João Gomes crowned 2026 Portuguese central/south regional champion

The following race report is from João Gomes:

João Gomes has been crowned the 2026 Portuguese 1/8 nitro buggy central/south regional champion after a perfect final round at Ortigosa, securing both the TQ and the overall victory. The rescheduled Ortigosa event became the decisive round of the championship, with Gomes arriving at the race still in contention for the title and knowing that a strong result would be required to secure the championship.

Gomes delivered when it mattered most, taking Top Qualifier honours before going on to win the 45-minute A-Main. The final proved to be a close battle at the front between Gomes and Carlos Durães. Both drivers completed 85 laps, with Gomes crossing the line in 45:18.542, just 3.981 seconds ahead of Durães. Joel Soares completed the podium in third place with 82 laps.

A-Main Results

1. João Gomes – 85 laps – 45:18.542
2. Carlos Durães – 85 laps – 45:22.523
3. Joel Soares – 82 laps – 45:16.593
4. Tomás Mendonça – 80 laps
5. Fábio Correia – 79 laps
6. Olavo Lopes – 78 laps

With only the two best results from the three-round championship counting towards the final classification, Gomes’ victory and TQ at Ortigosa gave him the points required to seal the 2026 Portuguese central/south regional championship title. It was the perfect way to finish the season: TQ, race victory and the regional championship all decided on the same weekend.

It was a weekend where there was no room for mistakes. I knew what I had to do to win the championship, and to finish it with both TQ and the victory makes it even more special after so many years off the racing scene. » #NOSPONSOR #NOPROBLEM — João Gomes

About Chris

Chris is the founder and editorial director for Cicus RC News. He has been writing about all things RC for more than 13 years. When he's not writing, you can find him shooting and travelling the world looking for the next adventure.