Articles

Timekeeper sisters helped at first Barum rally, turning 90 in September

28. 8. 2021 - Vojtěch Jurák

No wonder they have many common sports memories as they have spent so much time together. Dagmar Opálková and Marie Morávková are twins who witnessed the earliest editions of the Barum rally from close range; during the first edition in 1971, they measured the racing times. Now in September, they are turning 90.

"We measured the time where it was needed – at motocross events, speedway races or uphill driving competitions. Also, we helped at the Wallachian Winter or in Březolupy," explains Marie that they spent a lot of time around strong engines in the past. No wonder both ladies attend the first Barum rally in April 1971.

"We used to help at the special stages. When a driver arrived at the stage start, he gave us his racing card and we noted the racing time. Further, we waved the flag to start his ride; that was my sister's task often. Five, four, three, two, one, go! The flag went up and the car left the start," describes Marie.

What happened when it was rainy? "Well, we just had to stand under an umbrella," laughed the former timekeeper who is still interested in the Barum rally just as her sister Dagmar. These days, they follow the competition mainly on TV. But it is not so long ago when they attended the event start in the city centre of Zlín.

"We were a sports family. We knew the Regners who were a part of the Barum rally staff at that time already," explains Dagmar how the twins got in touch with the world of motorsport. "Our father František Elšík was a timekeeper as well and also, he worked as a sports commissioner," the lady added.

As the sisters remembered, the first edition of the rally already excited the fan's interest. And both still have some souvenirs from the first years at home such as scarves, badges or helpful trifles. "For example, we received some hats, towels or caps," says Dagmar.

Although the timekeeper sisters spent most of the time around the track, from time to time, the ladies took occasion and sat into the car and competed. "Once, we even won together! We joined an event Winter Orientation Competition that I think ended in Valašské Meziříčí with an old car called Pragovka," smiled Marie.

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