1:8 EFRA EURO CHAMPIONSHIP
YRCMCRC HALIFAX 13-16 AUGUST 2025
Dario Balestri has once again written his name into the history books, successfully defending his EFRA 1:8 Onroad European Championship title with the Infinity IF18-3 at the Halifax track in the UK. This latest triumph marks his third consecutive European crown in the class, confirming both his extraordinary consistency and the winning pedigree of the IF18-3.
Starting second on the grid, Balestri moved decisively into the lead with a perfectly timed overtake on Simon Kurzbuch as the race approached the second refueling. From then on, he managed the pace and pit strategy with remarkable precision, his only brief absence from the lead coming during the scheduled tyre stop. Crossing the finish line with more than nine seconds in hand, the Italian secured yet another prestigious title for Infinity.
Behind him, Carmine Riola produced some of the race’s most memorable moments in his duel with Kurzbuch. Around mid-distance, Riola delivered what will surely be remembered as one of the highlights of the championship: spotting the narrowest of openings as Kurzbuch ran slightly wide at the entry to the straight, he launched his IF18-3 inside at full throttle. It was an audacious move pulled off with breathtaking precision, bringing the crowd and live stream audience to their feet.
The intensity peaked again in the closing moments. With less than a minute to go, Carmine pressed relentlessly, searching for a way past. In a dramatic final attempt, he dived for the inside but flew to the track barrier, ending his challenge in spectacular fashion. Though denied second place, Raiola’s speed and fighting spirit stood out as a defining feature of the championship.
Infinity’s strong presence went far beyond the podium battle. Teemu Leino earned his spot in the final through the semifinals, only to see his race cut short by an incident in the opening stages. The semifinals also showcased great battles from the Infinity line-up, with Lamberto Collari and Nicola Marrone competing in the Semi A, while Rick Vrieljinck together with Francesco Tironi lining up in the Semi B. The overall performance confirmed Infinity as the most complete and competitive team of the weekend.
With his victory, Balestri extends his EFRA European Championship tally to eleven titles, while the success of the IF18-3in Halifax reinforces its status as the reference platform in 1:8 nitro onroad racing – fast, consistent, and capable of winning at the very highest level.
See you at EC 2026!
