The 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Euro Trophy moves into its third and penultimate round with a stop at one of its most iconic venues: Karting Genk – The Home of Champions.
A staple in the RMCET calendar, the Belgian circuit is set to welcome the international paddock once again, this time with 188 drivers across five categories.
Genk’s fast and flowing layout, renowned for testing both precision and racecraft, promises to deliver another exciting weekend as the championship fight tightens across the board. Here’s how the competition shapes up heading into the Belgian round:
Mini MAX – Another one Ticket on the Line
Although the Mini MAX class does not contribute to the overall standings, the stakes in Genk are no less significant. The Belgian Cup Mini MAX will once again award a direct qualification spot to the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals — the third out four on offer via the Euro Trophy.
So far, two names have already booked their place in the Grand Finals through this format: Alfie Mair (SFR Motorsport), who won in Wackersdorf, and Emerson Macandrew-Uren (Dan Holland Racing), victorious in Třinec after a hard-fought battle with Riley Murro (Sam Pollitt Racing). With 38 drivers entered for Genk, the final ticket will go to whoever rises above a highly competitive field.
Junior MAX – Dan Holland Aims to Defend Its Sweep
In Třinec, Dan Holland Racing achieved a rare feat: locking out all three podium spots in Junior MAX. Mate Kobakhidze celebrated his first Euro Trophy win, with Cole Denholm finishing second and Wackersdorf winner Jacob Ashcroft securing third to retain his championship lead. The field now heads to Genk with 46 Junior MAX entries, and the title race is as close as ever. With such tight margins in the standings, 12 points divide the top 3, any slip could shake up the leaderboard, and with Genk’s overtaking opportunities, nothing is guaranteed.
Senior MAX – Bishop Closes the Gap on Butcher
Macauley Bishop (Dan Holland Racing) delivered a dominant performance in Round 2, taking pole, leading after the heats, and converting it all into a race win. But Sean Butcher (KR Sport) remains the one to beat, having held onto the championship lead thanks to a consistent second-place finish in Trinec. Cian Geraghty (Strawberry Racing) also emerged as a serious contender with a strong podium finish. Heading into Genk, the standings are still open with 77 Senior MAX drivers ready to challenge.
DD2 / DD2 Masters – Bezel and Picot Keep Their Momentum
There was no stopping Jakub Bezel (Kraft Motorsport) on home soil in Trinec. A perfect weekend saw him stretch his lead in the DD2 standings, finishing over five seconds clear of Lenn Nijs (Schepers Motorsport) and teammate Will Elswood.
In DD2 Masters, Nicolas Picot (Privateer) continues his unbeaten streak with another smart and clinical performance, holding off Xen De Ruwe (AKK Sportstil) and Maurits Knopjes (DAEMS Racing) in one of the weekend’s closest battles. With 27 drivers entered between DD2 and Masters combined, both classes are shaping up for a thrilling second half of the season.
Event Schedule
The weekend at Genk will follow the traditional format, with practice running through midweek before the competitive sessions begin. Here’s the breakdown of the event timetable:
- Wednesday, June 25: Free practices starting at 08:45 AM.
- Thursday, June 26: Free practices starting at 08:45 AM.
- Friday, June 27: Free Practices starting at 09:00 AM; from 11:40 AM Qualifying Practices; from 2.20 PM Heats.
- Saturday, June 28: Warm Up starting at 08:45 AM; from 11:20 AM Heats
- Sunday, June 29: from 08:30 AM Warm-up; from 10:00 AM Prefinals, from 1.00 PM Finals. (The Pre-finals and Finals will be broadcast live.)
For full results, schedules, and live coverage, visit www.rotaxmaxchallenge-eurotrophy.com.