Porsche Sprint Challenge Benelux kicks off the 2026 season at Circuit Zolder

• Renewed format and refreshed grid during the New Race Festival 

• Mix of talent and experience, with three races in one day 

Zonhoven, Friday 1 May. The motorsport season in the Benelux has truly come to life, and one of the established pillars in that landscape is the Porsche Sprint Challenge Benelux. The one-make series for gentlemen drivers and young talents will once again visit the circuits of the Low Countries this season, with the season opener taking place on Saturday 2 May on the Limburg tarmac of Circuit Zolder, all within a single day. 

A mix of young and experienced drivers, with many newcomers, and a balanced distribution between the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup – Type 992 – and the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, will ensure plenty of spectacle on Saturday. 

“The Porsche Sprint Challenge Benelux remains a springboard for young drivers within the Porsche Motorsport pyramid, as shown for example by our ‘GT4’ champion from last year, Arthur Peters, who will now compete in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux,” explains Porsche Sprint Challenge Benelux Series Manager Lars Plato. “Naturally, this takes place within a framework that remains faithful to the standards of Porsche Motorsport.” 

One-day format, more action 

The Porsche Sprint Challenge Benelux remains true to its concept where all the action is completed in a single day. For the 2026 season, however, the promoter has chosen to more frequently join existing race weekends, such as this weekend during the traditional New Race Festival at Circuit Zolder. 

In addition, drivers will no longer contest two but three races per meeting, with two 25-minute sprint races and a 45-minute race featuring a mandatory pit stop. This also opens up the opportunity to share the car with two drivers. 

The start of the 2026 season will therefore be given this weekend, with the qualifying session at 9:10 and the first sprint race at 11:10. 

“We are indeed heading into a season with a slightly adjusted philosophy and I am convinced it is a choice that will pay off in the long run,” adds Lars Plato. “We already see many newcomers, including young drivers from various countries, alongside the names that have been loyal to our championship for a long time.” 

Strong field in both classes 

In the Porsche Sprint Challenge Benelux, two types of Porsche line up on the grid: the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991 and Type 992), as well as the Porsche Cayman, where both the GT4 RS Clubsport and the GT4 Clubsport will battle it out in their own fight within the Clubsport class. 

“In the ‘992’ class we indeed see a number of new names, including Ivan Dobik from Hadeca Racing and Guido Schmitt in the colours of GP Elite. At NGT Racing, Tristan Clay makes his appearance, alongside the duo Lex Quintens and Mathias Beke. Ziad Geris, meanwhile, is an established name within the championship.” 

The Clubsport class is also strengthened with new names. Tom Van Rompuy and Mauro Polderman share a car in the colours of VR Racing by NGT Racing, while Arno de Jong and Jan Rezel form a duo at GP Elite. In addition, names such as Marco van der Poel, Belle Rapange and Philipp Thomas are also taking part. 

After the qualifying session at 9:10 and the first sprint race at 11:10, the second sprint race follows at 13:50. At 16:30, the participants start their 45-minute race with a mandatory pit stop.