Krzysztof Hołowczyc and Łukasz Kurzeja (MINI JCW Rally 3.0i) dominated the first pass of the special stage at the Drawsko Pomorskie military proving grounds, setting a blistering pace that none of their rivals could match. The nearly 150-kilometer morning stage significantly shook up the standings in various series and proved unlucky for several frontrunners.
FIA European Cup (EBC): Hołowczyc Builds His Lead
In the premier international classification, Hołowczyc and Kurzeja left their rivals no chance. They clocked in with an advantage of 6 minutes and 7 seconds over the second-placed crew, Michał and Julita Małuszyński, in the sister MINI. The stage podium was completed by Martin Kaczmarski and Hugo Magalhaes (Toyota Hilux Overdrive), who finished nearly 8 minutes behind the leaders.
Problems plagued other top contenders. Włodzimierz Grajek (Toyota Hilux, co-driver: Michał Goleniewski), despite suffering a puncture, managed to hold on to fourth place on the stage. Significantly more time was lost by Benediktas Vanagas (Toyota Hilux, co-driver: Aisvydas Paliukenas); the Lithuanian driver was forced to stop on the stage to change a wheel due to a damaged shock absorber and a puncture.
Polish Championship (RMPST): A Fierce Battle Behind the Leader
In the national championship classification, just as in the European Cup, Hołowczyc and Kurzeja solidified their lead. The fight behind them, however, was even more intense. The Małuszyńskis took second place, but Mariusz Wiatr and Artur Janda (Ford F150) moved up to third, finishing just 4.6 seconds behind the runners-up. Maciej Giemza and Rafał Marton (Polaris RZR PRO R ULTIMATE) clocked in with the fourth-fastest time.
Leaders in a number of classes:
- In the Challenger (T3) class, Adam Kuś and Dmytro Tsyro (Taurus T3 Maxx) proved to be the fastest.
- The SSV (T4) class was dominated by Maciej Giemza and Rafał Marton (Polaris RZR PRO R ULTIMATE).
- Among the production-based cars ( Stock, T2 group), Grzegorz Szwagrzyk and Paweł Wojtczak (Mitsubishi Pajero) took the lead in the RMPST classification.
Motorcycles and Quads: Piątek Takes the Lead
In the motorcycle competition of the Polish Baja Rallies Championship (MPRB), Kamil Piątek (GasGas ECF) showed excellent pace, building a lead of nearly three minutes over Grzegorz Antoniak (KOVE 800 Rally). In the MPRB quad category, Adam Krysiak (Polaris Scrambler XP 1000S) became the new leader.
In the Polish Cup (PPRB), Marek Sadowski (Husqvarna 450 Replica) moved to the top of the motorcycle class, while Wojciech Biedroń (Polaris Sportsman) leads the quad class.
CROSS COUNTRY CUP (PCC): A TIGHT BATTLE IN SSVs
In the Cross Country Cup, the Drawsko Pomorskie stage was best handled by Daniel Kocęba and Krzysztof Molendowicz (Can-Am Maverick R). Just a minute behind them were Krzysztof and Dariusz Gołębiowski (Polaris RZR PRO R), with Adam Goński and Michał Małek (Can-Am Maverick X3) completing the podium, one minute and 11 seconds behind the leaders.
COLUMNA MEDICA BAJA POLAND – OVERALL CLASSIFICATION AFTER OS1:
- Hołowczyc/Kurzeja (POL/POL, X-raid MINI JCW Rally 3.0i) 1:29:45.2 s
- Małuszyński/Małuszyńska (POL/POL, X-raid MINI JCW Rally 3.0i) +6:07.4 s
- Wiatr/Janda (POL/POL, Ford F150) +6:12.0 s
- Giemza/Marton (POL/POL, Polaris RZR PRO R ULTIMATE) +8:02.7 s
- Grajek/Goleniewski (POL/POL, Toyota Hilux) +8:24.5 s
- Gąsiorowski/Szałęga (POL/POL, Polaris RZR Pro R) +9:30.6 s
- Kościuszko/Syty (POL/POL, Polaris RZR PRO R ULTIMATE) +9:55.4 s
- Kus/Tsyro (POL/UKR, Taurus T3 Maxx) +10:06.2 s
- Kotwica/Jędrzejewski (POL/POL, Taurus T3 Maxx) +11:01.7 s
- Gałecki/Ragiel (POL/POL, Can-Am Maverick X3) +12:52.5 s
