The best six of the 18 participants in the national car race “Independence Cup” raised their glasses at an award ceremony in the Great National Assembly Square on Friday. President Vladimir Voronin attended the ceremony, Info-Prim Neo reports. “I congratulate all the participants in this race. I’m glad that this tradition was not lost and takes place every year. Those that took part in the two-day race are true patriots. In time, this national race will become an international one. Be active for your future,” the head of state said. Maxim Besedin ranked first in the cars of the first class category. Eugen Tribujan and Valerian Dulai took the second and third positions. The winners in the cars of the second class category were Ruslan Cotrobai and, respectively, Igor Vrabie and Roman Minjiu. Vladimir Fedotchin won a special prize offered to the eldest participant. The winners got money awards from the sponsors and by a mobile phone. Departing deputy prime minister Victor Stepaniuc handed a consolation prize to Grigore Rusu, who experienced a lot of troubles during the race. His car broke down several times. “All those that participated in the race deserve our respect. They were met with great joy in the settlements that they crossed. You are the real heroes of this day. It is your day,” said Valentin Todercan, the head of Teleradio-Moldova Company. In the end, all the particulates served champagne and cake.