The first race of the season in the Belcar Endurance Championship is in the books, and Belgium Racing #98 secured a strong third-place finish after an exceptionally challenging race marked by extreme weather conditions.
Heavy rain throughout the race made for one of the most difficult events in recent memory, with low grip levels and significant speed differences across the field. Under these circumstances, the race also marked the debut of Colin Coox in the Porsche 992 GT3 Cup, adding an extra layer of complexity to an already demanding situation.
The race started strongly for the #98 car, with Kaï Rillaerts taking the opening stint. Starting from third on the grid, he quickly moved into the lead and controlled the race for a significant period. After approximately one hour and twenty minutes, he handed over the car during the first scheduled pit stop.
Colin Coox took over for his stint, approaching the conditions with the necessary caution. Shortly after settling into his rhythm, a Full Course Yellow was deployed, which proved disadvantageous for the team. Having just completed their mandatory pit stop, the #98 crew lost a significant time advantage as competitors were able to carry out their stops under neutralised conditions.
Coox continued to deliver a clean and controlled stint of around forty minutes before handing over to Michael Cool, who completed the final part of the race. As conditions worsened, finding grip became increasingly difficult, allowing the #99 car to pass and pull away.
In the closing stages, the team made a strategic decision to pit for fresh tyres during a late Full Course Yellow, sacrificing second position in an attempt to regain it in the final half hour. However, with the weather deteriorating further, the gamble did not pay off, and the #98 car ultimately crossed the line in third position.
Despite missing out on second place, the result was widely seen as a strong performance under extremely difficult circumstances.
“These were probably some of the toughest conditions they've ever raced in,” said Brent Verheyen. “It’s never easy watching from the sidelines, but I’m really proud of what the team achieved. Especially Colin, who was under pressure in his debut but kept his cool and brought the car back without a single scratch. Everyone did an excellent job and we gave everything for the best possible result.”
The next round of the Belcar Endurance Championship will take place during the first weekend of June at Circuit Assen.
