Join the cutting-edge world of motorsport and technological innovation at the fourth annual New Energies Rallye Český Krumlov—a truly unique event in the Czech Republic that seamlessly merges competitive racing with showcasing the latest in alternative propulsion development to both enthusiasts and the general public.
This year, MOTOR JIKOV GROUP's official team fielded two vehicles from their extensive, CNG-equipped corporate fleet, which has already clocked over two million kilometers. The team selected proven performer Volkswagen Passat TSI EcoFuel and the exciting new ŠKODA Octavia G-TEC, driven by Jan Kocourek with navigator Václav Urbánek. Having participated in all four editions, Jan Kocourek offers valuable insights into the event's evolution: “It's clear that interest in the New Energies Rallye is growing. The starting list was longer, and competition more fierce. This increased prestige is also reflected in our first-ever start from Žižkovo náměstí in Tábor,” he remarked.
More than thirty vehicles competed, including innovative models like the CNG-powered Ford Raptor SVT, electric BMW i8, and Porsche Panamera—all outrun by our team. “Our goal was precision driving, which is crucial in rallying. Given our position in the top half of the leaderboard, I believe we accomplished that,” said Kocourek, the only driver behind the wheel of a Czech brand vehicle.
The Eco-vehicle race in Český Krumlov, aiming to highlight advances in alternative propulsion technologies, kicked off with a star-shaped departure from Tábora, Třeboně, and Freistadt in Austria. Teams from these locations headed to Český Krumlov, starting the first stage of the event—a precision rally on a route timed to the hundredth of a second, with penalties for deviations. The rally continued with a second stage of over 100 kilometers, combining city driving, precision tests, secret checkpoints, and segments on the main rally route, testing both consistency and speed.
Amidst the competition, female MOTOR JIKOV team members Andrea Homolová and Lenka Mikulenková were joined by driver Lukáš Vosecký on the first day, who praised the increasing difficulty and professionalism of the event: “The organization is improving year by year, and the challenges are tougher. For the first time this year, we had to complete two tasks in one precision test, and secret accuracy tests were introduced, not listed in the itinerary,” he explained. Vosecký also appreciated the organizers’ efforts to enhance facilities for competitors.
What makes New Energies Rallye Český Krumlov truly accessible is that anyone with a driver’s license owning an electric, hybrid, CNG, LPG, ethanol, methanol, or hydrogen vehicle can participate—bringing sustainability and innovation directly to the race track.
