This year’s celebrations marking 125 years of Škoda Motorsport moved to Sosnová in mid-May, where a special programme full of exceptional cars from the rich history of the Škoda brand and interesting guests was prepared during the Sosnová Classic event. Representatives of the car manufacturer also invited selected fans of RS models to a spectacular gathering. The participants enjoyed a visit to the Škoda Motorsport workshops, a parade lap session and, for some, an intense experience alongside a World Champion.
The unique RS Fans Meet-up event welcomed not only local RS owners but also owners from across Europe. The event, conceived as a thank-you to our fans for their loyalty, ultimately welcomed 25 cars. Seeing so much enthusiasm concentrated in one place was an experience for us as well.
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The event’s packed program kicked off in Mladá Boleslav, where fans had an exclusive opportunity to visit the sleeping beauties at the Škoda Museum or get a behind-the-scenes look at the champions’ workshop facilities at Škoda Motorsport. From Mladá Boleslav, the entire convoy moved to Sosnová, where the participants enjoyed a parade lap around the local circuit. “It’s a great opportunity to meet colleagues from other countries and get to know each other face to face,” said Przemek Miłobędzki, who arrived from Mazovia, Poland, with his meticulously refined Octavia RS Combi.
The parade lap session was also overseen by legendary driver Václav Blahna, who played a significant role in the fame of the RS models. In 1977, it was he who led the now legendary class one-two victory for the Škoda 130 RS at the Rallye Monte-Carlo. Following the parade lap session, each participant had the opportunity to take their car for a spin on the Sosnová circuit. “I really enjoyed driving on the circuit. I gave it my all and I even slightly messed up one corner because I was so excited,” beamed Zoran Petrovič, who arrived from Slovenia together with his girlfriend in a grey liftback version of the current Octavia RS.
Peter Hawthorn, one of the participants from Great Britain, also attended together with his partner. He was among several lucky participants who exchanged the seat of their own car for the hot seat of the co-driver in a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 special. Behind the wheel was none other than World Champion Andreas Mikkelsen. “I am speechless. I had to catch my breath for a bit afterward,” Peter shouted with excitement, revealing that he already owns six RS models. “As soon as I get home, I’ll start building a rally special. I need that kind of speed in my life,” he joked (perhaps) while proudly showing a model of the Fabia RS Rally2 signed by Andreas Mikkelsen.
Gems in the pit
Those who were not riding alongside Mikkelsen could at least chat with another World Champion, Emil Lindholm. Alternatively, they could closely inspect the cars of the other participants and talk with their owners. Considerable attention was drawn, for example, by a first-generation Octavia RS in a special edition celebrating 100 years of Škoda Motorsport. The original-condition example was brought by Pavel Koblása from Děčín. “It is a beauty and attracts attention. In fact, during the photo session here, hardly anyone wanted to stand next to me because all the attention was focused on this car,” Pavel laughed.
And he was certainly not the only one with a reason to smile. The RS Fans Meet-up was not just a showcase of fast cars from Mladá Boleslav. It was a celebration of a strong community united by a passion for the brand, engineering, tradition and, above all, speed. We are incredibly pleased that the RS badge continues to inspire such enormous passion, which, even after 125 years, continues to drive motorsport at Škoda forward. Thank you all.
