The 24 hours iLumen European Solar Challenge will take place on the Circuit Zolder race track, located in Heusden-Zolder (Belgium). The circuit, also called ‘Terlaemen’, used to be a Formula 1 race track and is now most famous for its exciting 24 hour races.

The track

The circuit is located in wooded area and very close to the Albert Canal. The track is relatively flat and consists of two straights and a series of curves that connect these parts. In the past the lenght of the circuit was 4,2km, but in 2007 it was shortened by about 200 meters. However the basic shape remained unchanged. The track record is currently owned by the French former Formula 1 driver Sébastien Bourdais (2007).

History

Circuit Zolder was officially opened on June 19, 1963. Ten years later Terlaemen hosted the Belgian Formula 1 Grand Prix for the first time. Eventually, ten Formula 1 races took place on Circuit Zolder.

An unfortunate fact of history in Circuit Zolder was the death of Jacques Villeneuve during the 1982 Formula 1 qualifying session. The Canadian driver collided with the car of Jochen Mass and was thrown out of his car at a speed of 200–225 km/h. Unfortunately Villeneuve didn’t survive the crash. In 1997 his son Jacques became the first Canadian to win the Formule One World Championship.

Today Circuit Zolder is most famous for its exciting 24 hour race, which every year attracts thousands of race fans. The next edition will take place during the weekend op August 20.

Cycling

In 1969 and 2002 Circuit Zolder hosted the World Championship of Cycling. Three times the World Championships of Cyclocross took place at and around the track of Terlaemen. Earlier this year, on January 31, home rider Wout Van Aert crowned himself as World Champion Cyclocross on Circuit Zolder.

24 hours iLumen European Solar Challenge

In the weekend of September 24, Circuit Zolder will host the iLumen European Solar Challenge for the second time in history. On this exciting race track about ten solar teams will challenge each other and the Tesla S model with one aim: becoming European Champion! Are you ready for the challenge !?