Published on Saturday, March 15, 2025

Father Sébastien and son Luis Bielande shine with double win for RSD Karting in GK4 season opener:“Very special”

MARIEMBOURG - The topteam of RSD Karting from Charleroi in Belgium had a perfect weekend in Mariembourg during the opening round of the GK4 karting series. Team owner Sébastien Bielande (43) surprisingly won the final of the IAME X30 Senior class, while his son Luis (10) finished a strong second in the Mini class. Both father and son looked back to the special moment and the great results of RSD Karting.

"It was very special to be on the podium on the same day as my dad," said a proud Luis. "When I saw him pass number one on the last lap, I cheered. I was really surprised when he won."

For the Bielande family, the Mariembourg circuit was a home track advantage, which certainly contributed to their strong performance. Young Luis in particular was able to put his experience of the circuit to good use. He immediately showed his speed in qualifying by taking pole position.

He ended up with second place in both heats and the final, but showed that he could pull away from the competition. "I built a lead twice. The first time it was too small, so the second time I created a bigger lead. The winner was really fast, I couldn't really keep up with him. But I'm happy with my second place."

Father Sébastien had more modest expectations. "Today was a training race for me because I am preparing for the IAME Benelux in Mariembourg. I had to race in the GK4 because there's no other category for my age. I am 43, while most of the other drivers are in their twenties or younger."

Despite his age disadvantage, Sébastien showed that experience is also worth a lot. After qualifying third, he had a difficult first race, finishing sixth. He battled back to third place in the second race, only to win the final in spectacular way.

"I was expecting to be in the top 10, so the win is a real surprise," said an elated Sébastien. "In the final, I was able to create distance between myself and the field behind me."

The Bielande family has a deep-rooted passion for karting. Sebastien founded his own team, RSD Karting, in 2009 after eight years with another team. His son Luis developed a passion for karting at a young age. "I have been karting for six years now and I am ten years old. It was my Dad who put me in a kart for the first time."

What attracts the young driver to karting is clear: "I love racing because of the speed, the corners, the victories and the podiums. I already have fifteen trophies at home."

The RSD Karting team has become an established presence in the karting world. "Every year our team has champions or runners-up," says Sébastien proudly. "We've had many champions in different classes."

The team has a busy schedule this season. "We are racing in the GK4, the IAME Benelux Series and the IAME Euro Series in Mariembourg. We have eight drivers in the GK4 and twenty in the Benelux," says Sébastien. Luis also has a busy schedule: "This year I am racing in the GK4 and in the Benelux."

The successes in Mariembourg have left the Bilande family and their team wanting more. Sébastien is clear about where their successes come from: "It's all thanks to the team and all the people around them!"

Sébastien and Luis would like to thank all the crew and all the mechanics at RSD Karting. Sébastien and Luis Bielande are supported in their racing activities by RSD Karting.