The winter marvel known as the Race of Champions returns with a refreshed look for the 2023 edition. Competitors will hit the track in a specially tuned Lada Vesta NG, marking a new milestone for this acclaimed event.
Unveiled by the factory racing squad Lada Sport Rosneft, the new car underscores a partnership between a national vehicle manufacturer and a leading energy company within the sport. The collaboration signals confidence in high performance engineering and a shared push toward cutting edge design on snow and ice.
To honor the 25th anniversary of the Race of Champions, the vehicle draws from a refined version of the Vesta and carries a fresh Lada Sport Rosneft livery. The look mirrors the team’s ongoing commitment to chassis precision, aerodynamics, and reliability at the highest level of winter motorsport.
From a technical standpoint, the core powertrain and chassis remain faithful to the lineage racers have trusted in recent seasons. A 1.6-liter engine powers the car with 170 horsepower, paired with a cam-driven gearbox and reinforced suspension built to withstand the rigors of icy courses. These choices emphasize predictable handling, quick response, and the durability needed for sprint-style runs on snow and ice.
Production numbers were kept tight with eight units, creating a compact field that highlights parity among drivers while ensuring a fair, competitive environment. This balance is central to the Race of Champions, where performance is tested in short, high-intensity sessions that reward consistency and bold maneuvering alike.
The 25th edition of the Race of Champions is slated to take place on January 14 after the holiday season, bringing together skilled drivers who push the performance envelope in a balanced, sprint-focused format designed for snow and ice. The event emphasizes close competition, strategic tire choices, and rapid decision making in a controlled, high-speed setting that challenges every aspect of driving on winter surfaces.
- The Behind the Wheel updates can now be accessed via Telegram, giving fans a direct line to team news and race insights as they unfold.
Vote – win Lada!
Fans are invited to participate in the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix poll to help identify the standout car introductions of the year. The participatory event encourages engagement from spectators and enthusiasts across North America, expanding the reach of the race beyond the track.
As a token of appreciation for taking part, three prizes will be awarded to respondents. The drawing is open to everyone who completes the questionnaire before the closing date in late February, inviting broad involvement from the community and offering a tangible reminder of the season’s excitement.
COMPLETE THE 2023 DRIVING GRAND PRIX QUESTIONNAIRE
Note: This information comes from commercial sources and reflects the organizers’ current plans and public disclosures. [Citation: Commercial sources, Race of Champions organizers]