Track Racing on Motorist’s Day
October 29 at the Omsk motordrome was all about speed: local pilots closed the summer competition cycle with track races in ZAZ compacts and VAZ‑2108 hatchbacks — two domestic models that feel like old friends to many in Russia.
The sunny day turned the event into a truly spectacular motorsport celebration: the roar of engines, the precision of the drivers, and the familiar silhouettes of these cars made for a memorable finale.
Prologue
The summer motorsport calendar in Omsk was packed with events
The permanent host of these races is Master of Sports Alexander Fabritsius
Among the participants are trainees from the Olympic Reserve Sports School No. 3
Five compact cars were prepared for the Sunday race
Most pilots in this class are aged between 14 and 17
The sports festival kicked off with a solo run in a D3‑mini buggy
Compact Cars Battle
And now, “Zaporozhets” cars are lined up at the starting line
They are to complete five races, each consisting of three laps
The leader emerges quickly — but there’s no shortage of rivals to challenge him!
Skillfully controlling a drift in such a car is a special driving skill
There aren’t as many spectators as at the May races, but these are true motorsport fans
The unpretentious ZAZ‑968 family cars were mass‑produced from 1971 to 1994
In the hands of enthusiasts, these cars are still capable of delivering impressive performances
In the stands, spectators are eager to capture the race’s best moments
Speed, spectacle, and unpredictability are guaranteed!
The contrasting paintwork emphasizes the racing car’s dynamic character
Mechanical retirements do happen — that’s part of the sport!
But most participants successfully cross the finish line
Legendary “Eights”
The judges’ work today isn’t too demanding: almost no one deserves penalty points
VAZ‑2108 hatchbacks are now taking the start
There are only three pilots, but none of them intends to give up without a fight
For most of the races, the charismatic “Eight” with number 26 holds the lead…
…but that lead is far from uncontested
The track, briefly gripped by ice, becomes quite treacherous under the sun’s rays
According to the host, the car accounts for the first 50% of success, and the pilot delivers the remaining 50%
Many spectators came well prepared for their visit to the motordrome
The races on Motorist’s Day conclude in a bright and spectacular fashion
Awards Ceremony
The track is clearing out
The organizers are getting ready for the awards
The design of the podium underscores the very character of this sport
While the results are being tallied, kids are invited to try out some unusual bikes
Guests have time to examine the construction of the sports cars
Inside, there’s nothing superfluous, and much of it was built by the students of Olympic Reserve Sports School No. 3
Alina Torubara, who rode the buggy, received a commemorative gift
Nikita Shalygin was named the best pilot in the ZAZ class
In the VAZ car race, Tatyana Torubara from Azovo took first place
Kids want to take photos with the winner — this is how a love for motorsport begins
A colleague from Novosibirsk came to support her friend
Now it’s time to start preparing for the winter season, which promises to be just as exciting!
