When everything goes wrong… you keep going.
There are rallies you remember because of the result. But there are also rallies that stay engraved in your memory because of everything you had to overcome just to reach the finish line. Rally Achaios 2026, which took place on May 9–10, 2026, was exactly that kind of rally for Capspeed.
A rally full of pressure, unexpected setbacks, mechanical failures, stress, and countless hours of work. A rally that pushed our team to its limits, while at the same time reminding us why we love this sport so much.
Our crew, with driver Konstantinos Kapourelakos and co-driver Georgia Zampeli, arrived at Rally Achaios after one of the toughest preparation weeks we have ever experienced.
The problems began on Wednesday before the rally. Just when everything seemed ready, we discovered that the sequential gearbox of our race car was no longer functioning properly. For many teams, such a problem only days before the event could easily mean withdrawing before the start.
But not for us.
We didn’t get discouraged. We didn’t look for excuses. We didn’t give up for a single moment. We immediately decided to fight until the very end, to make it to the starting line. The sequential gearbox was removed and sent for repair immediately, while at the same time the team worked nonstop to install a manual BMW M3 gearbox so the car could compete.
Those days and nights were filled with pressure, tools, stress, and endless hours in the workshop. These are the moments that truly build a team. Moments where you realize who stands beside you, who endures, and who keeps going when things become difficult.
On Saturday, May 9, we finally managed to pass scrutineering successfully. That alone already felt like a small victory for all of us. Later that afternoon ,the ceremonial start at King George Square in Patras, surrounded by an incredible atmosphere and a crowd filling the square. After everything we had gone through, we knew we had already earned something important: the right to fight inside the rally.
Sunday, May 10, started positively. During the first special stage, Selinountas 1, everything went smoothly and the car performed properly. Our pace was strong and our confidence slowly began to return.
In the second stage, Manesi 1, the first major setback of the rally arrived. A front-right puncture forced us to stop inside the stage. We changed the wheel on the spot and continued, losing time but never losing our determination. In moments like these, you stop thinking about the result. You only think about how to continue.
In the third stage, Demesticha 1, minor wheel and tire issues appeared, but we managed to keep the car in the rally. Still, we knew the day was going to be difficult.
And then came Selinountas 2.
Halfway through the stage, the car suddenly began misfiring badly. Power kept dropping and driving became increasingly difficult. Even so, we pushed through and reached the finish of the stage. There was never a second thought about stopping.
During Manesi 2, things became even worse. The car was now misfiring throughout the entire stage, but after everything we had gone through just to make it there, there was no chance we were going to retire. Between stages, the team desperately tried to identify and repair the issue. Without success.
The final stage, Demesticha 2, became a true test of endurance. The car continued to struggle mechanically, but we owed it to ourselves, our team, and all the people who support and believe in to keep going until the very end.
And that is exactly what we did.
We finished.
With a misfiring car. With countless difficulties. With pressure from the very first moment until the very last. But we finished.
The result placed us 5th in the F2E category and 3rd in the E11 category. In a rally where many crews failed to reach the finish line, we stood strong against every obstacle.
Rally Achaios 2026 was not just another rally for us. It was a reminder that in motorsport, true strength is not shown when everything goes perfectly. It is shown when everything goes wrong and you keep going.
Because that is what Capspeed is all about!
Race • Build • Never Quit.
We want to thank all of you who supports us and also Yacco Greece and Rektifie Original Michalis Parasyrakis
