On February 26, KAMAZ-MASTER INTERNATIONAL ICE RACE - the first rally race on trucks- dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the “KAMAZ-master” team took place.
Russian and foreign motorsport stars took part in the race on sport KAMAZ trucks: Martin Kolomi (Czech Republic) - a multiple participant in the Dakar rally; Hou Hongning (China) – a participant of the Silk Way Rally; Nikita Mazepin (Russia) - Formula 1 pilot; Vladimir Vasiliev (Russia) – the winner of the Africa Eco Race 2017 marathon, Champion of Russia in rally-raids; Dmitry Sotnikov (Russia) - two-time winner of the Dakar rally; Arkady Tsaregradtsev (Russia) is the champion of RDS GP 2022. Leading federal TV channels – Russia 24, NTV, Match TV, Ren TV, International News Agency and regional media took part in the coverage of the event.
Race tracks took place at 5th km ice circuit “Chulman”. According to competition conditions, each participant had to drive three circles clockwise and two circles counterclockwise at 3 studded race trucks: КАМАZ 435091 (К5 family), КАМАZ 435092 (bonnet truck) and КАМАZ 43509. The time of the best lap of each participant was taken to the standings.
A winding race track, placed on ice of technological water, hid many surprises and demanded from participants constant concentration and attention. Severe weather conditions, snow and wind offered great opportunity to check oneself at extreme conditions which are unusual for rally-raid trucks.
The team leader of the “KAMAZ-master” – Vladimir Chagin in his opening speech said: “Elements of our pilots are dunes, deserts, stones, any other race trucks, but not ice. This is something new that is very useful in terms of practice and also, we were eager to acquaint visitors with race KAMAZ truck, as it is a matter of our pride. We invited pilots from different countries, but unfortunately not many of them could arrive because of overlappings and their tight sport schedule. We express our regret about it. A good fact is that, our friend from China, a pilot of Russian-Chinese crew Hou Hongning with a co-pilot Shen Xin, are present here. A very famous pilot from Czech Republic – Martin Kolomi, who is known for being in a world table of ranks for trucks off-road standings visited us.
Today the competition will be captivating: pilots from different classifications of motorsport will compete on ice track, the race will be unpredictable!»
The pilot of the “KAMAZ-master” team, Eduard Nikolaev, who supervised the preparation of the ice track, noted that the main difficulty in piloting is to find a fast trajectory, because one can drive on ice very beautifully, effectively, lifting up snow clouds, but slowly. But one can go a bit less impressive, but much faster. The trajectory and the feel of the hook are very important.
- It is necessary to work with concentration at the whole circuit, all 5 km, and it depends on each turn how you will cope with another one. It is taking into consideration our mode of competition. One has to drive consistently on all types of vehicles. We have 3 types of cars, each of them has its own characteristics and it is crucial to drive consistently at each one in order to show a good overall time, - said the five-time winner of the Dakar rally.
Dmitry Sotnikov was declared to the rally from the “KAMAZ-master” team. Moreover, all the rally participants mutually rejected proposal to drive the pilot of the “KAMAZ-master” team out of the standings, noting that he could establish the bar to other athletes. As a result, an uncompromising struggle was launched where the score cost a few seconds. Fans and other participants received the best emotions! Dmitry Sotnikov has gained the gold medal (overall time – 21 min 14.5 sec), Arkadij Caregradcev has received the second place (21:22.7), Vladimir Vasiliev has won the third place (21:41.5). All the participants were rewarded with commemorative prizes and wished to participate at the rally one more time which turns into traditional.
Vladimir Chagin, team leader of the KAMAZ-master Team,
Head of the International Project Silk Way Rally:
- Today we observed and rooted for our participants at the first ice race on the trucks and I am sure they will remember it for a long time. Moreover, the journalists of the main Russian media visited the competition, they helped to the achievements of our pilots. We would like to give a massive shout out to everyone! Yes, today is windy, but the weather is not a problem for us, the main thing is that we have a good mood. I congratulate everybody, we will continue to develop moto and auto sport in our country and in the world.
NikitaMazepin (Russia):
- The race track has more turns than in Formule, but generally, the circuit reminds a little Formule-1: there are straight long roads, slow turns. We should pay tribute to the organizers, I have never seen such a long ice track, which is very hard to construct. The truck is powerful, heavy, that’s why while driving you try to slow down just-in-time, because 10 ton truck inertia is very immense and it is necessary to plan slowdown earlier than I used to do.
Vladimir Vasiliev (Russia):
- Making these competitions is a great idea! I enjoyed it very much! It is well known that the truck has heavy weight and crankness, inertia which must be controlled. Generally, sports “KAMAZ” truck is driven as usual jeep, but only heavy one.
Dmitry Sotnikov (Russia):
- It was pressure from the competitors’ side, mainly in the second session, when we drove backwards. I felt how Arkady Tsaregradtsev got used to the track and I understood that he has already won one circuit. The trace changes, slide is adding and you have to you always have to search for some balance.
When I passed the first circle of the last circuit, I understood that the time was not bad and that’s why I was driving more joyful and relaxed. I am glad that all hard work is paid off because many people were involved in the preparation of the competition. I was entrusted to be on behalf of the team and I am happy to meet the expectations.
Martin Kolomi (Czech Republic):
- I am glad to come here, because my friends from “KAMAZ-master” team invited me. The race is perfect. Thank you very much for the invitation.
Hou Hongning (China):
I am so glad to be here, in Russia, and to participate in the competition on ice. Yesterday I trained a little bit and now have some skills of the driving on ice track, that will be my competition debut. I look forward to mastering myself as an athlete with the help of this competitions. I am very grateful to the “KAMAZ-master” team for provided opportunity.
Arkady Tsaregradtsev (Russia):
Great impressions, we are driving not bad, have little leg from Dmitry Sotnikov. What is more, I don’t understand where to catch up him! I guess it needs to spend more time on trainings with you and we will there.
