Anyone who has seen competition organization "from the inside" knows exactly how complex the task is, especially when the bar set up in front of you is also high.

The team of PSN Zrt., led by CEO János Máté, and sports professional leader Tibor Markó cut their ax into a big tree. It was an extra challenge to coordinate the total of 192 starting pairs, who measured their skills in four different categories and eight evaluations (in the five classes of the FIA European Historic Rally Championship, the CEZ, the Mitropa Rally Cup and the MNASZ HUMDA National Rally Championship) over the longer than usual competitive distance. The basic task was also complicated by the unfavorable weather.

Tibor Markó had this to say about the event:

"I would like to say that the race was perfect in every detail, but that would not be honest. On the other hand, I can say with a calm heart that we managed to organize a good rally overall, which required the individual and team work of many people. It was a special and sweet burden on us to carry out the event, which brought back good memories for everyone, this year as well, both from the perspective of the participants and the spectators. We wanted to put together a meaningful program for the field, with several sections that were slightly revised compared to the old routes. Managing and keeping together such a large and diverse field requires enormous logistics, and there is room for improvement in this area in the future. Unfortunately, the arrival of the storm on Friday evening didn't make our job any easier either, we had to quickly make the best possible decision from among the emergency scenarios prepared in advance and manage the resulting situation. For this, all professional areas had to come together, including foreign FIA delegates. We had to keep in mind the main aspect, safety, and we had to subordinate to this the running of the competition according to the timetable. Unfortunately, the suspension of the program on Friday affected the field of ORB3, who could not finish their race. It is important to say that we expect the entire field of ORB3 to return in 2024 and provide them with the opportunity to compete as compensation for their entry this year. In addition, I think that we made the necessary, good decision, which was also confirmed by the competitors. I thank my colleagues for handling the situation and everyone did what was necessary in their area, and it was possible for the program to continue without disturbance the next day. After the storm passed, the members of our team worked until five in the morning to bring the forest sections into a condition suitable for racing again. On behalf of all of us, I would also like to thank the spectators visiting the tracks for being with us and persevering even in this somewhat unusual situation. 

My team now has the task of evaluating the experience, the feedback received, and developing appropriate solutions for the future in the period ahead. We would like the Mecsek Rallye to be an important part of the life of the city of Pécs and the surrounding area for a long time to come."

This year's competition was therefore a more serious challenge both in terms of the number of entrants and the route of the competition, both for the organizers and the competitors, which in the end was positively evaluated by everyone. On this occasion, this year's record number of 196 pairs could prepare to cover 161 kilometers of speed routes. In addition to the real competition, the spectators were also treated to countless other related programs, so it is quite certain that in addition to the tens of thousands of fans who visited the tracks, others also found entertainment opportunities for themselves and their families during the weekend.

Zsolt Hoffer, the leader of the Rally division of the Hungarian National Automobile Association, appointed before this year's racing season, evaluated the event not only as a professional leader, but also from a competitor's point of view:

"The largest number of fields gathered in previous years, which put a strain on all the participants of the event, organizers and sports leaders, and all our employees working next to the track. Everyone had to work in a concentrated and united manner in order to achieve a successful implementation.

Sajnálatosan a vihar több tekintetben is felborította a rendezvényt, aminek a R3 mezőnye esett áldozatul, hiszen nagyon jó csatát vívtak, de végül az időjárás megcsonkította a versenyüket és nem gurulhattak át a céldobogón. Szerencsére szombaton már gond nélkül, kellő élménnyel és kellő versenykilométer megtételével folytatódhatott a verseny.

RSB és magam nevében is köszönöm mindenkinek a részvételt, tartalmas, értékes versenyt tudtunk lebonyolítani!”

A szervezők számára természetesen kiemelten fontos visszajelzés volt az a levél, melyet az FIA Historic Rally Európa-bajnokság Sportkoordinátora, Jamie Edwards a verseny után küldött Markó Tibornak:

"What I saw was a well-organized and well-run rally.

The biggest thing I took away from my experience at the rally was the cooperation between us as the FIA and you as event organisers. Nagyszerű volt az a gyorsaság, ahogyan reagáltatok az általunk megfogalmazott észrevételekre. A viharral kapcsolatos nyílt és világos kommunikációt is nagyra értékeltem, a körülmények ellenére. Ez a tökéletes példa arra, hogy mit várok és mit szeretnék a bajnokság kultúrájaként megvalósítani.

I can already say that I am really looking forward to returning to Hungary and I will do everything to bring more entries in 2024, which is a high priority for me. 

Congratulations on the hard work and effort you put into creating this well-organized and enjoyable event.”

Although the recipient of the message was Tibor Markó, the sports professional would like to thank all colleagues working at the Mecsek Rallye, sports judges, course providers, assistants, press staff and the complete staff working at the race office for their ready and indispensable work, since the above thoughts are the the cooperation of the team members is praised.

In the meantime, the first sports professional staff meeting took place, which will be followed by another one in August, and from September, work will begin in order to organize next year's competition.