Master class at “AvtoKrAZ”

On February 6, 2009, at Kremenchug automobile plant, the parent enterprise of “AvtoKrAZ” Holding Company, official presentation of the “KrAZ Rally Raid Team” first women’s team preparing for “Rally Aicha des Gazelles”, annual rally raid slated for March, 2009, was held. Master class on the KrAZ-5322BE-086-Д10 all-terrain vehicle was carried out by Vassiliy Rostotskiy, five times champion of Ukraine, at “Europe” proving ground, situated beyond the city limits. Test runs were carried out by Anna Sukhobrus, third-year student of Taras Shevchenko National University, who was selected and approved by project managers as second pilot of the women’s crew.

Representatives of mass media of Kyiv and regional editions, sport TV- channels and FM-radio stations were present at “Europe” proving ground. The presentation of the KrAZ-5322BE all-terrain vehicle began at the central gatekeeper’s office of “AvtoKrAZ’ HC, basic events developed beyond the city limits, on different road and of-road sections of the proving ground.

Vassiliy Rostotskiy showed possibilities of the offroader on cross-country terrain of the proving ground. Picking up speed, real ace driver, controlled skids of large-tonnage truck, moving across road, up and down high hills.

Slightly built in appearance, Anna Sukhobrus, second pilot of the women’s crew, demonstrated her skills to drive heavy duty truck. At first she was very careful, especially at turns, upgrades and downgrades, and then more confident she overcame obstacle by obstacle. During first runs Vassiliy Rostotskiy and Vassiliy Ukhnal’, test driver of the automobile plant gave instructions to Anna, taking a seat of navigator by turns.

Upon completion of the test runs Vassiliy Ukhnal’ carried out test-drive for the representatives of mass media who had heard a lot about his mastery. For this purpose was selected a terrain of the proving ground which closely resembles Sahara. “KrAZ” did not let down! The truck overcame successfully ups and downs on sandy soil so that all those present were taken their breath away. Even when the truck seemed to sink up to its frame and desperately stick in wet sand, the driver successfully got out of sand trap by himself.

Vassiliy Rostotskiy, as experienced rally racer and weathered pilot, mentioned perfect characteristics and high reliability of the KrAZ truck, technical potential and made some remarks to technical services concerning slight further development and adaptation of the truck for sandy track of the rally and intended to make driving easier and to gain the lead. He observed on confident driving style of young girl-pilot, which is to be improved by constant training.

At the request of the visitors from Kyiv Vassiliy Ukhnal’, test driver of the automobile plant of “AvtoKrAZ HC, demonstrated masterly driving on special obstacles on the only in Ukraine demonstration proving ground.

In conclusion, press conference with the participation of the plant and project managers and rally participants was held. In the course of the press conference the results of the test runs were summed up and all those present could watch a short film about the KrAZ truck which was made when the truck was following the route Kremenchug-Lisbon-Kremenchug.