The Menzo 24 Hours of Zolder, the second biggest endurance race in Belgium will be held from 30th August through to the 1st September. In contrast to the event in the Ardennes, this race held in the north-eastern part of Belgium is open to various types of cars. The major innovation of 2012, the presence of Prototypes up to 2 litres, with amongst others cars emanating from the CN class, remains valid for 2013. On top of that the regulations allow for a large number of other cars, ranging from Touring Cars through to the powerful GT1 variety.

Circuit Zolder also boasts its 24 hours race and retains a strong tradition and when it comes to endurance races it goes to prove that a small country such as Belgium can host two great events, together amounting to 48 hours of top-level racing. The Zolder race is promoted and organised by the circuit itself. Thierry Deflandre, the General Manager explains: “Circuit Zolder now once again has the race entirely in hand and we are determined to give this fixed meeting of the last 35 years the same panache as of years gone by. One of the major elements is allowing the Prototypes to compete, because this class of car, namely those up to 2 litres, has grown throughout Europe during these last few years. Last year a fair number of these great cars had competed and recent new initiatives from Radical and Ligier amongst others, next to the reborn Tiga, prove that the market is ever growing. We therefore invite owners of such cars, wherever they might be located in Europe to come on down to Zolder to race and go head to head with the GT cars.”

Anthony Kumpen, record holder when it comes to victories at Zolder made the following comments regarding this race in his back garden: “Last year it was proven that combining the three types of cars worked perfectly and as such this year we will once again see Norma, Wolf, Radical and Ligier versus Porsche 911 and Audi R8, not forgetting various BMW and Seat. Up front battle will rage for the overall victory, but further down in the field the various competitors retain their own objectives. In Zolder we will see professional drivers competing against the better amateurs and highly professional teams measuring themselves up against highly passionate amateurs.”

It goes without saying that all other current race machinery, ranging from GT through to Touring Cars can enter the race, with extremely open regulations and in which lesser teams will also find their way.

“Our race is tuned to such an extent to allow everyone to join this motorsport feast, similar to the Nürburgring for example, but then with the inclusion of several types of Cup cars and obviously those Prototypes. As far as possible we wish to reduce the restrictions for the competitors, which means that individuals can travel on down to our circuit with a car, get in and compete. If so desired more than 4 drivers per car may compete, similar to the Daytona model”, Thierry Deflandre, the General Manager continued. “In this light costs are limited to a minimum investment.”

Motorsport and music = ambiance

Motorsport and partying go hand in hand, and definitely during the coming Menzo 24 Hours of Zolder. On Saturday evening there is in fact the Summernight Party, with as strong closing act, none other than Regi Pinxten. With this Summernight Party the Menzo 24 Hours of Zolder will be reliving the atmosphere of years gone by, and everyone present at the circuit will have the opportunity of thoroughly enjoying that atmosphere and ambiance.

Timing

For those looking to bring their diary up-to-date, the free practice sessions kick off on Thursday at 9.10hrs, with a first session of the 24 Hours of Zolder competitors at 10.00hrs. Qualifying sessions follow at: 13.05hrs (30 min), 16.45hrs (30 min) and between 20.45hrs and 23.45hrs.

Those wishing to receive additional information regarding the cars or teams during the Menzo 24 Hours of Zolder should contact: andy@skylimitevents.be or +32 (0) 475 41 92 76