Junior BRC - Ardeca Ypres Rally - Maxim Decock after exciting catch-up race

The fourth D1 competition in the Junior BRC was held this weekend as part of the 60th Ardeca Ypres Rally, an internationally highly regarded competition with a course where real rally drivers can make the difference. The battle between the four youngsters was particularly exciting, although two youngsters paid their dues.

From the start, Maxim Decock put pressure on favourite Lander Depotter. After the first loop, the pilot from Komen had a small lead of 2"9, but in Wijtschate he suddenly lost 1'17" on his biggest competitor. "I was surprised twice in a braking zone in Wijtschate. We went straight each time, and I also stalled the engine once. In total, we lost a good minute. Too bad, because it will be difficult to make up for that time," said a disappointed Maxim Decock, who started a long chase from 4th place.

Despite a large lead of almost one and a half minutes, Lander Depotter kept attacking. After two fastest times, it all went wrong in a left on the test of the Kemmelberg. Depotter was a fraction too fast, the car jumped out of the rope and bit with its nose in the embankment on the outside of the ditch. After four somersaults, the Opel Corsa Rally4 came to a standstill with a lot of damage.

From that moment on, Lander Dhaene, the young engineer from Ypres, took over command with a 13"4 lead over Maxim Decock, who again believed in a victory in front of his home crowd. Decock went in pursuit, but he struggled with brake problems. "In Zillebeke we drove the fastest time, 0"7 ahead of Dhaene, but with clammy hands, because we really had no brakes anymore. We had a few warm moments," laughed Maxim Decock, who from then on had to bleed the brakes regularly.

Meanwhile, Lény Cols paid his dues in his first participation in Ypres, because in Zillebeke he cut a bit too deep in a left, which dragged the Clio into the ditch. Game over for the leader in the Junior BRC who could have done a good thing after the abandonment of his closest pursuer.

At the front, Lander Dhaene kept fighting for the victory. On the very last test, he set a great best time, but he had to acknowledge his superior in Maxim Decock, who could finally make his dream of winning in Ypres come true.
"What a race! After those slides on Friday evening in Wijtschate, we had to chase all day. We drove very hard, partly thanks to the rhythm we acquired in the European Championship. You also get more daring there, because you can't hesitate on unfamiliar courses. I had to dig deep to pass Lander Dhaene. Strong of Lander, because he only drives a few rallies a year," said the happy winner.

Lander Dhaene was proud of his second place. "Of course I gave everything to hold on to the first place, but Maxim just has a bit more speed. I gave the best of myself. More was all there was. In advance I would have definitely signed for this second place in Ypres," Lander Dhaene stated.

Current standings Junior BRC: 1. L. Cols 76; 2. L. Depotter 50; 3. Th. Eertmans 48; 4. C. Fiasse 43; 5. M. Decock 25; 6. L. Dhaene 18; 7. Cl. Benoit 12; 8. S. Plattes 10

Source: https://www.rallylovers.be/nb/14066/Junior-BRC--Ardeca-Ypres-Rally--Maxim-Decock-na-spannende-inhaalrace