On the scene of regularity rallies for historic cars held on open public roads, the Patronale Life Classic Spring Roads are among the – very – safe bets. Under the leadership of the ever-present Willy Lux, with a route designed by Bjorn Vanoverschelde and Jens Vanoverschelde, the event is preparing to celebrate its 13th edition from March 20 to 22. Once again, crews will battle it out in the East Cantons. And the good news is that the entry list already combines both quality and quantity.

As in previous editions, the MY HOTEL Malmedy will serve as the operational base for the Patronale Life Classic Spring Roads 2026. In fact, the event offers two different formats: the ‘One Day’ option on Saturday, ending with a night loop as a grand finale, and the ‘Two Days’ option spanning the entire weekend.

“For the ‘Two Days’ competitors, the event will start on Friday with the traditional Prologue consisting of two regularity tests designed to determine the starting order for the following day,” explains Willy Lux. “For this 13th edition – a number we hope will bring us luck – Bjorn and Jens Vanoverschelde wanted to pay tribute to the first editions of the Classic Spring Roads, which were entirely held in the East Cantons. That will once again be the case this year, especially since the region’s roads are in perfect condition and the scenery is simply magnificent. The route will feature the Bütgenbach Lake, the Our Valley, the countless hairpins of the Eifel, a lunch break in the Luxembourg… but also two Driving Tests on private ground, giving drivers the chance to really enjoy themselves!”

Sunday’s stage will be a nod from the Vanoverschelde brothers to the career of Willy Lux, with regularity tests grouped under the name ‘Boucles de Spa Revival’, held on roads that allowed the famous co-driver to claim victory in 1983 (with Marc Duez) and again in 1993 (with Grégoire de Mévius).

As the icing on the cake for the ‘Two Days’ formula, a ‘mystery crew’ will join the field on Saturday and Sunday, with a driver who competed in the same events around Spa… at the same time as Willy Lux! The tone is set and the atmosphere already guaranteed.

A more intense One Day format than ever

The ‘One Day’ competitors will start on Saturday at 1:30 pm, avoiding the need for a previous overnight stay. The route will also take place in the East Cantons, with a first section featuring seven regularity tests and one Driving Test. After dinner, the second part will see competitors plunge into the night, with several gravel sections deep in the forests. In short: real driving, just like in the 1970s.

For participants looking for an extra challenge, the ‘One Day Classic Plus’ category will involve more map reading, while certain sections of the roadbook will remain secret for as long as possible.

An international field

With six British crews, three Dutch, two Luxembourgers, one German and one Swiss already entered in the ‘Two Days’ category – plus two Dutch, one Swiss and one Luxembourger in ‘One Day’ – the field for the Patronale Life Classic Spring Roads 2026 is more international than ever. While entries remain open until March 8 for the ‘One Day’ category, around fifty crews have already confirmed their participation.

Among the cars expected at the start are a Volvo PV444, Lancia Aurelia B20, Lancia Fulvia, APAL Coupé, Citroën Dyane, Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC 5.0, Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint and a Mini Cooper. This already gives a first idea of some of the names expected on the starting line.

“The 2026 edition of the Patronale Life Classic Spring Roads is shaping up extremely well,” smiles Willy Lux. “Bjorn and Jens Vanoverschelde have done a fantastic job, and there is still room for about a dozen crews. So the invitation is open… to enthusiasts or experts alike!”