Karmel to welcome Haugland, Gallagher and Horsák

(07. 10. 2023)

Tuesday, 24th October, the date of the ceremony celebrating the launch of a book about Norwegian rally driver John Haugland, which takes place at the “Na Karmeli” Škoda Auto Education Centre, is coming on in leaps and bounds.

Not just a presentation of the book, written in Czech and English, this social event will feature a programme and a range of interesting guests. From the very beginning the launch was meant to be a public affair. “I can confirm now that besides the principal character we’re expecting to see Monika Eckardt, Arild Antonsen, Peter Vegel and Fred Gallagher, a man who navigated for five world champions. We’ve also got confirmation of attendance from Ladislav Křeček, Svatopluk Kvaizar, Jiří Kotek, Oldřich Horsák and Václav Blahna, Johnny’s AZNP team mates. We’re in touch with some others as well and don’t think this is the final list of interesting names,“ Dan Porazil revealed.

foto: archive of Škoda Auto - RAC 1977

The organisers are also planning to put on display at the venue two unique cars – a Škoda 130 LR driven by Johnny Haugland in events such as Rally Ulster 1987, and a Tatra 603 belonging to ice-hockey player Stanislav Hajdušek. The famous captain of ice-hockey team Sparta will also be among those who’ll be giving autographs to fans as the book includes an interesting chapter about him, too – that’s because the legendary Norwegian competed in his car at Goodwood. “We’re really pleased that what’s a strictly motorsport do will be livened up by a performance from We Are Domi, a Czech-Norwegian band,” the author shared what the book launch will look like.

The “Na Karmeli” Education Centre in Mladá Boleslav opens its doors for fans on Tuesday, October 24, at 5pm, with the launch party kicking off half an hour later. The hall’s capacity is approximately 400 seats, entry is free. Apart from the book, fans will get the chance to buy rally car models made by FOX18. Following the ceremonial book launch there will be an autograph session, not to be missed by collectors of autograph cards, motorsport books and car models.

foto: archive of Škoda Auto - RAC 1977

The biography – the making of which was backed by Škoda Auto and the Statutory City of Mladá Boleslav – is available to order in the Czech Republic and Slovakia from the e-shop of booksellers Kanzelsberger and on from the www.peopleforrally.cz website.

PFR Media