Barum Czech Rally Zlín 

Barum Rally is almost ready

23. 7. 2019 - Evžen Gargulák

It is less than a month until the start of the 49th Barum Czech Rally Zlín 2019, and the last preparatory work is underway. The organizers are working hard to ensure that everything is working, not only organization wise but above all, safety-wise. Another press conference took place in the middle of July on the campus of Tomas Bata University in Zlín.

The University of Zlín has been a significant partner for nine years. Although it does not actively participate in organizing the Barum Rally, it provides facilities mainly for the press center, which is located in the building of the Rector's Office. "Tomas Bata University is pleased to be involved in the two most important events taking place in Zlín. It is a film festival and the Barum Rally. We are only slightly involved in the Barum Rally, but we are happy to provide facilities for organizers. From our side, we can only wish the Barum rally another successful year," said RNDr. Alexander Černý, Bursar of the Tomas Bata University.

Preparing a motorsport event of such importance brings many challenges that the organizers have to deal with. This year's event coincides with another major cultural event that will attract a large number of people. "Barum Rally coincides with the Vizovice Trnkobraní music festival; unfortunately, us and they could not change the date. It will be difficult from the point of security because Police of the Czech Republic must look after both events. We need to divert away drivers and as many as possible spectators from Vizovice so that we do not interfere with each other," said Miloslav Regner, director of Barum Czech Rally Zlín.

Moreover, both service zones are located in Otrokovice, and the ongoing construction of motorway complicates the situation and increases traffic nearby. "The construction of the motorway and closures will make access to both service zones more difficult. We want to ensure the best possible access not only for the crew but also for the fans. We must ensure trouble-free entry and parking. The Star Rally Historic Service Zone will be located in Otrokovice Airport. We have improved access and arranged a new parking space so that the entrance to the service does not block us and increases traffic," explained the long-time director of the Barum Rally.

We are working very hard to ensure safety throughout the rally. Right now, we are finishing the SS safety plans and t the moment the SS safety plans are being finalized and briefing the Stage Commanders so that everything works and is to be approved. It is vital to ensure everyone's safety. "Jiří Valenta, the chairman of the rally committee and the director of the Klatovy Rally Šumava, arrived for the last approval of the tracks. At present, it is difficult to ensure an adequate number of route marshals. For such a large event, you need a lot of people who are trained and ready to handle any situation. We have calculated that it means more than 2,300 people," said Regner.

The organizers pay attention to safety, but they also want to produce the best possible experience for spectators who ask for closer access to the stages. "The spectators put us under pressure. They want to stand as close as possible to the tracks. However, it is our responsibility to prevent dangerous situations that might happen in our sport. There are also many media representatives on the special stages. We are also calling on photographers and cameramen to be as safe as possible on the stage," concluded Miloslav Regner.