Andy Jaenen comments on the qualifying sessions: "Never seen such a battle for the pole!"Once again this year Andy Jaenen is putting pen to paper, and acting as analyst for 24u.be. After the highly disputed qualifying sessions he has jotted down a round-up... but even Andy can't figure out a real favourite. This year it could go any in direction, and in each class there are likely candidates for the overall victory!
The qualifying sessions on Wednesday on a wet track as also Thursday on a drying surface were quite exciting. Never before have so many cars battled it out quite so fiercely for the pole. On Wednesday the top 4 in the rankings were within 0,5 seconds. On Thursday's qualifying session the 6th placed car was still only a mere 0,885from the pole position. It was finally Kurt Mollekens with his Corvette who snatched it ahead of Radermecker, Heylen and Vosse. Duval was fifth in the first of the Porsches, ahead of Soulet. The Porsches had to give way to the 'American' beast by 0,8 seconds It will be interesting to see whether the American cars are able to pull clear of the Porsches during the event...
These qualifying sessions have also set the tone for the actual race. When it comes to pace there are in excess of 10 cars with some experienced drivers who can retain a regular 24 hour rhythm. However the difference will lie in the car's "endurance factor". Because the Porsches are so economical, we have to slot them in as serious contenders (especially those of GPR, Prospeed and G-Force), as they will be spending less time refuelling. But the Corvette and Moslers especially have the potential to put the Porsches under pressure with their high race rhythm.
The Moslers enjoyed a good 24 Hours of Spa and the G&A model was pretty powerful last year also. On the other hand the Vipers appear to be somewhat weaker, especially when it comes to consumption and reliability. They'll have to make sure that they don't force things in the first few hours of the race. The race is going to be a wear and tear battle. This is why we'll see 2 strategies. Those setting out at a high pace to run up front and the others who right from the start will be taking it "easy". In my opinion we'll find the latter up in the front on Sunday, because Zolder is and remains the heaviest 24 Hours race for both driver and mechanical parts.
In the other classes I expect a few sizzlers. The Porsches of NGT, Thiers, CEO and the AD Turbo will definitely be contenders for a high overall ranking, and who knows even an overall victory...
On Thursday evening, after the last qualifying session the traditional BBQ was held at the Wheels cafe. But to crown the evening there was the performance of the Rock Cover Band AMBRIAGE. They gave their all with 3 hours of sweltering music. Quite a few teams and drivers were present. Great to see that upon request from Marc Goossens and Jan Heylen AMBRIAGE performed for an extra hour. This with guest performances from amongst others "father" Maes.
See you in Wheels for the 24 Hours of Zolder.
Andy Jaenen
www.wheelscafe.be  VZW 24u.be - De redactie on Friday 7 September 2007 at 18:30. | 
