Scrap Rally in the Heights
Text Timo Raussi Photos Germo Saar and Estonia Elamuspark
In Eastern Estonia, in Väike-Pungerja along the road from Jõhvi to Tartu, a scrap rally will take place on Saturday, 9 May at a location that is slightly off the beaten track but unique and spectacular both for drivers and spectators. The race track is located in the area of the former Estonia mine, on top of a surplus rock hill formed from oil shale mining, at an elevation of about 120 metres.
The hill, consisting of nearly 12 million tonnes of material, was transformed two years ago into an area suitable for hosting adventure sports events, where so far mainly cross-country running and mountain biking competitions have been held. Now, on the plateau at the top of the hill, more than 40 cars will arrive to race against each other and deliberately bump into one another on an approximately 700-metre long track built with undulating curves and twists.
A safety zone surrounding the track ensures that even cars pushed off course will not plunge headlong down the hillside. The mentioned 120 metres refers to the height above sea level, but the spectator area still offers impressive views over the terrain stretching 63 metres below and up to nearly 50 kilometres into the distance. The height of the hill corresponds roughly to a 21-storey building. Video footage from the top, both from behind the wheel and from a drone, at the Estonia Elamuspark track can be viewed in this YouTube video.
During the scrap rally day, entertainment for the audience will be provided by a DJ and street food trucks. Visitors can also try axe-throwing and even some more unusual bladed weapon throwing. The first race starts at 11:00, and tickets can be purchased in advance online for €15 or on site for €20. Children under 14 can attend the event free of charge.
For those arriving who are not keen on walking up the serpentine road along the hillside, there is also a parking area at the top of the hill. Its use costs €10 per car on the event day. Parking along the roads lower down is free.
A map and aerial view of the location of the artificial hill at the Estonia mine can be found on Google Maps here.
To learn more about this and similar topicsEast Estonia Entertainment events motorsport oil shale scrap rally Sport Väike-Pungerja
