Belgian Touring Car nationals final round – Report

The final round of the Belgium Electric Touring Car nationals was held at the MRCZ track in Zwevegem. Unlike the previous outdoor races this season, the drivers were greeted by sunny weather to make for good racing conditions on the very technical and low-grip parking lot track. After three rounds of qualifying in the EFRA class Olivier Bultynck took the TQ spot from local driver Thomas Stockman and Nick Joosens who completed the top 3.

In the opening A-final Olivier took a splendid start followed by Thomas and Nick. Nick put a lot of pressure on Thomas to try to overtake and this paid out as Thomas made a mistake in lap 7 and Nick was able to grab the 2nd place. Meanwhile Olivier had opened a gap of over 5 seconds and he easily took the win. Nick came in 2nd and Mitchel van Es was the happy 3rd. Also in the second final Olivier went away right from the start to take the win in the leg. Further down the field Nick made a move on Thomas and took 2nd place with Thomas just behind. Olivier then opted to sit out A3 allowing Thomas and Nick to fight for the runner-up spot. Nick tried everything to stay in the lead but at the end he had to let go Thomas who took the win. Nicolas Delisé, who struggled electronic issues in the previous finals took a happy 3rd place. The overall result saw Olivier Bultynck (VBC) taking the win from Nick Joosens (Yokomo) in 2nd and Thomas Stockman (Xray) in 3rd.

In the Stock class Geoffrey Vekemans grabbed the TQ spot closely followed by Athan De Witte and Dylan Senaeve. In the first A-final the crowd witnessed some close racing and Geoffrey in the lead. Athan put a lot of pressure on the leader but Geoffrey was in defence mode. The battle ended with a touch and Athan and Geoffrey rolled over. This allowed Dylan to take the lead followed by Nathan Cortvriendt. With a few laps to go Geoffrey and Athan tried to recover but Dylan and Nathan showed a great pace and Dylan ultimately took the win in front of Nathan and Geoffrey who came in 3rd. The second final had some very close racing between Geoffrey, Athan, Dylan and Christophe Charlier to offer. Geoffrey was defending and Athan and Dylan tried everything to pass. A bit later Dylan overtook Athan and looked to be the fastest man on the track at this time but Geoffrey managed to take the win with Dylan in 2nd and Christophe in 3rd. The final A-main would now decide over the win. Geoffrey jumped into the lead but in lap 2 Athan made a mistake and was dead last. Meanwhile Dylan was in 2nd place but also he made a little mistake while Athan was fighting hard to recover and he ultimately took the 3rd place in the leg. Up front Geoffrey took the win with Dylan in 2nd. The overall result then saw Geoffrey Vekemans (ARC) taking the win from Dylan Senaeve (Xray) in 2nd and Athan De Witte (VBC) who rounded out the podium.

In the Formula class Olivier Bultynck took the pole in front of Steve Deblaere and Krist Bultynck while Kevin Van Leent was a good and surprising 4th on the grid. In the opening A-final Olivier was fast as expected and nobody could follow. Steve and Krist did what they could but a 2nd and 3rd place was the best they could get. The second final was another story as Olivier did not start and so Steve took the lead. Krist was following with Maxim Naegels in 3rd place. Maxim was pushing hard and overtook Krist but up front Steve took the win in front of Maxim and Krist. Kevin was a happy 4th in front of Danny Naegels. With again no start from Olivier in the 3rd final Steve took the lead with Krist and Maxim behind. Krist again took the lead while Steve and Maxim were battling for 2nd place. Krist managed to win and Steve took 2nd place in front of Maxim. The overall result had Steve Deblaere (VBC) taking the win from Krist Bultynck (VBC) in 2nd and Maxim Naegels (Yokomo) in 3rd place.

Thanks to Krist Bultynck for sending the report.