Sporting News PEMA Acropolis Historic Rally – Looking Ahead to 2026
In a festive and celebratory atmosphere, the Royal Olympic Hotel in central Athens hosted an event honoring the participants and contributors of the PEMA Acropolis Historic Rally 2025. During the evening, commemorative plaques were presented to all competitors, as well as to those who played a key role in the successful organization of this year’s rally.
The event also featured the announcement by Foteini Psarrakou, President of the Rally’s Organizing Committee, that the 2026 edition of the rally will move further north, with Lamia serving as the new headquarters — a city with a long-standing connection to motorsport.
The ceremony was attended by Ioannis Vroutsis, Deputy Minister of Sports, Aristotelis Vavouyios, Executive Director of Motorsport Greece, Thanos Stergiou, Councillor for Sports, Tourism, and Youth of the Municipality of Lamia, Petros Makris, sponsor of the event, and Ioannis Papadimitriou, three-time Greek Rally Champion.
Deputy Minister Ioannis Vroutsis welcomed attendees and underlined the Government’s ongoing support for motorsport, congratulating all participants of the 2025 rally and emphasizing the high standards expected for the 2026 edition.
Foteini Psarrakou expressed her gratitude to the competitors, the Hellenic Police, the Fire Brigade, the Hellenic Red Cross, Deputy Minister Vroutsis, and all staff whose dedication ensured the rally’s flawless execution. She also highlighted the international recognition the event received from the FIA, presenting excerpts from the Observer’s report. Ms. Psarrakou further noted the enhancements implemented by Hellenic Motorsport Federation (OMAE) over the past four years, stating:
“OMAE has prioritized the development of historic car competitions, introducing regulatory updates and stricter technical inspections through HTP certification, ensuring fair and legal competition, and strengthening Greece’s presence on the international stage.”
The PEMA Acropolis Historic Rally 2026, the second round of the European Historic Rally Championship on Gravel, is scheduled for May 22–24, 2026. Special stages will cover the regions of Viotia, Fthiotis, Phocis, and Karditsa, with the ceremonial start at Thermopylae in front of the Leonidas statue, and the finish at the foot of the Acropolis in Athens.
Representing Mayor Panourgias Papaioannou, Councillor Thanos Stergiou stated:”The Municipality of Lamia is ready to support the Acropolis Historic Rally, leveraging its experience in hosting major sporting events and its strategy in sports tourism, ensuring the rally leaves a lasting impact on the region.”
Additional greetings were given by Giorgos Kazantzopoulos, OMAE Sustainability Coordinator, Nikos Manolis, Clerk of the Course for the Sporting category, and Spyros Katsimalis, Clerk of the Course for the Regularity category.
The evening concluded with the presentation of commemorative plaques to all participants, who are now eagerly counting down to the 2026 edition of the rally. Guests enjoyed the reception at the Roof Garden of the Royal Olympic Hotel, with views of the Acropolis, the Olympieion, and Lycabettus Hill.
The Organizing Committee of the rally wishes everyone a healthy and joyful holiday season.
Official website: www.historicacropolis.gr
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/historicacropolisrallygr
Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/historic_acropolis_rally/
Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@PressOfficeOMAE
Press Office
