Newsflash from Tuesday, 21 October 2025: Driver Stratos Stamatakis survived a serious crash during the 10th Vrachasi Hill Climb in Crete. The incident highlights the importance of safety in motorsport.
The village of Vrachasi is located between the Selinari Monastery and Neapoli, parallel to the motorway.
A serious accident occurred during the 10th Vrachasi Hill Climb, part of the Crete Hill Climb Cup, on Sunday, October 19. The event, held near Vrachasi, close to Neapoli, was abruptly interrupted when driver Stratos Stamatakis lost control of his race car, which veered off course and plunged into a ravine.
According to reports from Anatolh.com, Stamatakis’ vehicle struck the roadside embankment before careening down the steep slope. Fortunately, the driver escaped with only minor injuries and is confirmed to be out of danger.
In a Facebook post following the crash, Stamatakis expressed gratitude for the swift response of the Athletic Club of Crete (AOKritis), which handled both his rescue and the recovery of the vehicle. He also praised the car’s safety features, crediting the design and construction work of Giorgos Poulakis for preventing a more serious outcome.
“The collision was violent, but the safety measures worked perfectly,” Stamatakis wrote. “There should never be ‘light’ compromises on safety — exactly for situations like this.”
The driver also reflected emotionally on the end of an era for his beloved race car, affectionately nicknamed “the lion”, which debuted in 2015 and met its end in 2025 during this event.
Despite the dramatic incident, the rally’s organization and emergency response were widely commended for their professionalism and speed, ensuring the safety of both the driver and spectators.
This accident serves as a powerful reminder of the risks and resilience inherent in motorsport — and the crucial importance of safety standards in competitive racing.
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