Mediagroup Van Dyck Belcar 2005
Belcar New Race Festival
Belcar qualifying: Super Goossens again
The first round of the 2005 MVD Belcar championship looks really promising. The entry list not only shows quantity - 45 cars - but also quality, as described earlier in our Belcar preview. There are no major forfeits for the opening round, except for the RSR Stealth, as announced also earlier by the team. We only find 5 British drivers, as both RSR and Redhouse Racing did not show up. Present are: Robert Croydon - Stealth, James Pete - LVC Z3, Peter Cook - Point Porsche RS and Willie Moore and Dave Cox on the Moore BMW M3. The only surprise on the entry-list is the AD Porsche 993 Turbo, replacing the 996 RS. This car runs a 2.1 'baby 'turbo. This engine was first used in type 911 in the seventies but also in the 936 and later the Dauer.
In free practice on Saturday morning, Marc Goossens is quickest in a 1.33. The Stealth goes off in the closing stages of the session. The car will not return this weekend. A problem with the chassis, discovered as the car was checked after the little off, might be too dangerous to drive with.
The first official qualifying is held under a bright sky, which could change later during the weekend. Kumpen sets the first pole of the season, minutes later followed by Goossens. After only 5 minutes, the session is red flagged as oil makes adherence very bad. Marc Goossens stays at front after the session is ongoing again. A surprise is the performance of some of the GTB 996. Palttala and Penders both set top-10 times; the flying Fin is 5th halfway the session.
As the pair numbers come out, Bouvy (#4 PSI Porsche Biturbo) takes 2nd from Kumpen and Perti Kuismanen goes into 4th. A stunning performance comes from Georg Severich on the GS BMW M3 GTR. The former German DTM-driver sets a 1.35.668, good for a top-10. Cars not appearing in this first session were the Saker, due to several technical problems, the Mazda (forfait), the Marcos LM600 (differential) etc.
Vosse, on the #2 Kuismanen Viper takes pole in the opening stages of the second session. Vincent Vosse sets a good 1.31.159. It's now waiting till impair numbers come out to see what Marc can do.
The clock is ticking and few competitors seem to go any faster. After 30 minutes, only Vosse and Derdaele (#34 Ultima) do any better. The latter takes 3rd spot in GTB. Pole in GTB is never in danger; the PSI RSR of Palttala is playing in another league.
In the closing stages, Kumpen tries to attack the pole of the Kuismanen Viper as does Marc Goossens. Mister Pole Position does it again: 1.29.845! The SRT Corvette is at front of the first qualifying of the season. Kumpen goes into second in 1.30.989.
Result:
© Joost Custers
