The second showdown for the Belgian Rallycross Championship at the Glosso circuit in Arendonk turned out to be an exciting affair. Especially considering that many top drivers were absent for a race abroad or were preparing for another event. In short, it was the ideal moment to collect points for those who rarely stand in the spotlight. Although things didn't always run smoothly. After all, points are only awarded at the finish line.
A look back and the necessary details of the second round of the season.
In the RX3 series, it seemed like a repeat of last year. Only three drivers showed up at the technical Glosso circuit in Arendonk. Yves Teelen (Peugeot 208) was absent. The driver from Lanklaar had set his sights on a Rally X event taking place later and wanted to save his car. Those present included Davy Van den Branden (Citroën DS3), champion Nick Vanalken (Volkswagen Polo), and Ilse Versluys (Toyota Yaris). Van Den Branden set the fastest time twice, although Vanalken stayed close behind. And that could be taken quite literally. There was fireworks in the air between the two top contenders. The tension was palpable in the final as well. Vanalken’s Polo had gotten off to a slightly faster start, though Van Den Branden didn't sit idly by. It became a scramble to cross the finish line first. The positions changed hands several times. Ultimately, Vanalken crossed the finish line first. Van Den Branden followed a few centimeters behind, ahead of Ilse Versluys.
In the Under 2000cc Supernationals, there was an open opportunity for Kimi Vermeulen (Ford Sierra) and Ben Desender (Honda Civic). Desender had won the opening round in Maasmechelen due to a misjudgment by competitor Joël Strackx (Honda Civic) and wanted to continue on the right path. Strackx went to compete in a race abroad (Austria) and gave others the chance to showcase their skills. Desender and Vermeulen each set a fast time, although it was Desender’s Honda that got off to the best start in the A-final after the semi-final. For a moment, the Dutch driver Mandy Kasse (Ford Fiesta) came into contention for a podium spot. Unfortunately, a defective spark plug cable threw a spanner in the works, causing Wouter Nijssen (Opel Corsa), who had been closely followed, to stay neatly in the slipstream. Desender refused to give up and kept pushing, but saw that Nijssen had been just slightly faster and crossed the finish line in third place, ahead of Nijssen. Vermeulen struggled with grip during the heats, fitted a set of different tires to the good-looking Ford, and was awarded the gold following Mandy Kasse's early retirement.
Among the heavyweights, the Supernationals plus 2000cc, all eyes were on Kristof Bex (Volvo S40) and Steve Volders (BMW M3). No Yorick Maeyninckx and no Arianne Vanlommel on the Arendonk circuit. So it became a duel between Bex and Volders, although Roland Myny (Volvo S40) and Danny De Beuckelaer (Opel Corsa) also entered the race to compete for the podium spots. Bex set the fastest time twice and already had one foot in the A-final. As the starting lights went out, Volders was the fastest to head out onto the gravel. Bex faltered briefly but quickly regained control, and the lead over a closely following Roland Myny grew visibly. Unfortunately, a broken throttle valve on Bex’s Volvo had other ideas, and the driver from Heusden-Zolder had to throw in the towel prematurely. Volders maintained a high pace all around and drove to a fine victory, ahead of a delighted Danny De Beuckelaer, who managed to overtake Roland Myny along the way.
In the Minibuggy U9 series, Martin Boesmans (Spies Mini Buggy) was the fastest, ahead of Baptiste Havenne (Semog Mini Buggy) and Leo Devleeschauwer (JVDC). Yenz Leysen (JVDC) put up a strong fight in the U12 series by very impressively keeping Lex Verbelen (Verbelen Mini Buggy) and Lowie Laeveren (JVDC) behind him.
In the Crosscar Junior, Pim Klaassen (Peters Crosskart) was the fastest after the semi-finals and the A-final, ahead of Tom Devleeschauwer (Lifelive TN11) and Lois Ramakers (Camotos Rapace).
In the largest series, CrossCar Senior, there was an open opportunity, due to the lack of top drivers such as Kobe Pauwels (competing in the WEC in Imola, Italy) and Kyandro Van De Vivere (family reasons), to see other top contenders in action. Mervin Klaassen (Peters Crosskart) had a tough time, eventually crossing the finish line fastest ahead of Pim Vlassak (Peters Crosskart) and Nathan Ottink (Peters Crosskart). Jip Jacobs was allowed to climb to the top step of the podium in the RST series demo race, ahead of Daan Vanhacht and Donny Verhoeven.
In the spectacular SuperBuggy, all eyes were once again on Mark Van Eycken (Spies Buggy 1600). Van Eycken won the opening race at the Duivelsberg circuit in early March and naturally wanted to score again. However, the driver from Haacht had to reckon with a strong-driving Bjorn Versluys (GRR SuperBuggy). Versluys recorded a fast time twice and insisted on shining in the final as well. Van Eycken went full throttle and quickly took the lead. Versluys stayed neatly in the slipstream of the fast Van Eycken, until the gearbox of Versluys’ buggy gave out. A deeply disappointed Bjorn Versluys made no secret of the fact that he was absolutely determined to take control of the race. Glenn Sente (OS ED Hayabusa) took second place on the podium, ahead of Kenny Van Den Vonder (F&S Chassis Superbuggy).
And in the KC Open, the overall victory went to Jens Truyens (Peeters 600), ahead of Dirk Vlasselaer (Peters Crosskart) and Kevin Potier (Semog Revolution).
