Photo: Circus RC (source)
Joao Gomes has been crowned 2026 Portuguese central/south regional champion in 1:8 nitro buggy after a perfect final round on the Ortigosa track. Rescheduled earlier in the season, this race became the deciding round of the championship, with Gomes arriving still in contention for the title and knowing a strong result was needed to seal it.
Gomes unstoppable in the title-deciding round at Ortigosa
The Portuguese driver delivered when it mattered most, taking Top Qualifier honours before going on to win the 45-minute A-Main. The final came down to a tight battle with Carlos Duraes: both drivers completed 85 laps, with Gomes crossing the line in 45:18.542, just 3.981 seconds ahead. Joel Soares completed the podium in third with 82 laps.
With only the two best results out of three rounds counting towards the championship, Gomes’ win and TQ at Ortigosa gave him the points he needed to seal the 2026 central/south regional title.
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