Rally Updates: Tielt’s Thrilling Second Round
The second round of the TAC Rally has solidified the standings established in the opening round, showcasing the skill and strategy of the competitors. Vincent Verschueren continued to assert his dominance, extending his lead over closest rival Niels Reynvoet to an impressive 18.9 seconds.
The Challenge of Tielt
As the rally progressed, Lander Depotter capitalised on a rare mistake from Cédric Cherain, climbing into third place on the podium. With four stages remaining, Reynvoet acknowledged the challenge that lay ahead. “We ran on the same tyres as Vincent, but I couldn’t close the gap. Eighteen seconds in Tielt is substantial; the course, being relatively straightforward on this dry day, does little to foster dramatic changes in position. I shall not take unnecessary risks,” remarked the cautious Reynvoet.
Cherain’s Setback and Depotter’s Rise
Cédric Cherain, who had maintained a solid third place for much of the event, encountered difficulties on stage eight. “A braking zone caught me unawares. I could have made the turn, but with the run-off area available, I opted for caution,” he said, noting the slip to fifth place. “However, it’s not over yet. We’ll keep pushing,” laughed Cherain from behind the wheel of the Jobfixers Porsche.
In the wake of Cherain’s misstep, Depotter took the opportunity to ascend to third. “For my first outing with the Citroën, this is promising, yet we must remain composed and avoid errors,” he commented, with Nicola Stampaert sitting in tenth position and expressing satisfaction with his own progress.
A Competitive Landscape
Tim Van Parijs trails Cherain by a mere four seconds in GT, while the fight for third is currently in the hands of Gunther Monnens, who is grappling with rhythm after a morning flat tyre. “I took risks, yet I can’t match Van Parijs or Cherain’s times. I’m at a loss for an explanation,” he confessed.
Returning to the action, Robin Maes, now back in the fray, noted the swift pace of the Belgian championship’s leading group, relishing his seventh-place standing. The top ten is rounded out by Thibaud Mazuin and Bert Coene, both of whom remain well within striking distance.
Division Duel and Cup Contenders
The tussle for overall victory in Division 2 remains tantalisingly close, with Philip Lommers in the lead aboard his new BMW M3, pursued closely by Benoit Verlinde in his Renault Clio Rally3, just 1.2 seconds behind.
In the MATS Performance M-Cup, Franky Boulat continues to apply pressure on leader Lommers. As he approaches the final round with a 9.1-second deficit, he remarked, “If he wins, I’ll certainly congratulate Philip; he’s earned it through sheer effort. Rest assured, I will be back next time.”
Lastly, in the BRC Trophy, Jeroen Catelin retains his lead, while Paul Lietaer excels in the Historic category, and Sascha Oosterlinck continues to impress within the Youngtimers. The rally thrives on unpredictability, with each moment echoing the spirit of competition.
