Sometimes, the road feels a little less crowded. The noise softens. The pressure eases. But the lessons? They speak just as loudly.
After the intense and emotional ride in the Czech Republic, the Balkans competition felt like a deep breath—a chance to regroup, refocus, and rediscover the rhythm of racing.
A Different Kind of Energy
With fewer teams and a more relaxed pace, the Balkans welcomed us with open arms and fewer logistical headaches. No overcrowded pits, no frantic coordination. Just clean workspaces, clear communication, and a sense of calm we hadn’t felt in a while.
In many ways, it was the perfect environment for our team to truly settle into competition mode.
Ready from the Start
Having already battled through the technical challenges in the Czech Republic, DR-04 rolled into the Balkans better prepared—stronger, more reliable, and finally starting to show its full potential.
Technical inspection? A breeze. A few tweaks here and there, but nothing major. That early green light gave us what we lacked last time: time. Time to prepare, to strategize, and to finally focus on performance.
Smooth Sailing (Almost)
Static events unfolded like clockwork—predictable and polished. There were no curveballs, no last-minute scrambles. It was the kind of experience every team hopes for: simple, clear, professional.
But racing, as we know, always has a twist.
The Heat of the Moment
We were set to complete all dynamic events — and we did, right up until the final one: endurance.
Everything was aligned. The drivers were ready. The car felt strong.
But sometimes, even the best preparations can’t prevent the unexpected. Just laps into the first driver’s stint, an overheating issue forced the engine into shutdown mode. The race was over before it had truly begun.
A bitter moment, for sure. But one we’ll remember.
What It Meant
Unlike the chaotic energy of larger competitions, the Balkans gave us something else: clarity. It was a quieter chapter in our season, but it reminded us that calm doesn’t equal easy. That even with everything in place, the smallest issue can change everything.
And yet—we wouldn’t change a thing. Because this is how we learn. How we evolve. How we sharpen the edge for the next race.
Looking Ahead
We may not have finished endurance, but we finished stronger as a team. And every hour spent at the Balkans added something meaningful to our journey — patience, resilience, and a whole lot of memories!
The Balkans competition wasn’t the victory lap we hoped for, but it was a reminder of why we keep racing : not just for results, but for growth. With every challenge behind us, we now look forward to the next season with renewed focus and a stronger team.
