Topspeed Rallyclub Haspengouw extends best wishes for a healthy, competitive 2026 to all drivers, co-drivers, teams, fans, and supporters. For the organising club’s members and staff, preparations for the Rally van Haspengouw are well underway—the 28th edition opens the Kroon-Oil Belgian Rally Championship Division 1 on 28 February.
Ominous Opener
Haspengouw’s tricky February asphalt often forecasts BRC hierarchies. Over the past four years, the round-one points leader claimed the title: Stéphane Lefebvre (2022), Maxime Potty (2023, second to William Wagner), Cédric Cherain (2024), and Jos Verstappen (2025). Both recent champions—Cherain and Verstappen—have signalled title bids, promising fireworks among 47 early entries boasting 15 national crowns.
Schedule Retained
“We stick to the proven format that has delivered thrilling contests,” says club president Benny Giebens. Thursday 26 February features a 13:00-19:00 Aalst shakedown—perfect for bedding in new machinery ahead of Haspengouw’s flowing lanes and winter grip traps.
Friday 27: recce and scrutineering, capped by Sint-Truiden’s traditional team photoshoot—a fan-friendly showcase of contenders. Saturday 28 unfolds three loops of four stages each (~120km timed), serviced at Brustem’s Hangar 44 zone
Stage Tweaks
Kerkom: New to Haspengouw, borrowed from Rally van Zuid-Limburg—technical orchards demanding precision.
Halle-Booienhoven: Opens with show section—double run at iconic Vijfsprong crossroads and cobbles, reversed from 2025.
Gelmen: Minor changes, graveyard hairpin intact—a crowd-pleaser.
Engelmanshoven: Adjusted start/finish, retaining fast, cambered flow.
