The annual drifting festival is here - drifting returns to the "Witch’s Cauldron" at the Biķernieki circuit - one of the most dangerous drifting tracks in Europe. On 5 - 6 September, rounds of the NEZ, Baltic and Latvian/Estonian Championships will take place, as well as rounds of the "PRO2" class in the Latvian and Estonian Drift Championships. Blušs, Kroģeris, Bērziņš, Baumanis, Immermanis and a record number of participants. Thirty-one competitors have registered for the "PRO" class, whilst 36 have signed up for the "PRO2" class.
This section of the Biķernieki circuit is situated in the middle of a forest - in the middle of nowhere, so to speak - and is characterised by significant changes in terrain, blind bends and narrow run-off areas, making it an unforgettable experience for both riders and spectators.
"Raganas katls" attracts drivers and spectators with its unique character - it is impossible to see the track from the paddock; all drivers, mechanics and spectators gather in one place, inside "Raganas katls", to enjoy the race together, as there is a single viewing area for everyone. "Raganas katls" features an open riders’ park which cannot be bypassed at all, as there is simply no other way to reach the race venue. Upon arriving at the event, immediately after the entrance, to reach the spectator area you have to walk at least 500 metres to the entrance, and the participants’ park runs the entire length of this route; every minute a sports car drives past, as the drifters move in a circular pattern towards the start. "Raganas katls" is unique in that the drifting isn’t watched from the stands, but from the mounds along the track; furthermore, the entrance to "Raganas katls" is on a completely different side of Biķernieki - from Biķernieku Street, or the forest side - which all spectators must bear in mind when arriving at the event. From the hillsides flanking the track, it is possible to see almost the entire circuit, but a video screen will also be set up for spectators to view the track, and an additional screen will be in the competitors’ park. This is the occasion when the organisers are encouraging everyone to bring their own chairs, beanbags, blankets and other seating from home, so they can enjoy the "Raganas katls" drift in comfort.
There will be several rounds of the championship held in these races before the season concludes, and the battle for points is extremely fierce in all the championships. At present, Siim Oskar Halls from Estonia leads the Baltic Drift Championship; after three rounds, Edgars Kroģeris is also in the top three, closely followed by another Estonian, Greg Meriloo. There are two home rounds remaining, and one away round in Lithuania. The Livonian Championship is dominated by an Estonian, whilst the next three places are held by Latvians - Baumanis, Kroģeris and Immermanis.
Equally intense and thrilling battles are taking place in the "PRO2" class, which this time includes not only Latvian but also Estonian drivers. The current leader in Latvia is Henriks Dulbinskis with 286.5 points, closely followed by this season’s "PRO2" debutant Harijs Labarēvičs on 281.5 points, and Armands Šteinbergs on 274 points. There are also fierce battles in the Estonian "PRO2" Championship, where the penultimate round of the season is taking place.
A ticket purchased for the race on 6 September 2026 also grants access to the practice sessions and qualifying heats on 5 September 2026, which are included as an extra bonus. If any spectators wish to attend only Saturday’s race, tickets are available only at the "Raganas katls" venue and will cost 20 euros.