- Title fight postponed to the final at the Austrian Red Bull Ring on September 23rd and 24th
- Robert de Haan is Rookie Champion 2023 and Sacha Norden (GP Elite) the new champion in PRO-AM
Circuit Zolder, September 10, 2023. The Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux was in its ninth and tenth races of the season at Circuit Zolder and the tension has only increased in the run-up to the final in Austria. Although Robert de Haan won the first race of the weekend, he could not yet uncork the champagne for the title. Bertrand Baguette won the second race, while de Haan failed to cross the line after problems during the second race. All this means that the difference between the leader in the championship and his closest pursuer, Glenn van Parijs (AUGUST by NGT), is less than 54 points, meaning that the title battle will only be settled at the end of this season. Robert de Haan is already assured of the title in the Rookie Division, while Sacha Norden (GP Elite) can call himself champion in PRO-AM 2023.
The weekend started with a fantastic run-up, in the form of a series of new lap records in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux at Circuit Zolder. Glenn van Parijs set new records in both the first and second free practice and finally in qualifying in a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup – Type 992 – for the Limburg circuit. His best time was an impressive 1.29.469. The Hasselaar was therefore allowed to start from pole position for both races.
In the first race he was unable to redeem that starting place, because after a good battle with his title rival Robert de Haan, it was the young Dutchman who won the race, ahead of Paris and Rik Koen (JW Raceservice).
“I am very happy with this victory, but the title has not yet been won,” said de Haan on the podium at Circuit Zolder. “We now have to do everything we can to become champions during the second race here in Belgium.”
Behind the podium, Bertrand Baguette rode to fourth place, ahead of Dirk Schouten (Q1 Trackracing), Flynt Schuring (Huber Racing) and the winner in the PRO-AM class, Sacha Norden. The victory in the AM category went to home driver Luc Vanderfeesten (RedAnt Racing).
“This is truly fantastic, my first victory in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux and in front of family and friends. I'm really enjoying this!”, said Luc Vanderfeesten after the race.
Inconclusive title fight, Baguette takes his first victory in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux
The second race was again a nice spectacle, with many position changes. Glenn van Parijs crossed the line as the winner, but after a five-second time penalty for an anticipated start, the victory went to his teammate Bertrand Baguette who rode a race by the book.
“I am extremely happy for the team and my teammate,” said Baguette after the race. “We are doing very well in the team championship with AUGUST by NGT and Glenn also has a chance of winning the title. And of course it is a pleasure to achieve such a victory in front of 20,000 spectators and in your own country.”
Dirk Schouten (Q1 Trackracing) and Flynt Schuring (Huber Racing) were able to join the reigning champion in the Japanese Super GT on the podium. Glenn van Parijs and Sam Dejonghe (RedAnt Racing) completed the top 5. Robert de Haan did not finish, so the decision on the title fight was postponed until the final.
In PRO-AM, Hans Weijs Jr won, while champion Sacha Norden took second place to the title in the class.
“I'm overwhelmed, the first title in my first season in PRO-AM, I can hardly believe it. I have to thank everyone, the team, my partners, my family…” Sacha Norden beamed under the champagne shower.
Finally, Cedric Chassang won in 'AM' and heads to the final on Austrian soil as the points leader. The final is scheduled for September 23 and 24 at the Red Bull Ring.
