The Serbian racing driver, competing by special invitation of the organizers, took second place in the “Dubravko Čikor” Cup at the wheel of the “Norma M20 F” prototype, in a memorial race dedicated to one of the founders of motorsport in Dubrovnik and an organizer of competitions since the 1970s. In the overall classification of the race, which counted toward the championships of two countries – Croatia and Montenegro – Brkić finished in fourth place. Among 115 drivers, of whom 89 completed the competition, in a race held on a 3,345-meter asphalt uphill course, Brkić’s result deserves absolute recognition. Especially considering that masters of the steering wheel from the region took part in the hill climb race in the Dubrovnik highlands.
In the “Dubravko Čikor” Cup, which featured formula cars and LMS prototypes, Brkić finished second after two runs, behind László Šaš from Croatia driving the “Reynard F 3000” formula car. Brkić finished ahead of third-placed Ivan Subotić from Montenegro, who competed in a “BMW” formula car. In the overall standings, the aforementioned László Šaš claimed victory, ahead of second-placed Vasilije Jakšić from Montenegro in a “Hyundai i30 TCR” and Žarko Kneg from Croatia at the wheel of a “Hyundai Elantra TCR”. The Croatian driver finished in third position after being faster by 0.64 seconds than fourth-placed Brkić.
“I drove the past racing weekend without the burden of points standings, which meant a lot for concentration in the car,” Brkić emphasized. The driver of Belgrade’s ASU Galax says there were minor technical details he had to keep an eye on. “Nevertheless, everything worked perfectly and did not affect my driving,” said the multiple Serbian motorsport champion.
Brkić returns to Belgrade from the Dubrovnik race with positive impressions. “The competition was strong. Many drivers have raced on this track for several seasons, while I saw the track live for the first time on Friday afternoon. Track experience is very important, and that was a limiting factor for me over the past weekend. The difference at the end of the race in the fight for second and third place was not that big. I think I had a chance for an even better result. I congratulate my rivals on perfect driving and well-prepared vehicles,” Brkić said.
He also reflected on the organization of the race in Dubrovnik. “The hosts from Dubrovnik Racing welcomed us at a world-class level and organized the race accordingly. I thank them, as well as my sponsors. I hope to see everyone again in Dubrovnik next year.”
This year, Brkić defended his Central European Championship title (FIA CEZ HCC) on hill climb tracks in the prototype class, driving the “Norma M20 F”. He won his first FIA CEZ HCC title in 2022 at the wheel of a “Volkswagen Polo – S 2000” in the touring car class. Next weekend, Brkić will put the finishing touch on this year’s very successful season by competing in the Hill Climb Champions race in Skradin (Croatia).