Mikeš, Karhan, Fulín, Pekař and Kout, Czech stars shined at Racing Journal SpeedFest

07.08.2024 12:15

The Racing Journal SpeedFest at the Autodrom Most provided thrilling races and successes for Czech drivers this past weekend.

The diverse starting grid of Central European championships featured various categories, from sports and touring cars to Formula 4, where a new generation of racers is emerging. In the F4 CEZ series, spectators witnessed the triumphs of two local teenagers. Despite Oscar Wurz, the youngest son of former F1 driver and 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Alex Wurz, being the overall favourite and current leader, the young Austrian did not secure a victory this time. The home advantage favoured Miroslav Mikeš and Autoklub ČR representative Max Karhan, who will compete in this year's FIA Motorsport Games.

Mikeš, from the Czech team JMT Racing, maintained his lead from pole position to win his first Formula 4 race. Close behind was Karhan from the Swiss Jenzer Motorsport team, who celebrated his moment of glory in the third F4 race, fighting his way from fourth to first just a few laps before the finish. Karhan's second victory of the season underscored the success of Czech drivers in F4. Second race of the weekend was won by Kirill Kutskov. Also, for the first time, the newly represented F4 CEZ Academy club in AČR (Marek Mičík and Michelle Jandová) also participating.

The highlight of Saturday and Sunday's program was the GT sports cars, featuring touring car veteran Petr Fulín. The European champion switched to the more aerodynamic Audi LMS GT3, and despite considering the weekend as a test run, he achieved victories in both races during his debut with the German machine. The ESET Sprint GT boasted a varied field across several categories, with more Czech names emerging. Josef Záruba won his category in a Lamborghini SuperTrofeo on both Saturday and Sunday. Conversely, the one-hour endurance race was won by Slovak Gregor Zsigo and his Czech teammate Dennis Waszkem.

The biggest pre-weekend favourite was Tomáš Pekař in the Clio Cup. The multiple Renault Clio Cup series champion drove his orange car following collarbone surgery from a previous event in Slovakia. His physical setback did not hinder his quest for the top podium spot, and Pekař dominated both 25-minute races.

Adam Kout broke his wait for a first victory this season in the TCR Eastern Europe championship with a Hyundai Elantra. Kout had recorded four second-place finishes this year and often came close to winning, but it wasn't until now that he crossed the finish line first. A perfect start from ninth place, several overtaking manoeuvres, and by the end of the first lap, he was in the lead. Neither the safety car nor the red flags due to barrier repairs after a competitor's crash could shake his dominant position. Like Karhan, Kout represents Autoklub ČR and will participate in this year's FIA Motorsport Games. Also for the very fist time in the history of TCR Eastern Europe, young lady started from pole position. Jorden Dolischka inherited the first place on the grid of the second race thanks to the draw and finished ninth.

Last but not least, the weekend featured races with the small Renault Twingo cars. Although not as technologically impressive as the GT3 cars, the Twingo Cup offered plenty in terms of sporting excitement. Close, bumper-to-bumper battles are typical of these cup races. F4 CEZ Academy members Martin Knápek, František Němec and Michelle Jandová made their debuts at Most. Academy winner Knápek achieved the best result, driving a Twingo for the first time and in the rain. Within a few laps, he moved from 11th to 3rd place, and had it not been for the extended time behind the safety car, he might have advanced even further.

The Racing Journal SpeedFest delivered an exciting event from early morning to late afternoon. The racing weekend was partnered with the motorsport magazine Racing Journal.

 

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