At the Visitor Center in Kumrovec, the 14. Motul Rally Kumrovec was announced at a press conference. The event will be held from September 4 to 6. This marks a major step forward in the organization of the rally, which has repeatedly been awarded as the best-organized rally in Croatia. It is also an event that positions Croatia at the very top of the European rally scene, as confirmed by the ERC Croatia Rally, which will take place a month later and will partly run on the same stages in Hrvatsko Zagorje.

The organizer, Auto Klub Delta Sport from Zagreb, in cooperation with Krapina-Zagorje County, the municipalities of Kumrovec, Zagorska Sela, Tuhelj and Veliko Trgovišće, the City of Klanjec, and Terme Tuhelj, has prepared a program that brings numerous novelties and attractive stages.

What’s new for competitors?

• The Power Stage on the Zagorska Sela – Kumrovec course has been recognized by WRC teams as the most attractive of its kind in the world. It promises to be the highlight of this adrenaline-filled spectacle.
• A completely new stage between Veliko Trgovišće and Klanjec will pass through several villages, offering diverse road configurations and excellent viewing conditions for spectators, while also contributing to tourism promotion.

At the press conference, the participation of 96 crews from nine European countries was announced, clearly showing the rally’s growing international significance and readiness for the upcoming European Rally Championship.

The competition has undergone significant changes compared to previous years. A month after Rally Kumrovec, the ERC Croatia Rally will also be held in this area, so this year’s edition is being used as a test of both old and new stages, while also giving local residents a preview of what rallying looks like ahead of the European Championship and the World Championship in 2026 and 2027. The event kicks off on Friday with a Shakedown in Kumrovec, from the former Political School to the legendary elementary school playground, followed by two stages in Tuhelj. On Saturday, the second day of competition, the rally will continue on two routes: from Veliko Trgovišće to Klanjec, and from Zagorska Sela to Kumrovec – announced Željko Štefanić, secretary of AK Delta Sport, the organizer.

Rally Kumrovec has been repeatedly awarded by the Croatian Automobile and Karting Federation (HAKS) as the best-organized event in the A03 – autorally discipline within the Croatian Championship.

The Croatian Automobile and Karting Federation is always pleased when motorsport organization is carried out at this level. The 14th edition of Motul Rally Kumrovec proves that this competition is becoming, if not the best, then certainly one of the best-organized rallies in Croatia and beyond. Kumrovec has also supported Croatia Rally, which had its finale here for four consecutive years, and we have continuously worked on building strong ties with the local community and county, to whom I express my gratitude on behalf of HAKS president Robert Markt and myself – emphasized Kruno Horvat, Secretary General of HAKS.

Krapina-Zagorje County has been working for a decade and a half on positioning itself on the European sports map, and rally is one of the best promoters of this part of Croatia.

I want to thank the team from Auto Klub Delta Sport who created Rally Kumrovec and brought it to our region — Kumrovec, Zagorska Sela, Tuhelj, and now Veliko Trgovišće and my Klanjec. Bringing WRC to Croatia can be compared to organizing a Formula 1 race at Grobnik — something we may never experience. Our support for Motul Rally Kumrovec and Croatia Rally is the best possible investment in promoting Krapina-Zagorje County. The number of people following WRC and rally worldwide is extraordinary, and through them Croatia and our county gain global recognition. With 96 crews from nine countries already entered, this rally will certainly attract fans and can be considered a general rehearsal for the European Championship, where we expect entries from around twenty countries. This is also an opportunity for additional tourism and economic promotion, especially as Krapina-Zagorje County carries the title of European Entrepreneurial Region for 2025, said Željko Kolar, Prefect of Krapina-Zagorje County.

The rally is also expected to be accompanied by attractive gastronomic and tourist offerings, with a strong focus on spectator safety. The organizing team anticipates a large audience, and the event is seen as a perfect overture to the upcoming continental competitions.

We are looking forward to the 14th Motul Rally here in Kumrovec. Over the years, we have proven ourselves as great hosts, together with the towns and municipalities that join us each year. We continue to upgrade this story, with more and more crews from across Europe. We are also proud that this event has paved the way for WRC to come to Croatia. Special thanks go to Auto Klub Delta Sport and everyone involved. Kumrovec has for years been the most attractive Croatia Rally finale for fans, not only in Croatia but in the wider region. I thank Krapina-Zagorje County for their cooperation, as well as our local associations, especially firefighters, who ensure safety here in Kumrovec. As always, there will be plenty of food, entertainment, and something for everyone — with motorsport as the main attraction bringing in the crowds, added Robert Šplajt, Mayor of Kumrovec.

A new stage will also be run between Veliko Trgovišće and Klanjec.

I am glad that our town has joined Rally Kumrovec with a very attractive stage from Veliko Trgovišće to Lučelnica, with varied road configurations. This makes Rally Kumrovec even more exciting, and the area is ideal for spectators, with many safe positions to watch. For us, this competition is primarily about promoting our town and region. I wish the organizers success and a smooth event, concluded Zlatko Brlek, Mayor of Klanjec.

Zagorska Sela has long been one of the regular locations in the Rally Kumrovec itinerary, as well as the starting point of the world-famous Power Stage of Croatia Rally.

This year’s expansion of the rally route proves that we are all doing a great job together. Safety of spectators is our top priority, and there is always enough space for people to watch comfortably and securely. This event significantly contributes to the branding of our tourist destination, which is our main goal for participating. I invite all spectators to come and enjoy this motorsport spectacle, while taking care of their safety and the environment. Let’s all leave the area clean so we can continue to enjoy this event in the future. I wish the organizers a successful competition and may the best crew win, emphasized Ksenija Krivec Jurak, Mayor of Zagorska Sela.

Rally Kumrovec is becoming increasingly important on the European rally scene, combining its traditional stages with new and attractive routes. Emotion, speed, and international competition are coming to Croatia, with the start of the race fast approaching.