- Mr. Petrovčík, how do you evaluate the 500KM SLOVENSKÝCH and CASSOVIA CLASSIC 2023 from your point of view? The spectator participation was really great, did you expect it or were you pleasantly surprised by the inhabitants of Košice?
As the mayor of the Old Town, but also as a typical guy, I was extremely happy that such a wonderful event came to Košice. Professionally prepared, attractive, which invited all ages to the center, from kindergarteners to seniors. We all admired the unique historical cars that ideally complemented the historical monument zone of Košice. I expected a huge interest from spectators, fans and tourists, and the Košice people did not disappoint. They confirmed that they have a discerning taste and know how to appreciate and support events that are well prepared, attractive and, together with an excellent atmosphere, help Košice to make itself visible on a European scale.
- Do you have any personal relationship with vintage cars? Have you participated in a parade, has a specific vintage car stuck in your memory?
I am a great lover of history, and vintage cars are an excellent demonstration of what gems our ancestors were able to produce from a technical and design point of view. I never miss a show like this and go to feast my eyes on these magnificent historic vehicles. I admired the unique 1938 Horch 951A Pullmann, as well as the Lagonda V12 Short Saloon, which I think finished second. But even the first post-war Skoda Tudor was very nice. I’m already looking forward to seeing such stars of the vintage world as the 1934 Tatra 77 Special 1000 miles or the 1932 Bentley Speed 8, which will visit Košice in May. It will be a feast for the eyes.
- We are very pleased with your initiative in the race of the smallest – 100 m of Košice. Do you have any feedback from kindergartens or parents themselves on these races?
Everyone, spectators, directors, teachers, parents and kindergarteners were excited about the race and the atmosphere in the center of Košice. It was a very cute event to see the kids driving the pedal cars enthusiastically and enjoying the people around the track cheering them on. The Kosice Old Town Kindergartens can’t wait to get involved again this year, they want to train and achieve the best results. But especially to experience again the great atmosphere that prevails in the center of Košice during the race and to have a look at the historic vehicles that will be parked on the Košice pedestrian zone.
- In 2024 the race is planned again in a way that we will spend 3 days in Košice. Košice can look forward to a packed parade of vintage racers from all over the world, as we will host the FIVA organization in the upcoming edition.
How do you evaluate this fact? Do you think that the great attendance from last year will be repeated?
I’m sure the attendance will be tremendous because everyone who came and saw it last year was thrilled. Now this attractive event will literally be a world event, as FIVA has chosen Slovakia as the venue for the World Rally and drivers with their precious vintage cars will come from all over Europe and even Argentina. No one will miss so much beauty and amazing period atmosphere. We expect that people from all over the region as well as from abroad will come to Košice and create a magical atmosphere.
- Košice and especially the Old Town is full of cultural monuments, historical buildings and museums. What is your favorite place and would you recommend our competitors to visit this place?
I could talk for hours about what wonderful historical monuments we have in the Old Town of Košice. Walking through the center, visitors will surely be impressed by the Gothic St. Elizabeth Cathedral, the singing fountain with a light show in the evening, the beautiful Art Nouveau buildings or the charming taverns in the courtyards of medieval Košice. My favourite, however, is the Dominican Square in the nearby center of Košice with its market, where Košice residents have been meeting since the Middle Ages to buy vegetables, fruit or a good coffee.
To enjoy the genius loci of this place in the shadow of Košice’s oldest church dating back to 1290, which also boasts the tallest conical tower, I recommend every visitor to the city to experience it for themselves.
- What made the 500KM SLOVENSKÝCH project appeal to you? Are you not tempted to take part in the race as a competitor? Alternatively, on what car would you consider the offer to participate?
By everything. The project is attractive for the audience, excellently prepared, the organizers are extremely skilled professionals. Košice will be visited not only by world-class drivers with their rare historic vintage cars, but also by fans of the world FIVA WORLD RALLY. I am looking forward to the chance to show the Old Town of Košice to tourists, to make ourselves visible on the map of Europe, to show ourselves as warm-hearted and skillful people who can create an excellent spectator scenery and offer services at the highest level. Vintage cars have always fascinated me, I like to read about them, watch documentaries or admire them live. So without torture I admit that I would love to ride and participate as one of the competitors in such a unique event. Let’s see if my dream comes true.
- Is there anything you would like to say to the racers or fans of 500 KM SLOVENSKÝCH?
I wish all competitors, fans and organizers of this amazing rally a safe and happy drive through Slovakia to the most beautiful city in Slovakia – our Košice. We will do our best to make them feel wonderful here, enjoy the magical atmosphere of the Old Town of Košice, its unique corners and nice warm people who are looking forward to the World Ride through the heart of Europe. I want to believe that they will be happy to return to Košice as tourists, because they will fall in love with it.
