Rally DETH is not just another event on the motorsport calendar. It is an institution with a rich history, a strong presence and—hopefully—an even brighter future. On 12–13 September 2026, Capspeed Motorsport travelled to Thessaloniki to compete in a rally that combines tradition with the true spirit of Greek motorsport.
Behind the wheel of the BMW E30 320is was Kostas Kapourelakos, joined in the co-driver’s seat by the highly experienced Vangelis Panaritis. Although this was the first time they had competed together, their excellent communication and strong chemistry were evident from the opening kilometers. They quickly found a common rhythm, laying the foundations for a strong performance.
The special stages offered everything that makes a rally truly exciting: spectacular scenery, constant changes between uphill and downhill sections, successive corners and demanding roads that tested drivers, co-drivers and cars alike. Each stage had its own distinctive character, requiring absolute concentration, accurate pace notes and seamless teamwork inside the car.
The BMW E30 320is was performing at its best, following the team’s excellent preparation. The car responded perfectly, allowing the crew to drive with confidence and enjoy every competitive kilometer. Nikos Chrysafis was part of the team’s service crew, contributing his experience and valuable support throughout our effort.
Unfortunately, motorsport always involves an element of unpredictability. A mechanical failure prevented us from completing the rally and denied us the finish we had hoped for. The disappointment was inevitable, especially when both the car and crew had been performing so well. Nevertheless, we take away the strong performance, the promising first collaboration between Kostas Kapourelakos and Vangelis Panaritis, and the valuable experience gained from such a demanding event. For us, every rally is another lesson and one more step forward.
Special recognition must go to the spectators who attended the special stages and, once again, became enthusiastic supporters of Capspeed Motorsport. Your presence, applause and messages give us strength and remind us why every hour of preparation and every effort is worthwhile. Your support is one of the most important parts of this journey, and we sincerely thank you for always standing by our side.
We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to our sponsors and partners, who believe in our team and consistently support our racing program: Yacco – Petros Zacharakis, Rektifie Original – Michalis Parasyrakis, Drenth Gearboxes and GT2i. We also extend our warmest thanks to Marvel Sport for their significant contribution to the development and preparation of our car’s suspension and braking systems. The trust, expertise and invaluable support of everyone involved allow us to keep moving forward, improving and returning stronger each time.
The 2026 Rally Thessaloniki International Fair may not have ended with the finish we wanted, but it left us with powerful memories, valuable experience and a new partnership inside the car that showed its potential from the very beginning.
Capspeed Motorsport keeps moving forward. Because in racing, it is not only the chequered flag that matters, but also the strength to come back.
