New Book on the History of Team Styllex to be Released at Barum Rally

(19. 07. 2024)

Yves Loubet, Enrico Bertone, Tomáš Hrdinka, Martin Koči, and the Béreš family are just some of the renowned drivers who have intertwined their motorsport careers with the Slovak team Styllex. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the inception of the idea and promise made by two young boys to create their own rally team.

The official book launch will take place in Zlín at the Zlaté jablko Shopping Center on Tuesday, August 13, at 5:30 PM. This special moment for fans will symbolically enhance the pre-start program of the Barum Rally, which has taken the launch under its wing. "We've been preparing materials for the book for some time, but we couldn't make the final step," explained Peter Koči, co-founder of Styllex, adding, "Since we collaborated with Dan Porazil on the biography of John Haugland and because I own all his books, the choice was clear."

ess than a year has passed since the publication of the book about the Norwegian driver, and the author from Mladá Boleslav is releasing another extensive work on rallying. "Michal Koči and Martin Vasiľ, who wrote part of the texts for Styllex, did an excellent job. Without them, it wouldn't have been possible to finish our book in time for the Barum Rally," explained Dan Porazil, adding, "I think in February, when we decided to be ready by early August, no one expected we'd create a 420-page chronicle of Styllex. Readers will not only learn about the realization of Peter and Michal Koči’s dream but will also appreciate authentic interviews with Enrico Bertone, Yves Loubet, Tomáš Hrdinka, Karel Jirátko, Martin Koči, Bryan Bouffier, the Béreš father and son, Bedřich Habermann, Igor Suško, Petr Starý, and Rastislav Aschmann."

The new book features texts in Slovak and Czech and is fully translated into English. "Our team, as well as Dan, are from a generation born in Czechoslovakia, so we didn't want to translate some parts into Slovak," revealed Peter Koči, the first driver of Styllex, with a smile. Fans can once again expect an A4 format and hundreds of intriguing photographs. The book is currently being printed, and preparations for the launch are in full swing. "I am delighted that we will launch the book at the Barum Rally with numerous guests who have confirmed their attendance. We can mention Enrico Bertone, John Haugland, Tomáš Hrdinka, and many others alongside the Koči family dynasty," hinted the co-author from Mladá Boleslav, adding that the evening will be hosted by Markéta Srbová, presenter of the show "Week in Motorsport" on O2 TV SPORT.

As part of the launch, organizers plan to commemorate the legendary Jiří Sedlář with other special guests, as Tuesday, August 13, marks 35 years since this iconic driver became immortal. "We are finalizing the program and the guest list, and we will keep fans informed in due course. We are working to ensure both readers and autograph collectors will have a memorable experience," concluded Dan Porazil.

PFR Media

Photo: Archiv of Styllex motorsport