96-Year-Old Polish Driver Returns to Argentine Rally

Back in 1967, Zasada shocked the motorsport world by winning the Gran Premio Argentino Histórico in Argentina, driving a Porsche 911 and edging out more than 300 other competitors. The win was so remarkable that Argentine media gave him a nickname that stuck: "El Polaco Volador," or "The Flying Pole."

A Victory Still Remembered Decades Later
Looking back on that moment, Zasada said his win back then created a stir that went far beyond the world of sport, recalling how the Polish community living in Argentina at the time could barely contain their excitement over the result. Now, nearly 60 years later, he's determined to finish the rally once more, this time as a 96-year-old competitor. He even joked that he might come back again at the age of 100, leaving the door open for one more comeback down the line.

For this run, Zasada is driving a specially built Porsche 911 Dakar, and in a nice touch of nostalgia, it carries race number 405, the same number he raced under back in 1967. Riding alongside him as co-driver is Krzysztof Bąk, who also happens to be his business partner.

A Massive Field and a Grand Return
This year's edition of the rally is no small affair, with 104 cars entered in total. The route stretches 3,351 kilometers across six demanding stages, taking drivers from Buenos Aires through Luján, Alta Gracia, Catamarca, and San Juan before wrapping up in Córdoba. Zasada is taking part as a special guest this time around, meaning he won't be eligible for the official overall standings, but that hardly takes away from the significance of his return.

The rally's ceremonial start was held on Friday outside the Automóvil Club Argentino's headquarters in Buenos Aires, drawing a crowd of notable guests, including Buenos Aires Mayor Jorge Macri. Macri called it a great honor to welcome Zasada back after so many years, noting the lasting mark he left on the city's history and praising the grand fashion of his return.