The Rally Van Haspengouw proved to be an arduous challenge for many, but for Nicola Stampaert, it marked the debut of a new car—a significant milestone following a substantial crash at the Spa Rally.
As he navigated the demanding course, Stampaert showcased his growing familiarity with the Rally2s, steadily gaining confidence and speed.
Despite facing a series of challenges throughout the event, he managed to clinch a commendable fourth place on the fourth stage, a testament to his resilience in the face of adversity.
Heavy rain transformed the roads of Limburg into a muddy gauntlet, demanding both precision and composure from drivers. Stampaert found himself immersed in conditions that tested his skills to the limit.
“For me, it was the most challenging rally I’ve ever done!” he reflected in a candid conversation with RacerViews. “It was really that bad, in particular the last stages which were very dark, very muddy and very fast. Then it was raining a lot, so it was very, very difficult. Here you just have the line and then 5 cm each side, so it’s very tricky and difficult.”
Stampaert was quick to acknowledge the learning curve as he acclimated to his new machine. “For us, it was the first time with this car; we had only driven in dry conditions on the Thursday, which felt very comfortable, but here was completely opposite,” he explained. “We were looking a bit in the beginning for the setup. We found a good one in the second stage, but then we faced some misfortune— we broke a wheel, and in the last stage, we lost turbo pressure, so, uh, it was surviving today.”
Returning after Spa
While many would struggle with confidence after a significant crash, rally drivers possess a unique mentality. Stampaert’s past as a motocross rider has equipped him with a resilience that shines through, even in difficult circumstances.
“It’s okay. I was a motocross rider for 25 years, so I’m used to having some crashes now and then. Mentally, that was no problem,” he said, highlighting the mental fortitude that characterizes seasoned competitors. “But it was just the circumstances that were difficult today. I give up, and we will build on this. We will not give up.”
As Stampaert looks to establish himself in the Belgian Rally Championship (BRC), this rally serves as just the beginning of his journey. With an eye on the forthcoming TAC Rally, he can take solace in knowing that despite finishing 11th, his performance—marked by flashes of speed—was likely not reflective of his true potential.
