Heusden-Zolder (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The 24 Hours of Zolder parade in Heusden-Zolder showcased modern and classic race cars, included a children’s buggy activity, and attracted fans like Gunter Houbrechts, Bram, Andries, and visiting families.
As VRT News reported, the cars that will compete in the 24 Hours of Zolder drove through the centre of Heusden-Zolder, in the province of Limburg, Belgium, before the race weekend as tradition. Many people lined the streets to see the parade and cars up close.
Today, August 27, 2025, the teams stopped their preparations to allow the fans this opportunity. Fans could see every detail of the cars. The parade included both modern race cars and classic models.
What happened at the 24 Hours of Zolder parade and kids’ racing?
Among the fans was Gunter Houbrechts from Nieuwerkerken. He said the parade is the only time people can get so close to the cars.
“You don’t get this close during the race weekend itself, but you can here,”
he said. Houbrechts said,
“Even for those who can’t attend the race, this is a great event. The Porsches are special to me. The lines, the shape, and the sound make them stand out above all the other cars. Fantastic!”
Bram and Andries are also big Porsche fans.
“We’re trying to collect as many autographs and posters as possible to hang in our rooms. We don’t know yet if we’ll be watching the race, but we’d love for the ‘purple Porsche’ to win,”
they say.
For Noah and Eden, the grandchildren of Bea Billen, the brand of the cars did not matter.
“As long as they’re blue or red,”
Bea Billen said.
“They think that’s ‘chic.’”
This was the first time she visited the event with her daughter and grandchildren. The children were excited as they moved through the car parade.
“They seem to really enjoy it. I also enjoy walking around here,”
she added.
A new feature this year allowed children to take part in a hands-on racing experience. 40 Heusden-Zolder children were the winners of a local competition, and driving off-road buggies on a grassy trail next to some race cars was their prize. They were able to steer, speed up and slow down while racing off-road buggies across a racing course.
“Steering, accelerating, and braking—it wasn’t difficult,”
said Daan, one of the participants.
“But it was a lot of fun. If it were up to me, they could definitely go a bit faster.”
The 24 Hours of Zolder is one of Belgium’s longest-running endurance races, first held in 1983. It takes place annually at the Circuit Zolder in Heusden-Zolder and attracts hundreds of professional and amateur drivers from across Europe.
The race lasts a full 24 hours, testing both speed and stamina, and is known for its mix of touring cars, GTs, and prototypes. In recent years, the event has also included fan-friendly activities, such as car parades through the town centre.
