Adam Lacko – 2017 Champion!
It was the moment Adam Lacko has been waiting for many years and it came at the end of the second Saturday race at Jarama.
He was now the FIA European Truck Racing Champion and ever since his first truck race back in 2011 everything had led up to this moment. The sense of achievement could be felt all around Lacko and his Buggyra International Racing System Freightliner as he jumped from the cockpit and in to the arms of his welcoming team.
“It was a great moment to finally realise we had done it,” said Lacko. “To be crowned champion is the best feeling in sport. It was the end of the aim and what we have set out to do this season. To share that moment with the guys that work so hard for you all year and at every race. That is special.”
Lacko had an extraordinary season in 2017 with 12 race victories and 381 points scored. His Buggyra 1969 partnership with David Vrsecky also claimed the Teams’ trophies in a stellar season for the Czech powerhouse.
“It is never easy in the FIA ETRC, you have to fight,” said Lacko.
“The start of the season was not ideal but then at Misano and Nurburgring things came together and we won five races in a row.
“Hungaroring was also really nice, with good success and pace. From there we never counted our chickens at all because guys like Jochen (Hahn), and Norbert (Kiss) are always ready to get you. This year Steffi was also always there and Antonio came back and was a threat from him too at some races.
“All in all the year was a great success and yes it makes you hungry for more. What I would like to do is to thank the team and our partners with all of my heart for giving me the ability to make this year (happen).”
Lacko and his team are expected to receive their 2017 FIA ETRC trophies at the annual FIA Awards Gala which will be held in the Chateau de Versailles in Paris on December 8.