Idze debuts Nova Proto NP01 in Ilirska Bistrica, opens new era in hillclimb racing

Igor Stefanovski – Idze will make his first official appearance in the ultrapotent Nova Proto NP01 this weekend in Ilirska Bistrica, Slovenia, marking a clear step up in his hillclimb career.

The race, held during the penultimate weekend of the European Hill Climb Championship, will be the first serious competitive test for Stefanovski’s new prototype in Category 2 — the top class that groups the fastest hillclimb cars and prototypes.

New car, bigger expectations

“Slovenia will be my latest challenge. I will race with my new car. I want to feel its performance. That's why I decided to race in Ilirska Bistrica,” Stefanovski said, not hiding his excitement ahead of the first major test with the new machine.

This season represents a milestone for the Macedonian driver: after securing three European titles in Category 1 with closed cars, he has moved up to a purpose-built prototype — the Nova Proto NP01, often referred to as Norma — whose technology approaches that of single-seater formula machines.

Stefanovski arrives in Slovenia supported by the Videolotaria Casinos Austria team, which has backed him for more than a decade. The team says it remains proud to cheer for Idze and for North Macedonia on the international stage.

Organizers and fans will watch closely during the Ilirska Bistrica rounds to see how fast Stefanovski adapts to the new car and how competitive the Nova Proto NP01 proves in Category 2 of the European Hill Climb Championship.

Photo: press material from the event