Origins of the Distomo name

Tucked into the rugged terrain of central Greece, the Distomo rally stage is more than just a stretch of gravel—it’s a crucible of motorsport history. Named after the village of Distomo, this legendary special stage formed part of the iconic Acropolis Rally, often dubbed the “Rally of the Gods” for its punishing conditions and mythic backdrop. Drivers who tackled Distomo weren’t just racing the clock—they were wrestling with the land itself.

The Acropolis Rally, first held in 1951, quickly earned a reputation as one of the most demanding events in the World Rally Championship. With searing heat, jagged rocks, and mountainous climbs, it tested both man and machine to their limits. Distomo, nestled between the slopes of Mount Helicon and the Gulf of Corinth, was one of its most feared and revered sections. Narrow, winding, and brutally uneven, it offered no forgiveness. A single misjudged corner could end a rally—or a career.

What made Distomo so unforgettable wasn’t just its technical difficulty, but its atmosphere. The dust hung thick in the air, kicked up by generations of rally legends. Spectators lined the route, braving the heat and the chaos for a glimpse of Group B monsters roaring through the olive groves. The echoes of turbocharged engines and gravel spray became part of the landscape’s rhythm.

Though the original Group B era was tragically short-lived, Distomo remained etched in the memories of fans and drivers alike. It became a symbol of rallying’s raw essence—where engineering brilliance met elemental challenge. And now, decades later, its legacy is being reawakened.

RS Competition Cars (RSCC) chose the name “Distomo” for their reimagined Group S concept car as a tribute to this legendary stage. It’s a nod to the spirit of innovation and audacity that defined the original Acropolis Rally. By invoking Distomo, RSCC isn’t just referencing a location—they’re channeling a philosophy: that rallying should be bold, visceral, and uncompromising.

Today, the Distomo stage lives on in the hearts of rally purists and in the archives of motorsport history. It’s a reminder of a time when drivers faced nature head-on, armed with little more than grit, instinct, and a machine built to defy the odds. Whether through vintage footage, modern tributes, or the emergence of the RSCC Distomo at the Eifel Rallye Festival, the legend continues to evolve.