The Thrilling 12th Ascent to Betancuria: A Racing Spectacle
The 12th Ascent to Betancuria is not just a race—it’s an exhilarating celebration of motorsport set against the spectacular backdrop of Fuerteventura. Scheduled for Saturday, July 19, this event marks the sixth race of the calendar organized by the Federación de Automovilismo de Las Palmas (FALP). With over seventy teams set to compete, anticipation is high as the island revs up for an action-packed day.
A Competitive Lineup
This year, the event will feature a diverse group of 73 participants, all eager to tackle the mountain course. The ascent is organized by a coalition of local clubs: Tibiabín, Betan, Fuertemotor, and Adael. Their collective efforts have fostered a vibrant atmosphere, ensuring that this event is not just about racing but also about community spirit and local pride.
Highlighting the Champions
At the forefront of this thrilling event is Lauren García, the reigning champion of the Canary Islands in Category 2. García will pilot his Nova Proto NP01, and is set to face off against Carlos Alexis Ramos, who will be competing in a BRC 05 Evo. The competition is fierce, with every driver bringing their own unique skills and strategies to the course.
The showdown in Category 3 promises excitement as well. Drivers Guillermo Évora (BRC 02), Javier Rodríguez (Speed Car GTR), and newcomer José Luis Duque (Speed Car GT1000) will battle for supremacy, creating an exhilarating dynamic as Duque makes his debut in the single-seater category.
The Thrill of Category 1
However, the real crowd-puller will be Category 1, where the competition is the most pronounced. Fans of the Provincial Championship will witness some of the top performers from the Canary Mountains Championship, including heavyweights like Ángel Bello, who will be at the helm of his Audi R8 LMS Ultra Evo, and José Manuel González in his Porsche 991.1 GT3. The anticipation around their performances creates an electric atmosphere amongst local fans and racing enthusiasts alike.
Gustavo Bolaños, third in the FALP standings, will also be looking to make a mark and close in on these leaders. Meanwhile, drivers from Fuerteventura, including José Javier Fránquiz (Mitsubishi Space Star Proto) and Javier Sosa (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX), are poised to represent their home turf.
Regularity Competition: A Tense Affair
Adding another layer of intensity to the event is the Provincial Championship of Las Palmas in Regularity – Trofeo Car Home Services. In the Regularity Sport category, Javier Marrero and María Isabel García are defending their leading position driving their Volkswagen Golf GTI. This aspect of the competition emphasizes precision and strategy, as they navigate the nuances of the course while fending off other contenders.
Event Schedule
The schedule for Saturday is tight, with all events happening in a single day. From 9:00 AM to 11:45 AM, preliminary administrative and technical checks will take place at Plaza de la Iglesia Virgen de la Peña. Participants and teams will finalize preparations in anticipation of the races.
At noon, the FV-30 road will close to traffic, signaling the imminent start of the day’s competitions. The adrenaline kicks in at 1:00 PM, when the practice runs commence, followed by two racing heats that promise to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
With the sun shining bright over the scenic landscapes of Fuerteventura, the 12th Ascent to Betancuria is set to be a highlight of the racing calendar, bringing together talent, strategy, and passion for motorsport in a celebration not to be missed. Fans, competitors, and locals are poised for a thrilling showcase that combines fierce competition with the joy of racing and community.
