Preparations began long before the races. The official organizers of the competitions were: Lepel District Executive Committee, the inter-district DOSAAF structure, and the BRSM district committee.
Preparations began long before the races. The official organizers of the competitions were: Lepel District Executive Committee, the inter-district DOSAAF structure, and the BRSM district committee.
On the eve of the event, by decision of the District Executive Committee, DRBU-20 allocated an "Amkador" vehicle. It was necessary to give the race track the required appearance. Over the year, the track had become overgrown with bushes and grass in places, and the turns had changed their outlines. Most importantly, a large puddle had dried up, where about ten vehicles had gotten stuck last year.
And for the spectators, one of the most interesting moments is watching how the crews overcome obstacles.
In one section, a stream flows across the track. It was dammed by pushing a mound of earth with a bucket. Water accumulated, forming a large puddle that could be forded, or in case of unfortunate circumstances, get stuck in. In short, efforts were made to ensure that both the racers tested themselves and their vehicles to the maximum, and the spectators received the expected spectacle. I recall it was equipped with an American Chevrolet Blazer engine with a displacement of over three and a half liters... The engine only lasted for a couple of races. It was beyond repair. Now it has a two-liter BMW engine. So far, it hasn't failed. Otherwise, the car is the same. It might seem not bad, but one wants better. The navigator is Lyosha Kazheka.
Another significant figure in the Lepel races is Viktor Chaplinski from Grigorevichi. In four years, he has not missed a single start. Once, he even won a special prize "For the Will to Win." Viktor began preparing for the starts half a month in advance, however, by his own admission, even this time was not enough. He neglected all his household chores, which, of course, his wife did not look upon with enthusiasm.
He rebuilt the car again. The frame and transmission are from a Romanian ARO jeep, which were once produced and enjoyed deserved popularity. The engine is from a UAZ. However, it's not a standard one, but a specialized one with a displacement of three liters. The combination turned out to be so successful that the vehicle took off from a standstill instantly, earning it the nickname "Bullet" from other racers. It didn't matter that the pilot, who was also the chief mechanic, hadn't managed to install the windshield. Earth from under the wheels hit the racers.
Next to Viktor at all stages was his loyal friend and navigator Ivan Kavalevski.
The first day, following established tradition, was dedicated to the trial – an obstacle course driving event in sections. Not everyone dared to enter some sections, especially seeing their predecessors emerge with car bodies scraped by bushes and branches. One section featured a particularly difficult, tricky turn with an incline. No one managed to conquer it except the crew of Chaplinski/Kavaleuski. True, their car didn't drive through it – they skimmed the difficult stretch, with literally only one wheel touching the ground!
The second day was the most spectacular – a carousel race. Four heats of nine laps each were quite demanding for all the racers. While the puddle was navigated without strain in the first heat, in the last one it was so churned up that several cars got stuck.
The author is always surprised by women's interest in car racing and jeep trials in particular. One can understand men. Many are born "with a wrench in their hands" and "gasoline instead of blood." We are interested, if not in participating, then at least in watching the races. However, in terms of spectator numbers and the fervour of support, women and girls are in no way inferior to men.
Sergei Lyonenka's car malfunctioned several times in both the trial and the carousel race, yet the driver and navigator repeatedly brought it back to life and to the starting grid.
Viktor Chaplinski's jeep performed exceptionally well, leaving rivals behind to eat the leader's dust time and again. Suddenly – a breakdown, the ignition coil, overloaded with electricity, became temperamental. Viktor turned to his fellow Lepel residents nearby for help. Within 15-20 minutes, they brought him four coils – choose one! He installed it and headed for the start.
Literally on the last lap, the accelerator cable snapped. Ivan Kavaleuski adjusted the engine speed with pliers – the car reached the finish line on its own, securing the racers third prize place in the "Sprint B-1" class.
According to the race results, the Lyonenka/Kazheka crew took fourth place. However, in the absolute standings, which included points for all exercises and standards, they secured a prize third place.
At the summing-up and award ceremony, the Lepel residents were met with another surprise. Or rather, two.
The Chaplinski/Kavaleuski crew was awarded a special prize for audience sympathy. This is where the support of several thousand fans proved invaluable.
The Lyonenka/Kazheka crew was awarded the prize "For the Will to Win." On their home ground, the Lepel residents proved that they fight for victory even when the chances of achieving it are almost gone.
The winners were the following athletes: in the Sprint B1 category – Yury Titov and Ivan Lyashchinski from Minsk driving a “Mitsubishi-Pagero”; in the Sprint B2 category – Ivan and Svetlana Kuzminykh from Grodno driving a “Bobby-Willys”, who also led in the Sprint Absolute category; and the crew of Sergey Shik / Alexey Ermalkevich from Minsk driving a “Nissan-Patrol” won in the Trial B2 and Trial Absolute categories.
All participants and guests unanimously noted the high level of competition preparation and the hospitality of the Lepel land. Late in the evening, and some only in the morning, they set off on their return journey, taking with them the warmest memories and impressions.
Vasily Matyrka