AGAINST ALL ODDS

AGAINST ALL ODDS

2020 is reaching its end and this year's edition of Ultrace is behind us already. The emotions and experiences of preparing for the event in such difficult conditions made us feel it was longer than it actually was. It consumed way more of our energy than any of the previous editions.It's been a few weeks since the end of September and we observe with disbelief how quickly the reality around us has changed. A month ago we were ready to complain that we did not have the same opportunities as in the previous year, that we did not have a chance to beat the previous edition. We have been doing this successfully for consecutive 9 years, but life teaches that every boom must come to an end. The global pandemic turned out to be a problem that could not be solved with more work and commitment. It completely changed the rules of the game, and we only could adapt.

It is November 24, another record is set in Poland, with over 37.000 infections. We are on the brink of another lockdown, any kind of gatherings are not allowed, even the Christmas eve gathering is limited to 5 persons only. Out of this perspective, this year’s edition seems to be an unrealistic dream. A month ago, we were having fun with several thousand people from all over Europe at our annual automotive celebration and we were concerned that only 500 drivers were able to join us. How trivial do these worries seem in the context of what we face right now?

Life has taught us to look at the results of our work in a completely different and more optimistic way. We are grateful that the year of our work has not been turned to dust and that we have managed to keep the consistency of our event going. Postponing the original date forced us to change the location to the International Congress Centre in Katowice. The most modern facility of this type in Poland gave us completely different possibilities but also raised many questions. How can we adapt the facility for the car show? Will we accommodate all comers and obtain the favor of local authorities? How can we solve logistic and transportation difficulties? We didn’t know the answers to these questions, we only knew that we would do it the best we could.

Fortunately, all the companies we worked with on arranging the rented space turned out to be professional so the Friday setup could run smoothly. Designating places for the majority of drivers also made it easier to find themselves in a new place. The new challenging over 200 square meter stage being build on our eyes let us feel that everything was going in the right direction. Hour by hour on Friday evening it became clear who had managed to get there and who had to stay at home despite strenuous attempts. The long-unseen faces of the boys from Lownatics, Flgntlt, Ilb Drivers Club, Kean Suspensions, Carswag, Eurocrew, Camber, Pipifein or Rad48 made us breathe a sigh of relief. That time I thought only ”we are doing it, now it has to work out” It was only when we went to sleep that we felt the relief. Cars and exhibitors were set in the place, the stage is ready, workers introduced to the briefing, the area was fenced, security guards instructed, platforms with cars ready, infographics and our pop-up store are also in their places. There was still fear at the back of the head about whether people would follow the sanitary regime, will no one ban our event a few hours before the gates are opened for the visitors.

On Saturday morning you could already feel the unique atmosphere of Ultrace in the air, this is the reason we were waiting for over a year and we stand for this challenge. Everyone came here to have fun, sleeplessly, and laugh all the time with good music and not worse cars around. In such circumstances, time passes inexorably and before we had a chance to see each other, we stood on stage to hand out TOP16 awards for the best of the best.

1. VW Caddy – @flygarage - Poland
2. Chevy 3100 – @autofinesse – United Kingdom
TOP4. Audi RS4 B5 – @rs_hardcore - Germany
TOP4. Porsche 356 – @daniel_3.5.6. - Germany
TOP8. Ferrari 308 GTB – @keansuspensions - Belgium
TOP8. Audi 100 - @audi.alx - Germany
TOP8. BMW E38 - @juraservis - Czech Rep.
TOP8. Audi 100 - @bartek.audi - Poland
TOP16. BMW E12 - @lowrider.at - Austria
TOP16. BMW E24 - @michael_e24m6 - Austria
TOP16. Audi A7 - @maxl_pipifein - Germany
TOP16. Ford Sierra - @dennis_hommel - Netherland
TOP16. Prelude - @kai_violent - Germany
TOP16. Skyline R34 - @martip34 - Poland
TOP16. Porsche 964 - @lowhannes_- Germany
TOP16. BMW E39 - @lukasso_540 - Poland

We are very proud that we were able to run this event for you, and that even Covid19 did not stop us. That we were given a chance to see you that only time in a whole year and to experience these unforgettable moments together to forget about the epidemic for a moment. We hope, to come back healthier in several months to show you what was in our plans which we were forced to adapt at the beginning of this year. At the moment it is still too early to say what’s next and what about the next edition. You can be sure of one thing, our commitment and determination to implement next year's event will not be less than this year's.