The 50th edition of the TAC Rally was officially unveiled at a vibrant B2B event. Set to take place on 12 April, this exciting race marks the second round of the Kroon-Oil Belgian Rally Championship Division 2, which consists of seven rounds this season. While registrations are still open, the Tieltse Automobiel Club is thrilled to announce that approximately 50 participants are already prepared to take to the starting line.
A Stellar Line-Up in the RC2 Class
Among the competitors in the top class RC2, we can expect to see participants vying for additional points to bolster their standings in the Division 1 championship. Many entrants have a strong affinity for this classic rally in Tielt, renowned for its skilled organisation and dynamic atmosphere. Following a stunning victory at the Rallye des Ardennes, where Jos Verstappen secured his second maximum score of the season, fellow title contenders must tread carefully to avoid losing crucial points.
Niels Reynvoet, last year’s TAC Rally champion, will return to the competition in his Hyundai i20 N Rally2, hoping to maintain his unbeaten run following a successful outing at Haspengouw. He will be joined by former TAC Rally winner Vincent Verschueren, who will tackle the course in the Citroën C3 Rally2 of Team Godrive. Other notable participants include Fred Miclotte, fresh off a strong second-place finish in Landen, and Nicola Stampaert, eager to build on his recent triumph in Hannuit. A surprise addition to the starting list is Robin Maes, making his return after a number of years away, piloting a Skoda Fabia RS navigated by Stéphane Prévot. With notable names such as Eddy Van de Vivere and the legendary Patrick Snijers, who celebrates multiple past victories, the competition promises to be fierce!
Talent through the field
The TAC Rally will not only showcase the top contenders in RC2, but also host a varied array of categories, including the MATS Performance M-Cup, where ten participants have already registered. Champion Philip Lommers will introduce his new vehicle, challenging the likes of Franky Boulat and Thierry Cokelaere, with notable entries from Dutch participants Wim Muilwijk and daughter Nadia.
In Rally3, Xavier Dekeyser and Stefaan Crombez will compete head-to-head in Clio Rally3 vehicles, while the Histo Cup boasts five participants vying for victory, led by former points leader Chris Dobbelaere. The BRC Trophy sees entrants like Loris Nuyts and Jeroen Catelin taking their places with a Renault Clio Rally5, alongside intriguing entries from Nick Vannieuwenhuyse with a Mercedes and René Walraven in his BMW.
While Patrick Snijers holds four victories to his name, he remains dwarfed by Paul Lietaer’s impressive record of 12 victories across various categories, including Historic as recent as 2024. Lietaer will again compete in Historic, focused on the general classification, facing strong competitors like Hans Vancampenhoudt and Antoine Van Ballegooijen.
With 20 additional participants confirmed in the VHRS competition and the Slowly Sideways demo, the TAC Rally on 12 April is poised to deliver a day brimming with excitement and elite motorsport. Don’t miss this thrilling event!
