Trackwood isn’t just a motorsport event. For drift fans, it’s a high-octane pilgrimage—a gathering like no other in Europe. Returning for its 14th year on August 29-30, 2025, the Trackwood Drift Festival brings its signature roar, smoke, and tire-shredding battles to the Rabócsi Ring in Máriapócs (Máriapócs). This legendary weekend attracts thousands of fans, nearly a hundred drivers from across Europe, and delivers non-stop excitement you’ll still be talking about years later. The event transforms the sleepy town with adrenaline-fueled action, electrifying city parades, and an unforgettable car tuning party that runs late into the night. Missing this? Out of the question.
Drifting’s Finest Meet Hungary’s Holy Site
Máriapócs (Máriapócs), usually known for its tranquil religious heritage, gets a turbocharged makeover during Trackwood. Nestled in northeastern Hungary, the town is one of the country’s most important Marian pilgrimage destinations, serving as a national shrine since 2005 under the Nyíregyháza (Nyíregyháza) Greek Catholic Diocese. It’s famed for its grand Basilica and the cozy Pilgrim House (Zarándokház) across the street—a safe haven offering comfort and peace, with a chapel promising uninterrupted silence 24/7. Pilgrims come for spiritual exercises, school groups enjoy tailored programs, and parish communities are greeted with open arms. Locals readily help visiting groups create moments of prayer or simply explore as tourists.
Where to Sleep When the Smoke Settles
Whether you’re staying for a day, a weekend, or the entire span of trackside festivities, Máriapócs (Máriapócs) has you covered. Pilgrims, race fans, and families all find what they need—whether it’s sanctuary after a spiritual retreat, a quiet spot to recharge after the racing adrenaline, or a place to crash between parties. The Pilgrim House (Zarándokház) is always happy to welcome overnight guests, from solo travelers to groups embracing the Trackwood fever.
Eat Like a Local: Food and Flavors
You’re in luck if hunger strikes between runs—this region takes its food seriously. The renowned Golden Apple Restaurant (Aranyalma Étterem) in nearby Napkor (Napkor) has been run by the same family since the nineties. They can handle everything from intimate gatherings to grand weddings, thanks to flexible dining spaces, and offer a cozy 14-bed guesthouse for those who want to eat and sleep in style.
Craving something a bit more down-to-earth? Stop by Béci Buffet (Béci Büfé), a local favorite for quick bites—fresh pizzas, burgers, and grilled classics served in a cheerful, spotless setting. They welcome road-trippers and locals alike, whether you’re rushing to the track or relaxing with friends.
For those who want to experience regional culinary history, stay at the historic inn on Nyírbátor’s (Nyírbátor) main square, built in 1905. This dignified spot is right beside the award-winning Cuckoo Restaurant (Kakukk Étterem), famed as the gastronomic heart of the Nyírség (Nyírség) region. Expect traditional Hungarian flavors paired with modern comfort.
Nyíregyháza (Nyíregyháza) itself, about 3.5 miles from its city center, boasts a classic roadside tavern with an impressive 450-seat capacity across two event halls—the larger for up to 230 guests, the smaller 130—plus three apartments for those whose appetites demand a place to rest. Secure parking is monitored by cameras for peace of mind.
Feasts with a Medieval Twist
Looking for a touch of history? Imagine dining in the ancient banquet halls of the Báthory (Báthori) family’s ancestral home, where lunch and dinner take on an unmistakable medieval flair—a meal as epic as the racing battles raging at the track.
The Trackwood Experience: Expect the Unexpected
Trackwood is the sort of festival that welds itself into your memory—the rumble of engines, the impossibly close duels, the parade of wild machines through city streets, and a communal buzz that’s absolutely infectious. Whether you’re a die-hard motorsport fan, a curious first-timer, or tagging along for a taste of Hungarian hospitality (and excellent food), Trackwood 2025 is a must-see spectacle.
One thing’s for sure: The organizers reserve the right to tweak dates and programs, so keep your eyes peeled for updates. But what doesn’t change is the promise of thrills you won’t get anywhere else. Máriapócs (Máriapócs) may be famous for sacred silence, but on Trackwood weekend, the engines do all the preaching.
