In the heart of Romania, across forests, rivers, and abandoned quarries, a new legend has been born. The first edition of The Rock Trophy set a bold new standard in the world of off-road competitions. Six intense days, over 500 kilometers of challenging terrain, and a route that pushed both man and machine to their absolute limits. This wasn’t just a race—it was a test of endurance, skill, and passion. Here’s what happened when the off-road world met the wild spirit of The Rock Trophy.
500 Kilometers of Hell and Beauty: The Rock Trophy Chronicles
Nestled deep within Romania’s unyielding terrain, where rugged mountains and river-cut valleys set the stage, a bold new event has reshaped the off-road racing landscape. The Rock Trophy 2025 didn’t just enter the motorsport scene—it exploded onto it, ushering in a new era where authenticity and raw adventure take center stage.
Conceived by visionary Alexander Kovatchev and realized by the battle-tested crew at RBI Sport, the rally’s inaugural edition paid homage to the origins of trophy racing. Grit over glamour, purpose over polish—this was a six-day trial by terrain that delivered a visceral, unforgettable experience. Across more than 500 km of unspoiled wilderness, the Rock Trophy reconnected the off-road world with its wild soul.
The Terrain Tells the Story
From a roaring start inside a granite quarry to the untamed trails winding through the Romanian backcountry, each day of the event presented new trials—technical rock gardens, steep ravines, dense forests, and rapid river crossings. The rally’s personality was shaped not only by its terrain but by the elements themselves. Sun, snow, rain, and fog all made their appearance, turning the rally into what many now affectionately call “The Four Seasons Trophy.”
This unpredictable mix challenged competitors to stay sharp and adapt constantly, pushing both human and machine to their thresholds. But the reward? Pure, unfiltered off-road magic.
Stage by Stage: A Road to Glory
April 6 – Prologue: Quarry Clash
The opening act saw teams square off on a fierce technical circuit set in a majestic stone quarry. Before the racing began in earnest, teams completed scrutineering and training for the IRIS tracking system. The short, punchy prologue decided the starting grid and gave a first taste of the challenge ahead.
April 7 – Costești: Into the Abyss
The rally dove headfirst into the raw wilderness of Costești. Treacherous trails demanded expert driving and teamwork, making this one of the most physically and mentally taxing stages.
April 8 – Geoagiu Bai: Speed Meets Skill
Day three blended fast-paced forest roads with tight technical sections where navigation played a decisive role. It was the perfect mix to separate the skilled from the lucky. Meanwhile, the Legend Class teams ventured into the hills for a nostalgic overnight stay near Costești, surrounded by Romania’s untamed beauty.
April 9 – Day/Night Duel
In a thrilling double feature, the morning Circle Race in Poienile Beriului served up door-to-door action for fans. But it was the Night Stage around Geoagiu Bai that truly tested the competitors’ mettle—low visibility, complex navigation, and slippery ground made it a memorable chapter.
April 10 – Return to Costești: The Decider
The terrain came back with a vengeance. Back on the punishing Costești tracks, teams had to summon every ounce of resilience. The Legend Class tackled a panoramic route across the Hunedoara and Alba regions—less brutal, but no less meaningful.
April 11 – Grand Finale: Through the Fire
The final stage introduced a never-before-seen route with clever traps and fast-flowing sectors. Precision and timing made the difference as drivers scrambled for final positions. It was a last stand that delivered edge-of-seat drama to the very end.
Legends Never Die
More than a side attraction, the Legend Route carved its own niche, dedicated to historic and iconic 4x4s. Here, off-road legends—Land Rovers, Jeeps, Toyota Land Cruisers—took on hand-picked sections designed to challenge without breaking the spirit of these vintage machines. This class wasn’t about speed—it was about celebrating the legacy of off-road freedom.
A Community at the Core
At the center of it all was Geoagiu Băi, a quiet spa town transformed into the beating heart of the event. Whether teams camped under the stars or bunked in local inns, the bivouac buzzed with camaraderie. Evenings brought laughter, shared meals, and track-side war stories. It wasn’t just a rally. It was a gathering of souls connected by a love of off-road adventure.
Classes Built for Battle
Three distinctive vehicle categories ensured a balanced playing field:
Extreme Class: The wildest of the wild—multi-axle monsters with no limits and maximum capability.
Challenger Class: Streamlined but savage—two-axle rigs with strict tire and axle rules.
Legends Class: A nod to heritage—production-based 4x4s with road registration, built for authenticity over brute force.
Champions of the Rock
When the nud finally settled, glory belonged to the toughest:
Extreme Class: Victory went to Estonia’s Hardo Mere and Romanian co-driver Marius Pop, clocking a total time of 12:21:30.97. Polish duo Remigiusz Wutkowski / Piotr Kujawski took second, while Latvia’s Ints Freibergs / Ints Marcinkevics completed the podium.
Challenger Class: Romania reigned supreme. Ionel Stan and Bogdan Pascu took top honors in their Nissan Patrol, followed closely by fellow Romanians Nicolae Burada / Traian Maracineanu. The best-placed French team secured third, cementing the international flavor of the event.
Legend Class: In the ever-inspiring Legend Class, consistency and determination paid off. Romanian driver Sorin Parvulescu, navigated by Italian co-driver Maurilio Zani, claimed victory behind the wheel of their Steyr-Daimler-Puch 230 GE, finishing with a total time of 14:21:52.85. Second place went to the Latvian duo Vilnis Zitans and Aizups/Kesus, who completed the race 38 minutes and 11 seconds behind the leaders. In third place, the German team of Peter Lippert and Joerg Karpa skillfully navigated their distinctive Steyr-Daimler-Puch 712 FAL through the forests and mountains of Romania, delivering a performance as elegant as it was effective.
A New Standard for the Future
“The Rock Trophy is not just an event,” said Kovatchev. “It’s a reflection of who we are—our roots, our spirit, and our dreams.” Backed by the Automobile Federation of Romania and embraced by Europe’s most passionate off-roaders, this rally wasn’t a first chapter. It was a mission statement.
A new legend has taken shape among the rocks—and it’s here to stay.
