40 years of AMTK Velenje

On the occasion of the club's 40th anniversary, Mr. Vlado Krivec shared the following words with us.

Avto Moto Turing Klub Velenje is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. A group of enthusiasts founded the association in 1982 with a central goal – to organize car races. They have fully succeeded in this endeavour, as over the past four decades, they have become one of the key names in motorsport in Slovenia. Membership grew, and new, younger generations joined, continuing the work with the same passion and dedication. From its humble beginnings to hosting a major rally that was part of the European Championship, and to the present day, the club’s sports officials have become indispensable in organizing even the biggest events, such as the World Rally Championship. Yes, for the second year in a row, Velenje's team has been part of the biggest motorsport spectacle in our region. But this is merely the crown of decades of effort by many devoted enthusiasts. Over the years, they have successfully organized 36 outstanding rallies, counting towards the championships of both the former and present-day states. Competitors from neighbouring countries have always eagerly participated to earn points for their own national championships. The Velenje Rally has been a regular fixture on the Croatian championship calendar, has at times counted toward the Austrian championship, and is consistently included in the regional Mitropa Cup schedule. Only three times in history have circumstances beyond the organizers' control prevented the rally from taking place. At one point, it was scheduled in the autumn, and as the final race of the season, it often played a decisive role in determining the champions of the former Yugoslavia.

Nevertheless, today we are witnessing the 37th edition of this popular competition, which now ties for the top spot on the list of the most frequently organized car races in Slovenia. For now, that is—because we expect that next year, the AMTK Velenje Rally will take the lead on its own. This will place it ahead of the once-famous Saturnus Rally, whose legacy the Velenje organizers have also sought to preserve. It was during this period that the race moved to a springtime schedule, a tradition that continues to this day. The rally has seen the participation of all the most renowned domestic and many international drivers—too many to list here. This year’s starting lineup is no exception, featuring several well-known names, as well as those who will soon become stars in the near future. And if I may conclude on a more personal note, the Velenje Rally has always held a special place in my heart. From the very beginning, when I first competed and had to retire due to a mechanical failure. And in my short racing career, I won only one special stage in my competition class. And where did that happen? Yes, in Velenje! So, may the AMTK Velenje Rally and the club that organizes it continue to thrive for many more years! Wishing everyone a safe and successful race…

Vlado Krivec