Having moved from Belgium to
Antigua five years ago, Geleyns discovered racing on a dirt track at the age of
14. Acknowledging that his options for progression on the island were somewhat
limited, the teenager began to look at ways to graduate to the international
scene.
A meeting at Mettet with 13-time
German Rallycross Champion Volland – team owner of the multi-European
Championship-winning outfit that bears his name – set the wheels in motion, and
Geleyns now has in his pocket a long-term plan to compete for the squad and try
to make his mark.
Still only 17, he does not yet
have his road driving licence but he has been training hard over the winter in
preparation for his forthcoming challenge and testing in Europe, recently putting
down some miles at Essay in France – scene of the 2024 Euro RX3 curtain-raiser
in just under a month’s time (8-9 June).
“I started out driving in
autocross on full-dirt tracks back in Antigua – aside from drag racing, that’s
the only type of motorsport we have,” Geleyns explained. “I knew I needed to
broaden my net, so we made some enquiries and got put in touch with Rolf, and
then went to meet him at Mettet. I guess he saw some potential in me, and we
scheduled some tests.
“That went well, so we decided to
tackle a full season together in Euro RX3. I’m feeling excited and naturally
also a bit nervous. I’ve never done anything as professional or competitive as
this before, so it will definitely be a learning year for me – I know I’ve got
a lot to learn!
“Of course I want to score some
good results as well, but the main objective is to gain experience and to
improve. There’s so much knowledge inside this team and a great vibe. Rolf is
honestly an amazing coach and he has already taught me so much, and I can’t
wait to discover all the other circuits on the calendar, too.
“This is such an incredible
opportunity for me to develop my career and show what I can do. I think
rallycross is a fantastic proving-ground for all types of racing as it teaches
you a really diverse skillset. I’m so thankful to everybody who has made this
possible.”
Geleyns will join Nils Volland –
Euro RX3’s highest-placed championship returnee – and Lithuania’s Rytis
Rutkauskas on the Volland Racing driving strength this year, with a fourth car available
for rent on a round-by-round basis. Team owner Volland is confident his new protégé
is the real deal.
“From the moment I first met Nico last summer,
I was impressed by his attitude and approach,” remarked the German, under whose
tutelage the likes of Yury Belevskiy and Damian Litwinowicz have progressed
from relative unknowns to European front-runners.
“Clearly he’s still very young and
inexperienced, but he is super-hungry to learn and it is a big commitment to
travel so regularly to Europe from the Caribbean for racing and testing – that
speaks volumes about his drive and determination.
“Nico is very aware he has a lot to get to
grips with this year, but that is where we as a team can support him most, and
we are excited to see how he develops. I think he has a lot of untapped
potential – and we want to help him to unlock it.”