29th Sopot–Gdynia Hillclimb set for August showdown
The coastal cities of Sopot and Gdynia will host the 29th Grand Prix Sopot–Gdynia on 14–16 August, serving as rounds 11 and 12 of the Polish Hillclimb Championship (GSMP). The event will draw 67 competitors to one of Poland's most distinctive motorsport fixtures, with the weekend marking a crucial juncture in the season's title fight.
Drivers will tackle a 3-kilometre course running from Brodwino to Wielki Kaczek, where top competitors average 135 km/h and the fastest cars exceed 220 km/h on the exit from the roundabout at the Brodwino estate. The penultimate round of the championship carries particular weight for drivers seeking to remain in contention for the titles, with precision and pace both essential on the short, fast layout.
The entry list reflects the breadth of Polish hillclimb racing. Notable competitors include Sebastian Stec (Ford Fiesta), Marek Nieckarza (Mercedes-Benz W207), Maciej Kornasia (Toyota GR Yaris), and Konrad Wróbel (Ford Fiesta Proto). The grid will also feature Bartłomiej Madziara and Jakub Kozioł in Lamborghini Huracán ST Evo2s, alongside Mitsubishi Lancers, Škoda Fabias, BMWs, Porsches, and historic vehicles. Local representation from Sopot Automobile Club will include Leszek Orzechowski, Marcin Strocen, Paweł Wasilonek, Robert Zubrzycki, and Chrystian Zaleski.
Saturday's action begins at 10:00 with two practice runs, followed by two timed runs for round 11 from 14:00. Sunday opens with practice at 08:30, with round 12 commencing at 11:30 and concluding by 15:00. Prize presentations will take place at 15:30 at Kolberg roundabout, with the weekend's closing ceremony scheduled for 18:30 at the Concert Shell on Kuracyjny Square. Friday will feature vehicle inspections at Ergo Arena and the First Sopot Road Safety Festival from 15:00, with a parade of competing cars through the city at 19:45.
The Grand Prix Sopot–Gdynia has run since 1998, when Rafał Podolski won the inaugural edition in a Reynard 913 with 48 starters. Nearly three decades later, the event remains one of Poland's few venues where spectators can watch racing cars at high speed in the heart of a seaside resort.