This year, for the feast of St. Stephen, Sućurac was once again filled with the sounds of balinjere, cheering and joy. The 21st Mašokarić was held, organized by OMK "Adria", under the auspices of Familia craft brewery and Cemex. In this year's fierce race, Goran Beram and Matej Bilić Prcić, as the "198" team, won.
The long-standing traditional card race, in its 21st edition, gathered a large number of visitors, and the sound of the ballinjer familiar to many generations resounded again. The passion for cards is passed down from generation to generation, so it is a tradition that former child participants now become parents who make cards with their children when Advent arrives. As every year, the prizes are full of 'bags' of money, so the winning team "198" (Goran Beram, Matej Bilić Prcić) received as much as 14000 cents, while the second-place winners were "A je to" (Ivan Škalić, Ivan Misković) 4000, and the bronze and 2000 cents were won by "Frzelini" (Luka Zuljevic, Marin Kapetanovic).
This year's winner Goran Beram looked back on his history with Mašokarić: almost twenty years ago I competed, and today I'm here with my nephew to revive the spirit of the old competitions. The most important thing is to paint the checkerboard well because design wins, and tactics don't play a role, but physical fitness. We will, of course, spend the money to celebrate the victory. Close behind them were "A je to", second place for the second year in a row, and like "Frzelini" who took bronze this time, they announce an even fiercer fight and the title of winner in the 22nd Mašokarić.
Organizer and driving force of many social events, Tonći Šiškov's 'Zagor', president of the Oldtimer Motoclub "Adria", was pleased to underline the results of this year's race, despite the slightly smaller number of registered teams, six of them. However, many child drivers participated, and they went last for their safety. Locals provided homemade food and drinks, the weather ensured that the conditions for the race were ideal, and sponsors Familia craft brewery and the company Cemex supported this long-standing event.
It is nice to see that the tradition of karići racing continues to be passed down through the generations, as young drivers will always remember the moments of descending to the campanile in front of a cheering audience, parents and friends. Mašokarić is held rain or shine, without exception, so next year it will surely bring together a large number of fans of this old-fashioned, but not forgotten, entertainment that perfectly fits the Christmas spirit of togetherness.
Photo: Andrej Valentić
