A High-Stakes Battle at the Kyiv Chaika Circuit

On June 27, 2013, the second stage of the prestigious RTR Time Attack series took place at the Kyiv Chaika Circuit, drawing an impressive 55 participants—a significant increase from the first stage in May. The event was a fierce competition among some of Ukraine’s most talented drivers, all striving to set the fastest lap times in their respective categories.

The RTR Time Attack format is unique, as it does not involve wheel-to-wheel racing but instead focuses on achieving the fastest possible lap time. Drivers must perfect their technique, control their car under high-stress conditions, and make split-second decisions to maximize performance. Each participant had multiple attempts to set their best lap time while competing in a controlled yet highly competitive environment.

Dominating the S3 Class: Oleksii Badikov’s Victory

One of the most outstanding performances of the event came from Oleksii Badikov, who competed in the S3 class (up to 190 HP). Driving his Ford Fiesta ST, Badikov achieved the best lap time of 1:35.461, securing a dominant victoryover his rivals.

But this was no ordinary win—Badikov employed new racing strategies and techniques that helped him gain a competitive edge. His innovative approach to cornering, acceleration control, and vehicle weight distributionallowed him to shave off valuable milliseconds from his lap times.

New Racing Techniques That Led to Success

For this race, Oleksii Badikov and his team implemented several key strategies that were groundbreaking at the time:

Precision Braking Zones: Instead of traditional braking techniques, Badikov used a progressive braking approach—starting with light braking before gradually increasing pressure. This technique allowed him to maintain better control of the car while approaching sharp turns without excessive speed loss.

Late Apex Cornering Strategy: He adjusted his racing line to take a later apex, which meant entering corners slightly wider and exiting with more speed. This technique gave him a better exit trajectory, ensuring higher acceleration out of turns.

Weight Transfer Optimization: By fine-tuning the car’s suspension and adjusting his body positioning in the seat, Badikov minimized body roll and optimized traction. This resulted in better grip and reduced tire wear during high-speed sections of the track.

Throttle Control Techniques: To maximize speed through long sweeping corners, Badikov used a trail-braking method, where he continued to apply slight brake pressure while turning. This kept the car more stable at high speeds, preventing understeer.

Data-Driven Adjustments: Using telemetry data, Badikov and his team analyzed every aspect of his performance, fine-tuning lap strategies in real time. This included optimizing tire pressure, fuel load distribution, and suspension settings to adapt to track conditions.

These techniques, combined with his sharp reflexes and calculated decision-making, allowed Badikov to secure his well-deserved first-place finish.

Other Notable Results from the Event

The RTR Time Attack event featured some of the fastest drivers in various categories:

  • R1 Class: Dmytro Peka (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) – 1:20.236
  • R2 Class: Maksym Sobchenko (Peugeot 205 GTi) – 1:28.452
  • R3 Class: Yurii Sapiolko (VAZ 2101) – 1:32.568
  • RS Class: Serhii Korkin (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X) – 1:24.764
  • S1 Class: Oleksandr Lubnin (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X) – 1:28.354
  • S2 Class: Dmytro Strokov (Renault Megane RS) – 1:33.314
  • S4 Class: Oleh Krudu (Honda Civic) – 1:38.944

Challenging Conditions and Mental Preparation

The weather conditions on race day were particularly challenging, with temperatures soaring up to +29°C. This added an extra layer of difficulty, as drivers had to carefully manage hydration, mental focus, and vehicle cooling systems to avoid performance drops due to overheating.

Oleksii Badikov’s preparation extended beyond just driving skills—his physical and mental training played a crucial role in his success. He followed a strict pre-race hydration plan, used breathing exercises to stay calm under pressure, and performed hand-eye coordination drills before the event to ensure his reflexes were at their peak.

Looking Ahead: Innovation in Racing Strategy

Badikov’s victory in the second stage of RTR Time Attack 2013 wasn’t just a testament to his raw talent—it was proof that strategic innovations in motorsport can make all the difference. His ability to analyze the track, optimize his car setup, and execute advanced racing techniques has set a new benchmark for drivers in his category.

As the RTR Time Attack series progressed, Badikov continued refining his approach, applying these same techniques in subsequent races to solidify his reputation as a top-tier motorsport competitor.

For more details on the original race results and the full article, visit the Ukrainian Automobile Federation (FAU) website: FAU News