Countdown to the 2025 Kroon-Oil Belgian Rally Championship: Haspengouw Rally on the Horizon

As the dust settles after the Monte-Carlo Rally and the exhilarating Legend Boucles @ Bastogne, Belgian rally fans are eagerly counting down to the 2025 Kroon-Oil Belgian Rally Championship. Just three weeks away is the thrilling opening round: the renowned Haspengouw Rally— a classic event set in the picturesque fruit region of Belgium. This season promises continuity and excitement as familiar faces return to the stages.
Event Highlights
The 27th Haspengouw Rally kicks off on Thursday, 20 February, at 1 p.m. with a Test SS in Aalst. This initial session allows participants to get into the rhythm, whether testing a new car or fine-tuning their skills in preparation for the championship. From 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., the invited RC1s, RC2s, and RGTs will take to the course, followed by all other participants from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets for this opening Test KP are reasonably priced at 10 euros, or included in the comprehensive All Stages package at 35 euros, which covers the program, all stages on Saturday, and the Test KP.
On Friday, reconnaissance will take the spotlight, culminating in a special stop for RC2/RGT riders at 4 p.m. in the Market of Sint-Truiden. Here, the traditional group photo will be taken, along with the presentation of the teams for the upcoming season—a moment that always generates buzz among fans and competitors alike.
The Main Event: Saturday’s Special Stages
The real action begins on Saturday, 22 February. Starting at 8 a.m., competitors will tackle 12 special stages divided into three loops, showcasing the best of the region: Boekhout, Gelmen, Halle-Booienhoven, and Gingelom. Overall, the stages will total 134 km against the clock. After two grueling stages, teams will regroup at the service park at Hangar 66 in Sint-Truiden for a much-needed pit stop.

A Lineup to Watch
Excitement is palpable as the first registrations have rolled in, featuring several big names looking to make their mark. Jos Verstappen, who placed fifth in Sint-Truiden last season, is planning to chase the title in a Skoda Fabia RS—definitely a contender for victory! Richard Pex, navigating alongside Anouk Preda this year, is set to make his presence felt with the same model.
Bjorn Syx, a consistent competitor, will debut with his reliable Citroën C3 Rally2, aiming to bounce back from last year’s mechanical issues. Another name to watch is Nicola Stampaert, who will drive his Skoda Fabia RS in Sint-Truiden. Local driver Robbie Plevoets will also be in action, with Frederic Miclotte behind the wheel of a Skoda Fabia R5, ready to attack the podium.
Adding to the excitement is reigning champion Cédric Cherain, expected to register with a Porsche, alongside the likes of Patrick Snijers in his Porsche 997 GT3. Henri Schmelcher and Frank Jorissen are opting for the more modern 991 GT3, promising a thrilling spectacle with these GTs in competition.
The MATS Performance M-Cup will return, led by the multiple-time champion Franky Boulat. Fans are excited to see what Andy Lefevere, the last winner of a BRC round in 2005, can accomplish with his BMW this year. Young talents like Joren Mievis and Siem Dendas will also be in the mix, each bringing their unique experiences to the rally.
In the Rally3 category, Xavier Dekeyser will be competing in a Clio Rally3, facing off against Thomas Martens, who is making strides toward a future in the Junior WRC. The rally will also welcome entries from the Youngtimer BRC with Luc Pauwels’ Subaru Impreza 555 and Jordy Cruys, attempting his luck in a Peugeot 208 Rally4, a change from his previous role as a navigator.
Kickstarting an exciting season
The entry list for the Haspengouw Rally is already exciting, showcasing a blend of seasoned competitors and emerging talents. As the championship gears up for the first event of the season, one thing is clear: fans are in for an unforgettable experience filled with thrilling races and fierce competition.
So gear up and get ready—2025 is shaping up to be an electrifying year for Belgian rallying!