About us
Our history
"After many years of organising race championships, trackdays, teambuildings and incentives, it was time to launch something big." Founder Hans Van de Ven's vision has always been to bring people with the same passion together. There are many entrepreneurs with petrol running through their veins, which is why we organise a monthly networking event at Circuit Zolder where we combine business with pleasure.
"It turns out we weren't the only ones who thought this was a good idea... The results have been overwhelming, meanwhile we are 9 years into this success story where we are filling a gap in the market.
Our concept is simple and that's why it works so well. We aim for premium sports cars + 300hp that can drive on track undisturbed, with no noise restrictions. Thanks to a maximum limit of 25 cars on track and our professional guidance, we reduce the risk with 1 common goal; to have fun on and off the track.
With our various programmes, we can welcome both beginners and experts to discover the capabilities of their beloved sports car.
So it did not take long for our approach to attract the attention of several importers and distributors, and today we are proud of all our partnerships. We always go the extra mile for our partners!" - Hans van de Ven.
Our team
Hans Van de Ven
Founder
The Chief Petrolhead!!! Hans van de Ven is the owner and founder of Petrolhead Days. He has been organising events in the car and motorbike world for years and considers Petrolhead Days one of his best projects ever. The most important thing about these track days is that the clients have fun and learn something about safe and enjoyable track driving.
Niels Schoenmakers
Event manager & instructor
As event manager of Petrolhead Days, Niels is involved daily in the entire organisation of fun events. Do you have a question? Feel free to ask Niels and you will quickly get an enthusiastic answer. Besides his organisational role, he is also an instructor on the track and is happy to teach you all the techniques you need to drive a good lap at Zolder.
Jeff Van de Ven
Instructor & social media
The son of Hans, Jeff is a born Petrolhead. Jeff provides professional communication on social media with his business MS Media. During our events, he guides Porsche customers as an instructor and shares his experiences as a race driver.
Rudi Mafrans
Pitlane responsible
Rudi has been part of Hans' team since the 1990s and does an excellent job. His main task is to be in permanent contact with the security and race control tower. In case of problems or dangerous situations, Rudi can inform security and vice versa. You can usually find Rudi in and around the pitlane with his sunglasses and Scottish cap.
Bernard Landless
Chief instructor
A big smile and a portfolio with years of experience as an instructor and event supporter. To us, that is the perfect description for Bernard. He has been part of the Petrolhead crew from the beginning and is always there with a free dose of enthusiasm and energy. Do not hesitate to ask him if you have any questions during one of our events, he will be happy to help you.
Luc Schoenmakers
Instructor
Luc is one of the most patient people in our team. With 25 years of international rally experience, he always has interesting stories and tips. He is the perfect instructor for novice drivers, which is why he focuses mainly on our warm-up clients. This allows him to explain in a calm and clear way that you can enjoy a day of track driving in a safe and fun way.
The White
Pitlane assistant
Everyone knows our White! If you don't know him yet, be sure to come to one of our Petrolhead Days. Our Witte is responsible for waving our chequered flag between the various track sessions. He also takes care of the walky talkies of the whole team during and after the event. In the afternoon, you will usually see him sitting with his friend Rudi with a nice cup of coffee.
Rudi Raemaekers
Paddock responsible
As true locals, Rudi and his best friend René know the grounds of Circuit Zolder like no other. They manage the paddock all day and will be happy to help you park your car and guide you to the right place.
Ivan Tarantsov
Photographer
This photo magician grew up in Bolderberg next to the Zolder Circuit. His passion for motorsport and photography led him to the job he currently has. Even the ugliest people look great through Ivan's lens.
René Swinnen
Paddock assistant
René is perhaps the nicest man you will ever meet. Always willing to help and ready to guide people through the paddocks of Circuit Zolder. Do not hesitate to ask for his help, because René does not stop until everyone is satisfied.
Wim Maerevoet
Safety coordinator
Safety first! Wim is our safety specialist on duty. During the week he works as safety coordinator, but on our Petrolhead Days he is responsible for safety and order in the pitlane. With his experience as a motorbike instructor, he is very familiar on and around the track. In short, Wim is the perfect partner for this important job.
Joachim Wagemans
Instructor
With his experience in rallying, Joachim certainly knows how to turn a wheel. That is why you will always find Joachim in the pitlane. He will mainly focus on the Cayman Experience where customers get their first experience in a Porsche race car. Should you want any tips to improve your driving style on the track, you can always tap him on the shoulder.
Wim Lumbeeck
Instructor
As a former driver with a Porsche Gt3 cup and a Dodge Viper, Wim is someone you can learn from on the track. He has been part of our team for years and is a top instructor for the novice track driver. Feel free to contact Wim if you have a question about your driving style or about his experiences in motorsport.
Michel De Coster
Instructor
Michel de Coster was vice-president of Belgacom and besides his work, he had several hobbies to let off steam. Besides playing bass guitar, he used to drive sports cars and even participated in several racing championships. Michel is always in a good mood and happy to help you with all your questions.
David Croes
Instructor
An ex-rally champion and factory driver for Mitsubishi, David Croes is the perfect instructor for our race cars. David can usually be found in the pitlane at the BMW M2 CS Racing Cup or the Porsche Cayman GT4. In a gentle manner, David will show you how to complete a perfect lap around Zolder without danger.
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