Maják

The section known as "Maják" is a classic part of Barum Rally. Located just outside Zlín, this narrow, bumpy and fast road between Maják and Malenovice combines true driving challenge with plenty of spectacular spots for spectators. The stage is easily accessible by public transport or even on foot from the city centre.

Maják has appeared in the real Barum Rally itinerary 28 times, in about twenty different start–finish configurations. It's an extremely versatile stage, seen over the years in various forms — from a short shakedown (3.14 km in 2023) to the long "royal" version stretching all the way to Komárov (23.66 km in 2013). The most iconic part is this five-kilometre forest segment, included in nearly every variation, running closest to the place that gave the name to the hill, the district, the street, and the stage itself ("maják" means lighthouse, the area takes its name from the aviation beacon that once stood near the transmitter on the summit of Tlustá hora).

The version I'm creating does not strictly replicate any single year. It roughly represents the first five kilometres used in 2015 and 2016, but I don't plan to rebuild the forests and buildings exactly as they looked back then. Clearings, tree heights and the buildings near the start are therefore based on more recent references.

For now, the finish will be placed before Malenovice. In this form, I think the stage works well as a short forest test. And since I'm still learning, I don't want to bite off more than I can chew just yet. Once the first version is released and I fully understand the whole creation workflow, I'll likely continue further into the town (see Tracks).

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