The organizers of the 16th Limanowa Hill Climb – Przełęcz pod Ostrą, from the Auto Moto Klub Limanowa, are thrilled with this year’s turnout. An impressive 117 drivers have registered for the event kicking off on Friday, July 18. Competitors are arriving from the Czech Republic, Croatia, France, Spain, North Macedonia, Serbia, Switzerland, Hungary, Italy, and of course, Poland.

The event, taking place from July 18–20, serves as Round 7 of the FIA European Hill Climb Championship (FIA EHC) and also hosts Rounds 7 and 8 of the Polish Hill Climb Championship (GSMP).

Bogdan Pałka, President of AMK Limanowa and Race Director, stated:
“When we look at the entry lists, we notice many familiar names. It’s rewarding to see that both international and Polish drivers love to return here. They appreciate the hard work of our club members and friends in organizing the event, as well as the unique atmosphere, safe and beautiful route, and the hospitality of the local community – to whom we express our sincere thanks. Of course, such a large international motorsport event would not be possible without the goodwill, understanding, and support of local authorities at every level – from regional, county, and municipal, to village councils along the race route. Our thanks also go to the uniformed services and colleagues from friendly automobile clubs who help ensure smooth and safe proceedings.”

FIA EHC

The entry list features 35 drivers from 10 countries, which aligns with the average turnout for the FIA EHC. Limanowa will once again welcome the full roster of title contenders across overall and group standings.

The race will feature track record holder and seven-time winner Christian Merli (ITA, Nova Proto NP. 01), the current Category 2 (open-wheel prototypes) leader. He will be joined by second-placed Kevin Petit (FRA, Nova Proto NP01) and third-placed veteran Fausto Bormolini (ITA, Reynard K02), who, together with Igor Stefanovski, competed in one of Limanowa’s first FIA EHC rounds.

In Category 1 (closed-body cars), all three title contenders will be present:

• O’Play (ITA, Mitsubishi Lancer) – current leader
• Igor Stefanovski (MKD, Ferrari 488 Challenge) – second place
• Luis Antonio Penido Lopez (ESP, Renault Clio RS CUP EVO) – third overall after six rounds

Among the Polish drivers competing in the full FIA EHC series are:

• Grzegorz Rożalski, 2024 Polish Champion, winner of one round this season (Spain), and three-time “Best Performer” title holder. Driving a 1000+ hp Mitsubishi Lancer, he will go up against strong rivals such as Ronnie Bratschi (CZE, Mitsubishi Lancer), Reto Meisel (SUI, Mercedes-Benz SLK 340), Domagoj Pereković (CRO, Mitsubishi Lancer), and fellow Poles Karol Krupa (Skoda Fabia CT) and Szymon Piękoś (Mitsubishi Lancer). Krupa remains the only Pole to reach the overall podium at Limanowa’s EHC round – taking third in 2022.

Other Polish FIA EHC participants include:

• Sebastian Stec (Ford Fiesta), 2nd in class at the 2021 FIA Hill Climb Masters in Braga
• Krzysztof Czaja (Nissan Sunny N-14)
• Wojciech Bejgerowski (Mitsubishi Lancer)
• Maciej Serafin (Seat Leon Supercopa), two-time FIA EHC group winner
• Maciej Hawro (Honda Integra)

GSMP

The entry lists for Rounds 7 and 8 of the Polish Hill Climb Championship (GSMP) also feature all top contenders for season titles across general, group, and class standings. Out of the 89 total entries, 64 drivers will compete in GSMP, and 25 in GSMP Historic. The host club AMK Limanowa will be represented by 11 drivers.

In Category 2 (open-wheelers), there is a single entrant: Gabriel Kubit (Automobilklub Biecki, ADR 3 Mugen).

In Category 1, the current overall standings after six rounds are:

• Sebastian Stec (Automobilklub Polski, Ford Fiesta) – 118 pts, 3 wins
• Sebastian Matuszewski (S.S.S. Automobilklub Orski, Lotus Exige) – 106 pts, 1 win
• Maciej Kornaś (Automobilklub Kielecki, Toyota Yaris) – 69 pts
• Bartłomiej Madziara (Automobilklub Wielkopolski, Lamborghini Huracan ST EVO2) – 67 pts
• Roman Baran (Automobilklub Rzeszowski, Mitsubishi Lancer) – 54 pts

The 2023 Polish Champion Waldemar Kluza (Automobilklub Beskidzki) will also make an appearance, driving a Lamborghini Huracan on a one-off basis.

In the Women’s Cup, regular contenders Natalia Kluza, Martyna Serafin, Aleksandra Gorczyca, and Martyna Księżyk will be joined by Julia Strzelichowska (AMK Tarnowski), whose race-spec Honda Civic was the subject of her thesis titled “Team Identity in Motorsport.”

Fans – who traditionally gather in the tens of thousands in Stara Wieś, where the start line is located – will have a chance to meet drivers during the Technical Scrutineering on Friday, July 18, which is open to the public.

On Saturday, training runs will begin at 8:00 AM, and on Sunday, the first race cars will hit the course at 9:00 AM.

Strategic Partner: Małopolska Region

Łukasz Smółka, Marshal of the Małopolska Region:
“I am delighted to be the honorary patron of this race, and that the Małopolska Region has contributed financially as its Strategic Partner.
As always, the Limanowa Hill Climb – Przełęcz pod Ostrą will attract many motorsport enthusiasts to the route, who have been supporting this event for years. The Auto Moto Klub Limanowa, with its vast experience, guarantees a professionally organized competition.

Małopolska is the perfect place for active tourism and enjoying nature’s most beautiful landscapes. I believe the 16th Limanowa Hill Climb – Przełęcz pod Ostrą will be an exciting spectacle for spectators and a chance for drivers to showcase their exceptional skills.
I also hope this event serves as an invitation to explore Małopolska and participate in the wide range of sports, recreational, and cultural events our region has to offer.”

Live coverage of the event will be available via the official website: www.wysciggorski.pl, including access to a dedicated YouTube channel, Race Radio on 90.8 FM, and live timing at www.wyniki-online.pl.

 

[press release]