Peter Hudders (Circuit Zolder): "Putting the 24 Hours of Zolder back on a pedestal."A mere six months after taking over the helm at Circuit Zolder, Peter Hudders, the General Manager is taking on the complicated task of redeveloping the 24 Hours of Zolder into a major event in the Belgian Limburg. Quality was always on hand, however the GT3 concept could not tempt the general public into filling the grandstands. The ever smaller starting grid meant that the Zolder endurance event lost some of its charm, but "now in 2009 a new avenue has been opened up. The marriage between Motorsport Promotion (Hans van de Ven) and the PRC Group (Christian Lahaye) has opened up new doors to return to a 'grass-roots' 24 Hours of Zolder, a new fun fair for the general public, a day out tailor made to one and all ", is how Hudders opened up the conversation.
Roger Dejaeghere's successor was previously active amongst other as the Directeur Succersale MB Europa/MB House with Mercedes-Benz Belux (Daimler) and General Manager with Toyota City Zaventem. As such the 50 year old Hudders has an extensive background in marketing mixed with years of experience in the manufacturing world. "Motorsport and manufacturers are closely linked, however both worlds differ enormously. On top of that the Belgian motorsport is undergoing difficult times, but the collaboration between Motorsport Promotion and the PRC Group should create a solid foundation for the future. Individuals from two different worlds are now pulling in the same direction and this new course will see the light of day during these 24 Hours of Zolder. Realistic estimates reveal that we should have some 35 cars on the grid, but this will undoubtedly increase in the future. It's now time to look ahead. "
Under the leadership of the new top man a fresh wind is blowing through the corridors of the 'tower': "When I arrived here as General Manager I carried out a SWOT-analysis, comparing the strong points to the weak ones. Over the years we started to lose the interest of the general public for national events. The rather anaemic starting grids definitely played a part in this. This is now being turned about. But on top of that the 'Belcar' underwent one or two too many changes of name. From the BBL Cup, Carglass Cup, Belcar, Belcar Original through to the Belgian GT Championship Mediagroep Van Dyck, as it is known today. Here also we lost the feeling with our public ", Hudders admits to the problems.
According to the master-marketeer market research is the only solution: "These last few months we have researched how to attract people back to the circuit. The formula is simple. Give people value for their money, but adapt the programme to what the public want. Let's be honest, who travels on down to Circuit Zolder just to watch cars racing round for 24 hours? You can't fill grandstands with those numbers. The peripheral entertainment of previous years will be increased. It has to become a day-out for the entire family. The majority of our public are adult males, but wives and children also enjoy coming on down to the track. The peripheral entertainment needs to be geared to this. This year in paddock zone five and area for children is being set-up, whilst there will also be enjoyable performances for the ladies! In addition on the podium there will be performances from some of Limburg's celebrities, such as Lasgo and Sylver. The 24 Hours of Zolder offers a tailor made programme, to suit everyone's taste! This concept of an adapted atmosphere must also be carried on through to all the other major meetings, such as for instance the end of season FIA GT championship and the annual Truck Grand Prix. We need to offer more total concepts, I'm convinced of this."
Circuit Zolder together with the two promoters has taken on a new course. But also in-house Hudders has implemented several changes: "I have recruited two individuals who will be playing a key role in the future success of the circuit. On the one hand a young dynamic product manager with loads of potential, and on the other a business developer with a broad network and highly knowledgeable. Amongst others the arrival of the world championship for touring cars (FIA WTCC) needs to be thoroughly prepared, not forgetting the Clean Week 2020, and in the eyes of Circuit Zolder equally as important as the WTCC. The WTCC should place Circuit Zolder back on the world map, whilst the European GT2 championship will also be holding a meeting here next year. Formula 1 is no longer a realistic option, so we need to pull out all the stops to convince the other reputable championships to call on our circuit. Circuit Zolder needs to be placed back on the pedestal it thoroughly deserves!" is how an ambitious but realistic Peter Hudders ended the conversation.  VZW 24u.be - Gordon McKay on Monday 10 August 2009 at 12:47. | 
