In the season 2015, Alexandr Terentyev takes part in the race organization simultaneously preparing to hit the road at the wheel of Ford Raptor F-150 in Karelia.
Following the conquest of the famous Dakar, there is the Northern Forest race that is going to be a true challenge. And it will be the same Ford Raptor prepared by Latvian team RE Autoklub that is going to be Alexandr Terentyev and Alexey Berkut crew’s car in Karelia, as well as in Latin America.
“I got sincerely imbued with the spirits and distinctive character of Northern Forest from the very first baja. Ruslan Misikov, the creator of the race added to my interest. I was just captivated by his enthusiasm”, said Alexandr Terentyev in his interview to Baja “Russia – Northern Forest” Press service last year.
Alexandr Terentyev: Russia – Northern Forest is my favorite race. I’d say participation is more about prestige than titles here. It exists and develops in the world’s rally-scene and Ruslan Misikov, Vladimir Vasilyev and I devote to this event as much resources and time as possible.
We’ve gained the World Cup status for winter baja. It is a major achievement since there is no point in organizing the course without it.
There are such bajas as Belogorye and other northern routs which fit the national cross-country Championship. Meanwhile, World Cup is meant to be organized according to international standards, including specific safety equipment, invitation of international staff, and certain preparation of the route. It is very important for us to deal with such challenges and get some experience.
I am keen on driving sport routes on snow – there are breathtaking turnings, mounds, lots of blind jumps. The race requires great concentration and caution as there are trees along the route. It dampens somehow drivers’ enthusiasm for pushing the accelerator too eagerly. But if a driver tackles the course – the result is there for all to see. I can’t remember any serious accidents in the race though sometimes, I would puncture a tyre or run over a snow ridge.
February is a stage of busy preparation for the race. The team is preparing the car. In contrast to high temperatures of the Dakar where air heated up to 50 C, we expect approximately -15 C in Karelia. So the heater takes the place of air conditioning, but all the rest of equipment is the same. Studded tyres are already common practice in the Northern Forest community.
Friends, drivers! I’d like to see you all at the race. Let’s support baja Russia – Northern Forest as only joint efforts and your personal commitment are able to increase awareness of Northern Forest in the world and make the event really popular and interesting.
