RMCET | Intense heat and high stakes in Genk
The 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Euro Trophy arrived at Karting Genk ‘Home of Champions’ for its third and penultimate round of the season. Set in one of the most iconic karting venues in the world, the event brought together over 200 drivers, challenging them across five days of competition under rising summer temperatures. The large crowd that filled the grandstands on Saturday and Sunday was treated to unpredictable drama, standout performances, and decisive movements in the title race.
The opening day saw clear skies and hot conditions that pushed drivers to their limits from the first session onward.
In Mini MAX, Alfie Mair (SFR Motorsport) lived up to expectations with the overall pole, ahead of Lucien Smith (KR Sport) and Oliver Spencer (SP Motorsport). The trio also stood out in the early heats, confirming their frontrunner status.
In Junior MAX, championship leader Jacob Ashcroft (Dan Holland Racing) extended his perfect qualifying streak, securing his third consecutive pole position. Behind him, Dragos Avasilcutei (MKC Motorsport) and Vince Vanderhallen (Bouvin Power) posted competitive times, while Juste Mulder (Brand Racing) broke Dan Holland’s dominance with a heat win.
Senior MAX once again delivered a thrilling narrative, with Macauley Bishop (Dan Holland Racing) taking pole with the fastest lap across all groups. Sean Butcher (KR Sport) led Group 3 to place second overall, while the UAE’s Omar Ghannoum (KR Sport) impressed in third. Ghannoum was the standout in the opening heats, taking two wins, while Bishop and Butcher each claimed a victory as well.
In DD2, Genk-specialist Enzo Bol (SP Motorsport) showed top form with pole position, while points leader Jakub Bezel (Kraft Motorsport) struggled, qualifying only 16th. However, the Czech driver gained eight positions in his heat, signaling a strong comeback.
In DD2 Masters, Nicolas Picot (Privateer) continued his flawless run, topping qualifying and winning his heat while finishing third overall among all DD2 competitors.
If Friday provided glimpses of pace, Saturday revealed the true contenders for the weekend.
In Mini MAX, Oliver Spencer emerged as the most consistent performer, jumping to the top of the standings after heats. Lucien Smith stayed close in second, while Mik Klinkers (Bouvin Power) climbed into the top three. A bumper penalty unfortunately dropped early favorite Mair out of the top five.
Junior MAX saw Ashcroft extend his domination, sweeping all his heats and maintaining a perfect score. Kai Clarke (KR Sport) mounted an impressive recovery from 17th in qualifying to finish second overall after the heats. Rory Armstrong (Dan Holland Racing) kept consistent pace to slot into third.
The Senior MAX duel between Bishop and Butcher intensified. But it was Butcher who shone on Saturday, scoring consistently and taking the lead after the heats. Teammate Ghannoum held second, while brothers Yort and Ties van Wijk placed themselves in podium contention. Bishop, hampered by a DNF in Heat A–C, dropped to ninth overall.
In DD2, Bol maintained control with a win and a second-place finish, staying on top ahead of William Kristensen (RS Competition). Mika van De Pavert, the only driver to beat Bol in a heat, stood third.
DD2 Masters remained firmly in the hands of Nicolas Picot, who once again stayed unbeaten through Saturday, confirming his position as the man to beat.
Finals Day at Genk did not disappoint. Under scorching skies, the decisive races saw titles shift and new names rise.
In the Belgian Euro Cup by Mini MAX, Lucien Smith (KR Sport) delivered a clutch performance. After winning Prefinal B, the Brit controlled the Final to grab his first Euro Trophy victory and secure the third Grand Finals ticket of the season. Riley Murro (Sam Pollitt Racing) fought hard for second, while Spencer rounded out the podium after a strong all-around weekend.
1. Lucien Smith
2. Riley Murro
3. Oliver Spencer
Junior MAX belonged once again to Jacob Ashcroft (Dan Holland Racing). From qualifying to the Final, the championship leader was untouchable, taking the win ahead of a surging Kai Clarke and teammate Rory Armstrong. Ashcroft now holds a commanding lead heading to the final round in Sarno.
Race
1. Jacob Ashcroft
2. Kai Clarke
3. Rory Armstrong
Championship
1. Jacob Ashcroft: 477
2. Cole Denholm: 453
3. Rory Armstrong: 431
In Senior MAX, it was a day to remember for Omar Ghannoum (KR Sport). After winning Prefinal A, he carried his momentum into the Final to take a career-defining victory. Bishop chased hard to finish second, while Lewis Goff (Sam Pollitt Racing) made a breakthrough performance to secure third.
Race
1. Omar Ghannoum
2. Macauley Bishop
3. Lewis Goff
Championship
1. Sean Butcher: 474
2. Macauley Bishop: 454
3. Ties van Wijk: 432
DD2 saw Enzo Bol (SP Motorsport) confirm his status as the Genk maestro. After winning the Prefinal, he led from lights to flag in the Final, fending off Kristensen and Veerus.
Race
1. Enzo Bol
2. William Kristensen
3. Ragnar Veerus
Championship
1. Jakub Bezel: 467
2. Lenn Nijs: 425
3. William Kristensen: 408
In DD2 Masters, Nicolas Picot (NPK) completed yet another perfect weekend, ahead of Martynas Tankevicius and Xen De Ruwe (AKK Sportstil).
Race
1. Nicolas Picot
2. Martynas Tankevicius
3. Xen De Ruwe
Championship
1. Nicolas Picot: 487
2. Xen De Ruwe: 457
3. Maurits Knopjes: 444
