A newcomer to the RallyX Championship scene, Jarno Van Glabbeek—the grandson of former European Championship legend Jos Sterkens—is preparing to make his first steps in the CrossCar Junior category.

Just weeks away from his official RallyX debut at Valkenswaard on April 25–26, the young Belgian is approaching this new chapter with a measured and composed mindset.

“I’m really excited to be taking part in my first RallyX season. It will also be a completely new experience for me, and the main objective will be to learn and fully understand how the CrossCar Junior category works.”

Immersed in the world of rallycross from an early age, Van Glabbeek comes from a family where motorsport passion has been passed down through generations.

“I come from a family that has been deeply involved in rallycross. My grandfather, Jos Sterkens, has been part of the discipline for more than 50 years, and my father worked for many years with Avon Tyres. I grew up in this environment, travelling to European events with my family when I was still a baby. Very early on, I started helping out within the team and learned a lot alongside Tom Geenen, who is part of the family. Watching them compete against the top Swedish and Norwegian drivers made me want to follow the same path from a very young age.”

That early immersion soon translated into a more structured commitment to competition, built step by step.

“As I mentioned, I started very young by helping Jos Sterkens and Tom Geenen. At six years old, I got my first Cross Car, and we would regularly go karting. When I was 12, my grandfather gave me an old CrossCar Junior, and we did several test sessions each year. Last year, I took part in my first CrossCar races, and that’s when things really started to become more serious. After three races, we tested a LifeLive TN5 and decided to buy it. At the end of the season, I also competed in two rounds of the Belgian Rallycross Championship at Maasmechelen and Mettet.”

It was in this context that the RallyX opportunity emerged naturally, as a continuation of his development.

“The idea of racing in RallyX came last year when I was at Valkenswaard with Tom Geenen. The atmosphere really left an impression on me. When we bought the CrossCar Junior and started preparing for the 2026 season, my parents asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I chose to go racing in RallyX South with Tom.”

With a highly competitive field and many new circuits to discover, Van Glabbeek is well aware of the challenge that lies ahead in 2026.

“The main challenge will be to compete against the best European drivers in CrossCar Junior. I’ll also have to discover many new circuits, which won’t be easy. But with the experience and advice of Jos and Tom, we hope to improve quickly.”

For Van Glabbeek, the approach is clear: build strong foundations through learning and progression.

“This season will primarily be about learning. I hope to put together some good performances in terms of pure pace, learn how to master the car and the circuits, enjoy myself and, hopefully, reach a few finals. We’ll see how the season develops.”

Looking beyond his RallyX debut, the young driver already has his sights set on the future, with ambitions that match his heritage.

“In the medium term, I hope to keep progressing in Cross Car and establish myself among the best in Belgium, the Netherlands and RallyX. In the longer term, my dream would be to drive my grandfather’s Ford Escort Mk1 when I turn 18—and maybe one day compete in RallyX with that car.”

Aware of the road ahead, Van Glabbeek also acknowledges those who support him along the way.

“I would also like to thank my family, my friends and my partners—Van Gils Coating, M. Heezen, Coolen, Cameraland and Tom Geenen—who make all of this possible. I hope I can continue to count on their support throughout my career.”