Former Belgian Rallycross champion Nick Snoeys is set to make a full-time return to the sport. Armed with the Peugeot 208 that Jens Hvaal drove to the Norwegian Super1600 championship title, the Belgian driver will take on the RallyX South championship in the Open 2WD category.
After sporadic appearances in the FIA Euro RX3 European Championship behind the wheel of a Ford Ka, Snoeys will be back in international competition in the coming weeks. He will take on the challenges of Montalegre, Valkenswaard, and Buxtehude, where he will aim to fight for the RallyX title in the Open 2WD category, reserved for front-wheel-drive cars with engines under two liters.
For Snoeys, this project is much more than just a return to racing. After a decade of intermittent commitments due to budget constraints, the Belgian sees RallyX South as a unique opportunity to commit to a structured and financially viable championship.
“Even though our last full Rallycross program dates back to the 2014 season, which ended with a Belgian championship title, our team remains well known in Belgium and the Netherlands,” explains the 36-year-old driver.
“Since then, we’ve always wanted to compete in international-caliber events, and we’ve had the chance to take part in a few races. But unfortunately, budget limitations have never allowed us to commit to a full season. However, with the creation of RallyX South, which consists of just five races over three weekends, the situation is completely different. That’s why we decided to enter the entire championship. Knowing we’ll have a full season ahead of us is far more exciting than just making a few one-off appearances.”
To take on this new challenge, Snoeys will rely on a Peugeot 208 Super1600 that has previously been driven by Espen Isaksætre and Jens Hvaal.
“The car we’re running this year is a Peugeot 208 Super1600/RX3 that used to belong to Jens Hvaal. Since arriving in Belgium, we’ve completely stripped it down to overhaul the mechanics and restore it to mint condition. And from what I can say so far, we’re more than satisfied with the result. We now have a car that looks brand new and fully complies with the Euro RX3 regulations.”
While Snoeys is eager to get back behind the wheel, he remains realistic about the challenges ahead.
“I know it will take me some time to get fully comfortable with the car. Over the past few seasons, our team has primarily focused on providing technical support to other drivers in Rallycross. The few times I’ve been able to drive myself were only in a CrossCar. So, needless to say, I can’t wait to take control of this Peugeot 208. Of course, expecting to win the RallyX South title right away would be ambitious, as I still need to familiarize myself with the car and regain racing rhythm.”
Beyond the lack of recent seat time, Snoeys will also have to contend with formidable competition.
“We’re likely to face cars with larger engine capacities and therefore more power. That’s a bit frustrating because I’ve been a huge fan of the Super1600 category since I was young. But we’ll do our best to defend our chances and aim for the top step of the podium every weekend.”
One thing is certain: the Valkenswaard round, scheduled for April 26-27, will be a particularly meaningful race for Snoeys.
“We’ll see how things unfold, but I’m definitely excited to return to the atmosphere of international competition on world-class circuits. We’re going to try and make the Valkenswaard event a real celebration while aiming for the best possible result. For me, it will feel like a home race since I live just 30 minutes from the track.”