The annual GUM AutoRally recently took place, with Roscongress Sport Club entering two cars in the event – a 1970 VAZ 2101 and a GAI vehicle dating from 1978. This year’s event was dedicated to the 50-year anniversary of the Zhiguli (Lada). Around 100 teams driving various Zhiguli models took part in the rally, which began at Vasilevsky Spusk to the chimes of the Kremlin Clock.
Mikhail Kusnirovich, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Bosco di Ciliegi Group was at the event to greet the drivers of these unique Soviet-era cars, as was AvtoVaz President Yves Caracatzanis, who also took the wheel of one of the very first VAZ-2101 models. Popular actor and television presenter Ivan Urgant started the rally, which was also visited by Chief Executive Officer of the Roscongress Foundation Alexander Stuglev.
The 80-km route took the drivers through the centre of Russia’s capital, as they attempted to uncover clues to secret control points and reach them on time. The GUM AutoRally is referred to as a navigators’ event, because success largely hinges on their skills and calculation.
The event, which was first held in 2014, is today Russia’s biggest and most spectacular competition featuring Soviet-era cars manufactured before 1991.
