M. Shmyrev Memorial Autocross Starts Today in Vitebsk

April 23, Vitebsk / Sergey Kochetov - BELTA /. The traditional autocross in memory of Hero of the Soviet Union Minay Shmyrev starts today in Vitebsk, Vasily Korobov, chairman of the regional DOSAAF organization, told a BELTA correspondent. The competitions will be the first stage of the Belarusian Autocross Championship. About 40 athletes from Belarus and Russia have gathered in Vitebsk, who will determine the strongest in four car classes. Among the participants are the 2009 Russian Autocross Champion Andrey Yakunchenko, as well as four young drivers in the D1 "Junior" class. The races will take place in the suburb of the regional center, Tulovo, on a 1.3 km track, which allows 16 cars to participate in the heats simultaneously. Today, participants in the D1 "Junior" and "National-2000" classes will start. On April 24, the final heats in the D1 and D2 classes will take place. Spectators will not be bored: as promised by the race organizers, the intense competition on the track can be observed not only from the ground but also from the air. Sightseeing flights on Mi-2 helicopters from the Vitebsk aeroclub, as well as demonstration performances by paratroopers, will be organized for the residents of Vitebsk and guests of the city. The winners and prize-winners of the competition will be awarded cups, medals, and diplomas. -0-