between August 13–15 for the HunGarian Baja, because this atmosphere and unique spirit is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. And after that, I can guarantee that we will meet again the following year.”
Welcome message from Zoltán Garamvölgyi, Organizer of the HunGarian Baja
Disclaimer:
As a service to the sport we all love and follow, Rally-Raid Network posts numerous media releases from a wide variety of sources on our website. Due to the large number, and some times short time available, it is nearly impossible to review each public release. These articles are written by reporters or press officers who work for various organizers, teams, drivers, riders, and other parties, and they do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rally-Raid Network.
