Motorsport fans can cheer on the best of Hungarian rallying at the second WHB Győr Rally from 6-8 September. The Széchenyi István University’s campus will be one of the most exciting stages of the weekend. In addition to the spectacular circuit, the institution will also be hosting a technology-focused, motorsport-themed exhibition.

Last year, the WHB Győr Rally revived a long-standing tradition in the city, with the town centre stage involving the University proving hugely popular. The institution was delighted to join the event again this year, which is organised by TRP Hungary in cooperation with the Municipality of Győr, the National Rally Championship promoter HUMDA Hungarian Mobility Development Agency Ltd., a member of the Széchenyi University Group, and Mitko Hungary.

At the press conference on 3 September, it was announced that on 6 September, the cars will roll off the starting ramp at Dunakapu Square in the heart of Győr, and the square will host family events throughout the weekend. Another exciting venue in the city centre will be Széchenyi University, where a stage of the rally will take in the winding roads surrounding the buildings of the central campus. However, the University is not just joining the event with the track, its Vehicle Industry Research Centre is also organising an exciting motorsport-themed stand for spectators.

At the press conference of the 2nd WHB Győr Rally held at the town hall, it was said that even more exciting stages and special programmes than last year await the spectators between 6-8 September. (Photo by András Adorján)

The promoter of the National Rally Championship, Balázs Weingartner, President of the HUMDA Hungarian Mobility Development Agency Ltd., a member of the Széchenyi University Group, emphasized the importance of the support of the city and the university, and stated that thanks to the excellent cooperation a truly prestigious regional motorsport event has been created. He added that the high number of visitors, which they would like to increase this year, also demonstrated the success of the initiative.

"There is no other discipline where the organisers and spectators have to work so closely together," said Zoltán Szujó, President of the National Automobilsport Federation of Hungary (MNASZ), who sees one of the most important tasks of the organisers and promoters during the rally is ensuring the safety of the fans. He said that since December 2022, the Federation has been looking for partners with whom the cause of Hungarian motorsport can be raised to a higher level, and he is pleased that Széchenyi University is a partner in its development. "One of the best advertisements for automotive and technical training is the building and operation of a racing car. It is an attraction that may lead more young people to technical higher education, so we thank the University for its support," he stressed.

Zoltán Szujó also made an important announcement: the MNASZ has reached an agreement with Dr Barna Hanula, Associate Professor at Széchenyi István University, on future cooperation. The expert will help the association in its rule-making work and in developing a strategy for the safety of competitors and spectators.

According to Dr Attila Varga, Chairman of the MNASZ Rally Committee, the Győr Rally is the most regular and precise event, and they would like to surpass last year's successes with this year's event. "I can only express my gratitude to all those who are involved in this work. The city has shown so much love and enthusiasm, which is essential, and this motivates the organisers to create an event of the highest quality," he said.

Tamás Őry, Chairman of the Organising Committee, said that they have been working on the event for eight months, with a total of 500 people ensuring that the Győr Rally is an event of international standard. "We listened to the feedback from last year and tried to improve the event. The two most popular stages - the Rábaring and the town centre stage - will be held on two separate days this year, the former on Saturday and the latter on Sunday. A significant change is that we have moved the centre of the race to Dunakapu Square in the centre of Győr, with a start and finish ramp, a supporters' zone and family activities," he said. He also mentioned, that thanks to a recent agreement, depending on the success of this year's event, it will be possible to go up a level and the Győr Rally could even become the international Mitropa Cup next year.

Dr Ferenc Szauter, Head of Vehicle Industry Research Center at Széchenyi István University, said the weekend would be a celebration of motorsport for the institution. "We are preparing a special technology-focused, family-friendly event. Our student racing teams - including the Arrabona Racing Team and the world record-breaking SZEnergy Team - will be making their debut, and there will be a range of activities for adults and children alike," he said. He added that, as well as entertainment, the aim is to help people find their way around the track. "We want to contribute to the training of young people in motorsport and to help young people to see their future in motorsport," he said.

Representing Győr, Mayor Dr Csaba András Dézsi said that the Győr Rally is a popular initiative, which is loved by the people of the city. "It's not enough to create something; you have to be able to sustain success. It's fantastic to hear how this event is developing, because if the event were to become part of an international motor sport circuit, it would raise the standard and importance of the city," he said. In closing, he highlighted safety and asked for the cooperation of spectators to ensure an accident-free event.

Kristóf Klausz, who holds a degree in Vehicle Engineering from Széchenyi University, was already looking forward to the rally last year, but his team with Tamás Papp failed to deliver the expected result. "Unfortunately, we didn't finish last year, but this year we are even more motivated. We are determined to reach the city stage and our goal is a podium finish," he said.

The race programme for 6-8 September, the road closures involved and all further information can be found at https://gyorrally.hu/en/whb-gyor-rally/.