By September 25, Moscow Raceway hosts a new chapter of the Russian Endurance Challenge (REC), a race weekend that has quickly become a key highlight for fans of long-distance competition. The stage promises a dramatic show with twenty-six crews pushing their machines to the limit, featuring five distinct classes and a forecast that includes rain. The race is shaping up to be a spectacle of skill, strategy, and nerve, where teams adapt to changing weather and evolving track conditions throughout the four hours on the clock.
Among the participants are well-known Russian drivers with international résumés who have made an impact beyond national borders. Names like Roman Rusinov, Vitaly Petrov, Mikhail Aleshin, Daniil Kvyat, Sergey Sirotkin, Alexei Dudukalo, and Alexei Basov are expected to bring depth and experience to the field, contributing by pushing their teams toward top results and challenging the new arrivals to prove themselves on this demanding stage. These veterans, accustomed to global grids, add a layer of credibility and anticipation for spectators who follow endurance racing closely. (Source: REC organizers)
The lineup of contenders on the paddock wall is matched by an intriguing array of machinery. The field includes the Mercedes AMG GT3 and the Mercedes AMG GT4, both representing strong internal racing platforms, alongside the BMW M4 GT4, aligned with the world endurance standard. The Toyota Supra GT4 adds further balance to the mix, while rare and highly regarded entries such as the Porsche Cayman GT4 and the unique Russian-built Marussia B1 GT promise variety in speed and handling. In prototype and specialized categories, the G-Drive G01 prototype from G-Drive Racing anchors the endurance field, while the FENIX prototype from the Moscow Poly team and DK Racing Shortcuts provide the high-speed drama associated with shorter, more aggressive configurations. National Circuit Motorsport entries round out the grid, adding regional flavor and depth to the competition. (Source: REC organizers)
Shortcuts, the small, open-top racers, deserve a particular mention due to weather and track dynamics that can flip outcomes quickly. Rain on the Moscow circuit creates a resilience test for crews, where endurance becomes more than a test of speed — it becomes a test of strategy, weather sense, and tire management. Even in dry conditions these cars demand a bold, gutsy approach, and the rain can amplify those challenges, making every lap a decision about grip, visibility, and momentum. The class has drawn attention for a growing participation of female pilots, who bring equal parts courage and precision to their runs, highlighting the inclusive and competitive nature of the event. (Source: REC organizers)
The balance of power across standings remains fascinating as race week unfolds. New drivers join the Moscow event, new equipment appears, and each session offers the possibility of a plot twist. A notable change sees Evgeny Chikinev and the Chev Team switching to the Toyota Supra GT4 within the GT class, a strategic move that could shift the dynamic of the class standings. Meanwhile, the Porsche Cayman GT4 count has risen to four, carving out a distinct sub-race within the broader competition. These shifts set the stage for a fresh, dynamic narrative that keeps fans guessing throughout the weekend. (Source: REC organizers)
On September 25, Sunday, the Moscow Raceway will finally host the third leg of the Endurance Challenge. The four-hour marathon is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM local time, inviting teams to push through a rigorous duration with the weather as an unpredictable variable. The event promises a blend of veteran expertise and new blood, with strategic pit work, fuel management, and tire choices all playing pivotal roles in the final results. (Source: REC organizers)
- Step into the race weekend a bit earlier by reviewing the results from the second leg of REC, which offer context on how teams and drivers have evolved since the last round.
- Insights from the team relay and vehicle setups can be found in related coverage and analysis, which discuss the evolving strategies and performance trends across the grid.