Kostas Stefanis is a well-known figure in the world of motorsport. His journey began at the age of 17 when he borrowed a bicycle from a local grocer to watch a special stage of the Acropolis Rally in Parnitha. This experience sparked his involvement in the sport as a co-driver. Almost fifty years later, he continues to set impressive records.
On 5th September, Kostas Stefanis will be at the starting ramp of the EKO Acropolis Rally for the 30th time, marking 49 years and three months in the WRC world, which he entered with the Acropolis Rally in 1975. The only co-driver in the world with slightly more experience is Finnish Timo Hantunen, who began his career in 1974 at the age of 24.
This year, Kostas Stefanis' efforts will be accompanied by the phrase "49 years of rocks & dust." This phrase captures the countless stones, clouds of dust, and an unbounded love for motorsport. It's a world Kostas Stefanis entered through the back door of journalism.
From the first moment he came into contact with the sport, Stefanis was not captivated by the role of the driver but rather that of the co-driver. As a 17-year-old, he understood the challenges and the unique responsibilities a co-driver faces in a rally.

Why a co-driver and not a driver?
“From my first encounter with the sport and seeing the interior of the rally car, I understood the mental work of the co-driver. I would liken him to the maestro of an orchestra. In a rally, due to its duration, the co-driver is essential during the liaison sections to guide the driver, and in the special stages to read the notes they have created together during reconnaissance.”
To make his dream a reality, Kostas Stefanis pursued journalism. “Journalism was the path that would allow me to enter the world of rallying”.
Since the day Kostas Stefanis found himself in Parnitha special stage, his dream began to take shape and then, everything became inextricably linked with motorsport, particularly with the Acropolis Rally. “It’s an event that holds a special place in my heart, and I have immense respect for its history.”
Kostas Stefanis was born in Moschato in Athens and entered the world of journalism in the late 1970s. He has worked for a few newspapers and automotive magazines and has been the host of the television show “Traction” since 1999. From the age of 21, he has been seated in the co-driver's seat, a position he still holds today. His debut in the Acropolis Rally was in 1975.
“The Acropolis Rally is a monumental chapter for our country, offering global exposure. It’s a sport passionately followed worldwide, and the images of beautiful Greece are a major attraction. Many times, during my travels abroad, I’ve been asked if a location is as beautiful as it appears in the Acropolis Rally footage.”
On 5th September, the veteran co-driver will be at the Ceremonial Start of the EKO Acropolis Rally alongside his son, Manos Stefanis. “Manos and I will be competing in a Ford Fiesta Rally3. Our goal is to have a smart and quick rally, as the circumstances allow. Given our lack of recent competitive activity, we will rely on experience and the wisdom it brings rather than speed. This year’s event is a classic Acropolis Rally with the well-known challenges that define its character. Particular emphasis should be placed on the second day, Saturday, which will be long, without an intermediate service - a factor likely to determine the outcome of the rally. I wish all the competitors, organisers, spectators, and everyone involved in this massive event the best of luck. I urge spectators to avoid driving at high speeds to prevent accidents and not to leave litter in our beautiful mountains” Mr. Stefanis emphasised.

How does it feel for a father to be the co-driver for his son? Is there any fear?
“In such cases, the first thing that happens is that any family relationship is erased from the mind. Inside the car, the father-son relationship does not exist. When reading the notes, fast corners are fast, and hairpins are hairpins. The co-driver recites the… poem, and the driver executes. Over the years, motorsport has become part of my family’s life.”
Many years in the co-driver’s seat have given Kostas Stefanis countless memories. When asked about the rallies that have left a lasting impression on him, the 75-year-old chose two: “I’d like to mention a Halkidiki Rally, where we didn’t win with Jigger; not due to our performance but due to the technological superiority that the other team had at the time. I also recall the 1978 Acropolis, when we rolled over with Iaveris on the Ritsona special stage, without Tasos being at fault.”
As a co-driver, Kostas Stefanis has been alongside some great drivers. Which ones have left their mark on him? “If I remember correctly, I’ve sat alongside 33 drivers. I have something beautiful to remember from each one. To avoid causing any hard feelings, I’ll mention the professionals I was fortunate enough to be alongside when I went to the Race of Champions in the Canary Islands as a guest of Michele Mouton. There, I sat beside all the professionals of the era and saw the differences in their driving styles and the unique talents of each.”

What would you wish for the Acropolis Rally?
“To always remain where it belongs - on the World Rally Championship calendar. Not only for the rally itself but for the WRC as a whole, which gains a different dynamic when the Acropolis Rally is part of its schedule.”

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