The race team KAMAZ-master came to the bivouac and today, April 24, it took part in official tests before the 15th jubilee edition of baja «Zoloto Kagana».
Six team crews will take part in the race:
No. 300. Karimov B. – Nikitin D. – Davletshin I.
No. 301. Nikolaev E. – Yakovlev E. – Glukhov V.
No. 303. Sotnikov D. – Krenev S. – Akhmetzyanov I.
No. 305. Akhmedov A. – Malkov I. – Islamgulov T.
No. 306. Kupriyanov S. – Kupriyanov A. – Karginov A.
No. 307. Avdeev D. – Korolev Y. – Mizyukaev V.
Thus, three young pilots will compete in the race, joined by experienced Eduard Nikolaev and Dmitry Sotnikov. Sergey Kupriyanov will once again demonstrate the potential of the gas-diesel truck – a joint project between the team and Gazprom.
Interestingly, two-time Dakar winner Andrey Karginov will serve as Kupriyanov’s mechanic, whose extensive experience will certainly help them navigate the challenging sections of the route. Also noteworthy is the return of Vyacheslav Mizyukaev, a two-time Silk Way Rally winner, to the race truck as co-pilot for Nikolaev and Sotnikov.
During the tests it was officially represented a new design of KAMAZ-master bonnet truck, which is traditionally driven by Eduard Nikolaev. This season the team decided to refuse from special black livery and now the bonnet truck will be colored in traditional team colors.
Eduard Nikolaev, the Head of the KAMAZ-master team, pilot of crew N 301: “Tests took place on the traditional 20-kilometer circuit. Today the track is not easy: after long-term rainfalls ground was heavy and sticky with patches of wet sand. It was tough on the machinery, engines, but nevertheless we managed and setup adjusting suspension and engines. All the guys have settled in. The assistance crew has also run through their routines, everyone is ready. The crews also practiced wheel changes today; we conduct this training during every outing so that we are prepared for any eventuality and can minimize time lost on special stages should the need arise. I believe the team is fully combat-ready”.
Dmitry Sotnikov, pilot of crew N 303: “Tests were separated: truck teams participated near settlement Polynny, and the rest of participants a little bit farther. Probably, it is connected with difficult conditions of GPS signal, today it was fluctuating, that created problems. But that kind of situations can be next days as well that is why we tried to check how everything works. The track contained everything that would be next days. It was a steppe track, winding in places, that cut across a series of small dunes. The sand was quite heavy and soft following yesterday’s rain. The test section concluded with a very fast, hard-packed stretch – the kind we expect to encounter during the race itself. Our crew worked on the trucks settings. We got back into the rhythm; it was important to find that feel again after such a long break. For our co-pilot, Sergey Krenev, it was a chance to communicate, listen and learn to adapt when not all data, especially GPS, is available. I focused primarily on the suspension, testing various settings. We covered a good amount of ground and ironed out a few issues.
Dmitry Avdeev, pilot of crew N 307: “Today’s testing went well for our crew, we found the optimal settings for the upcoming race. This is Yura Korolev’s first race as a co-pilot, and he is gaining experience. Overall, I believe we have excellent chances for the race. We look forward to the start”.
Saturday morning the team KAMAZ-master will pass administrative tests and scrutineering. The ceremonial start will be in the center of Astrakhan – on the bay of the Volga river opposite of Petrove fountain. From 2:30 p.m till 3:30 p.m local time (1.30 p.m till 2.30 p.m Moscow time) – inrestricted observing of the machinery for audience, from 4.00 p.m (3 p.m. Moscow time) – ceremonial opening of competitions, at 5.15 p.m (4.15 p.m Moscow time) – start of the prologue.
Sports part of baja “Zoloto Kagana 2026” will take place at the territory of Narimanov region and will consist of prologue and three big speedy stages.
April 25 – Special stage 1 – 12 km.
April 26 – Special stage 2 – 255 km.
April 27 – Special stage 3 – 260 km.
April 28 – Special stage 4 – 250 km.
At the same time, the organizers note, that even prologue can throw a curve: significant paddles have appeared in places along the course, which runs alongside the Volga river.
