Artis Ābols wins first autocross race in Smiltene

The fifth round of the Latvian Autocross Championship and Cup season took place at the Tepera track in Smiltene on August 23. The event featured participants from Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania, and included the Estonian Autocross Cup B6000, D12, and D13 classes.

Severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and strong winds, turned the track into a muddy surface with poor visibility. Due to these conditions, the original two-day schedule was condensed into a single day, and several classes, including Junior Extreme, Extreme, and Cross Car MT09 buggies, were canceled to ensure athlete safety. The B1600 class also did not start as participants declined to compete.

In the 1600 class, hockey coach Artis Ābols secured his first autocross victory in a season debut. He was followed by Ģirts Kuzmanis in second place and Valentins Briedis in third. Ābols credited his win to his mechanic and team effort despite the difficult racing conditions.