22 april 2007Lémeret and Radermecker after a thrilling race
The second race of the Mediagroep Van Dyck Belcar was a tremendous one. The final outcome only fell one lap before the end of the 104-lap race. The PK Corvette of Longin and Kumpen was leading until the penultimate lap, when a severe engine problem slowed down the Corvette. Vincent Radermecker and Stéphane Lémeret took advantage out of the situation and won the race. Their victory was the maiden one for the Mosler, even more special as it was on home ground. After a great recovery Ron Marchal and Wim Coekelbergs finished third in the Aston DBRS9, also the first podium finish of an Aston in Belcar. After a good battle the Aston finished in front of the Porsches of Duez – Maes and Bouvy – Loix. This result also means four makes within the top-5, proving the choice of the GT3-concept being the right one.
Victory in Division 2 went to the NGT Porsche of Couwberghs – Neyens, while Chad drivers Nigel Greensall and Ian Dockerill kept victory in Division 3 at home in Britain.
The race start was perfect for both the Moslers of Gravity International Racing. Radermecker and Lambert were leading, while Kumpen was the only one to follow the rhythm of the leaders. “The battle with Anthony lasted for ever”, explained a tired Yves Lambert. “It was a fair and good battle and I really enjoyed it. This is racing!”
Meanwhile Radermecker was building up the lead, but pistops changed the situation. “I had a very good stint, but unluckily we had a problem with the pressure of the refuelling installation and we lost precious time. Stéphane did a great job afterwards and we won right on the finish line”, told Radermecker.
Behind the leading trio a quartet Porsches was ready to take over and after the pit stops, the flying Dutchman Ron Marchal joined the German cars. After a great race the Aston came home third, just behind the struggling Corvette.
“I was really afraid to not finish”, admitted Longin after the race. “I had no clue where the others were and finally I’m glad to come home in second position.”
Marchal very fairy admitted that “the PK boys deserved second. We’re happy to finish third and will continue our job to even better the car.”
Meanwhile the second Gravity Mosler disappeared out of the race, after an off of Christian Kelders. Other retirements were the G&A Mosler after a contact and the GS Viper with a broken differential. GS was very unlucky as the team worked all night long to get the car back on track after the heavy accident on Saturday.
Behind the top-5, Vanthoor and Wauters won the Viper battle, in front of the fast ladies Boden and Van de Velde. Second and third in Division 2 were the GS duo Steinberg – James and the First Motorsport crew Jeuris – Vetters. Leest – Steegmans and the Thiers brothers completed the Division 3 podium.
Result: 1. Radermecker-Lémeret (Mosler-Chevrolet) 104 laps ; 2. Kumpen-Longin (Corvette Z06) on 1 lap; 3. Coekelbergs-Marchal (Aston Martin DBRS9); 4. Duez-Maes (Porsche 997 GT3); 5. Bouvy-Loix (Porsche 997 GT3); 6. Dumarey-Quaife (Bel-Bri/Porsche 997 GT3); 7. Vanierschot-Heylen (Porsche 997 GT3) on 2 laps; 8. Penders-Lamot (Porsche 997 GT3); 9. Vanthoor-Wauters (Dodge Viper); 10. Neyens-Couwberghs (Porsche 996 Supercup) (1st D2) ; … 12. Dockerill-Greensall (Bri-Bri/Porsche 996) on 3 laps (1st D3)
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