This new rally, exclusively for pre-1945 cars, is being organised as a tribute to the drivers and co-drivers of the very first motor race on closed circuit organised in Belgium:
The circuit des ardennes
Heath – winner in 1904
First Belgian car race on a closed circuit
For the record, it was the Englishman Charles Jarrott in a Panhard & Levassor who won the race in 1902; the Belgian Pierre de Caters in a Mercedes was declared the winner in 1907, tied with the British driver John Moore-Brabazon in a Minerva. Over the first 100 km of the closed circuit, these pioneers of motor sport raced down long straights at an average speed of almost 120 km/h between the towns of Bastogne, Longlier, Martelange and Neufchâteau… The Circuit des Ardennes was organised 6 times between 1902 and 1907.
In 1905, the list of the marques which took part included: Mercedes, Fiat, CGV, Napier, Wolseley, Hotchkiss, Daracq, Panhard,and De Dietrich…
Combine driving pleasure with historical discovery
In 2025, around 120 years after this historic race, you are invited to come to Belgium and drive your pre-war car in the wheel tracks of these early heroes. The route of the VINTAGE ARDENNES TRIAL 2025, close to the old Circuit des Ardennes, will enable you to discover the most unexpected corners of this verdant region of the Belgian Ardennes.The region contains many historic sites and places made famous by the action which took place during two World Wars. The aim of our organisation is to offer you the perfect combination of competition, driving pleasure and historical discoveries.
Gentleman driver spirit
To our knowledge, there is currently no regularity rally in Belgium exclusively reserved for pre-war cars. It is time to fill the gap, and Seasunrally and its team is therefore putting together a friendly competitive rally, with the warm atmosphere that is so familiar to participants in our events, bringing together every year, friends and enthusiasts who enjoy meeting up on the road or in the bar.
This rally is also available to people who prefer to drive without the pressure of a stopwatch: the TOURING category offers crews who are so inclined, the chance to cover the route at their own pace and discover the magnificent landscapes of the Ardennes in a more relaxed manner.
The VINTAGE REGULARITY category is for the more sporty and experienced.
ELIGIBILITY AND TIMING
The route will be tailor-made exclusively for cars built before 31 December 1945. The rally takes place over 3 days, with daily distances of up to 200 km, in 3 clover leaf loops from one central hotel in Belgium’s smallest town: Durbuy, in the heart of the Ardennes.
ROAD BOOK AND COMPETITION
The VINTAGE ARDENNES TRIAL 2025 will include navigation sections, regularity tests and some special tests that will take place on private land. There will be a complete high quality Tulip Roadbook with accurate distances. No map is necessary, and the route will all be on good quality tarmac roads. Each day there will be 2 navigation sections and 4 to 5 Regularity sections with an average speed not exceeding 48km/h. A closed circuit may also be included in the programme.
TIMING
To keep as close as possible to the atmosphere of the legendary rallies of that era, timekeeping will be carried out by marshals equipped with stopwatches and positioned along the route. There will be no electronics or satellite systems, and there will be plenty of human contact throughout the event.
Program
Monday 23 June - 115km
Administrative and technical formalities followed by the first stage in the Namur and river Meuse region.
Tuesday 24 June - 195km
At the heart of the action, heading east through the Spadoise fens, Lunch will be taken at the Spa Francorchamps circuit.
HOTEL
For added comfort, the crews will be staying for 3 nights in the same 5-star hotel: Le Sanglier des Ardennes, in the heart of Durbuy.
The pleasures of the table will be guaranteed thanks to the gastronomic touch of starred chef Wout Bru. 3 different tasty menus will be served each evening: Bru’sserie Menu, Wagyu Discovery Menu and Grand Verre Menu for the prize-giving gala.
THE CLASSES
You can enrol in one of 2 classes according to your wishes:
- Vintage Regularity
- Pre War Touring (no time checks)
MECHANICAL SERVICE
A team of specialist mechanics will be on hand to help you with any mechanical problems.
An assistance vehicle with a trailer will also be available to take cars back to the hotel if the repairs are more complex.
COST OF PARTICIPATION
1945€ per person and a car in a Twin room
410€ per person supplement for a Single room
Included in the participation fee :
- 3 nights in a 5-star hotel (Monday evening to Thursday morning)
- 3 lunches and dinners including wine of the 3 days of the rally (Monday to Wednesday)
- Mechanical assistance service
- Repatriation breakdown service
- Road Books, aluminium rally plates and door numbers
- Organisers’ Liability Insurance
- Cups and Trophies
- Gala Awards Dinner
- 2 free tickets for the guided tour of the Bastogne War Museum and the Mardasson
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT :
- Lunch in the Spa Francorchamps Formula 1 paddock
- Aperitif at the Mardasson memorial
- Lunch at the Bastogne War Museum
Information & Registration Form
Register now for this next edition!
A UK transport from London is also possible, please contact the organisation
– From UK: (different UK areas)- Peter Rushforth – LEFT HAND DRIVE tel : +44 7860206286 or +44(0)1256 461173 –
Pre-payment fee : 600 euro – bank expenses charged to participant
NAGELMACKERS BANK – Place d’Armes- B – 5000 Namur
Bic: BNAGBE-BB – IBAN: BE43 – 6363 9178 0101
Important : In order to confirm your entry, a 50€ euro fee per crew ( 2025 member ship) is to be paid on the same account number. (name of the driver on bank transfer communication)
Pre-entry fee (600 euro) will be totally refunded in case of cancelation before
February 1st 2025.