Varaždin is preparing for an unprecedented automotive spectacle that will transform it into a center of octane excitement and top-notch entertainment in mid-June 2025. At the spacious Varaždin airport, on June 18th and 19th, the premiere edition of the Croatian Automotive Race Show (CARS) will be held, an event that, with its ambitious program and impressive list of participants, sets new standards and rightly bears the epithet of the largest automotive gathering in this part of Europe.

This innovative project, conceived as an original Croatian tourist and promotional product, has a dual mission. On one hand, its goal is to gather the entire spectrum of automotive passion in one place – from the latest car models, through powerful motorcycles and impressive trucks, to specialized sports and racing vehicles. On the other hand, CARS is designed to promote Croatia as a desirable and safe automotive destination, highlighting the quality and beauty of its roads and highways, which are among the most modern on the continent. All who plan to visit this spectacle and are looking for accommodation in Varaždin will have the opportunity to convince themselves of the beauties of the baroque city and its surroundings.

A Blend of Adrenaline, Education, and Top-Notch Entertainment

The event's program is carefully balanced to satisfy the appetites of the widest audience. Over two days, visitors can expect a dynamic sequence of events. The central part will be an outdoor vehicle exhibition, numerous presentations of the latest technologies and models from the auto industry, and exciting competitions. Special attention is drawn to the "Race of Titans," an exclusive race of special sports vehicles that promises memorable sights. Alongside it, there will be drag race competitions, a parade of sports vehicles on the track, and various mini-competitions with a rich prize fund.

However, CARS goes beyond the classic format of an auto-moto show. Its fundamental purpose is educational, with an emphasis on raising awareness about the importance of traffic safety. In partnership with key institutions, CARS addresses all road users, with a special focus on young drivers, who represent one of the most vulnerable groups. The two-day program starts on Wednesday, June 18th, at 9 AM and lasts until 1 AM, with the highlight of the first day being a big surprise concert starting at 9 PM. The events continue on Thursday, June 19th, from 9 AM to 8 PM, when a spectacular finale is planned.

Institutions and Legends of the Auto Industry Side by Side

The strength and importance of the project are confirmed by strong institutional support. The implementation involves the Police Directorate, the Ministry of the Interior, the City of Varaždin headed by the mayor, the Varaždin City Tourist Board, Varaždin County with the county prefect, and the umbrella Croatian National Tourist Board. Organizer Robert Bajs proudly emphasizes this collaboration: "The first CARS Race Show brings content never before seen in this region. We are extremely proud of our partnership with the institutions, thanks to which visitors will be able to see more than 50 vehicles from key services – from the police, firefighters, Red Cross, and HGSS to the ambulance and civil protection."

In addition to the modern vehicle fleet, historical police vehicles will also be exhibited, providing a unique insight into the development of technology. A special attraction will be the arrival of legendary world brands. Thanks to cooperation with the renowned tourist-automotive project Tie Fly, Ferrari, McLaren, and SSR Performance, the team currently dominating the DTM championship, will arrive at the Varaždin airport. Visitors coming from other cities to witness this fusion of technology and speed can find comfortable accommodation in Varaždin and fully immerse themselves in the two-day program.

Focus on Prevention and Awareness Raising

The educational segment of the event will be extremely rich and interactive. Numerous demonstrations are planned to realistically show the challenges faced by emergency services. Firefighters will demonstrate the use of pneumatic shears to rescue people from a crushed vehicle, after which the vehicle will be controllably set on fire to demonstrate the firefighting procedure in real conditions. In cooperation with the Croatian Auto Club (HAK), a vehicle rollover simulator will be set up on the training ground, which vividly illustrates the importance of using a seat belt to every participant. The Croatian Auto and Karting Federation (HAKS), as the umbrella automotive organization, together with the Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences in Zagreb, will organize an expert panel where key stakeholders from the auto-moto sector and representatives of institutions will discuss strategies for increasing road safety.

The grim statistics are relentless and further emphasize the importance of such initiatives. Globally, over a million people lose their lives in traffic accidents annually. In the European Union, this figure exceeds 20,000, while in Croatia, more than 200 people die annually. The most vulnerable groups are precisely those that CARS primarily addresses – young people, but also pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. The Police Directorate states that CARS RACE SHOW 2025 is an excellent opportunity for a significant step forward in improving road traffic safety in the Republic of Croatia.

Opportunity for the Business Sector and All Necessary Information

Besides being a magnet for the public, this unique event also opens doors for the business sector. Numerous companies and brands have recognized the opportunity to present themselves to a wide audience through exhibition stands and presentations, form new partnerships, and strengthen their market presence. An event of this caliber is also a significant boost for the local economy and tourism, positioning Varaždin as a city capable of hosting the most demanding events.

Tickets for this two-day spectacle are already on sale, with prices ranging from 10 to 30 euros, depending on the category. A sufficient number of parking spaces is also provided. It is important to note that entry is allowed for persons over 12 years of age, while for children under 5, entry is free, but only when accompanied by a parent or guardian. You can secure your tickets in time via the Eventim system, and a limited number will also be available at the entrance on the days of the event. To fully experience the two-day program, visitors are recommended to secure their accommodation in Varaždin in time.