Racing Driver Andrés Van Der Laat Returns to Competition After Fiery Crash
After a dramatic accident during the National Automotive Championship, Van Der Laat makes a successful comeback in the GT3 Spec category.
Andrés Van Der Laat, a racing driver who suffered a severe accident during the second round of the National Automotive Championship on April 13, has returned to the track.
Van Der Laat participated in the Tire Kingdom Cup, the third round of the Motorola 2025 National Automotive Championship, at the Starcars.com Circuit in Parque Viva this Sunday.
In the previous incident, Van Der Laat's car collided with a stack of tires on the main straight, causing it to flip before landing heavily.
Fortunately, he did not suffer serious injuries beyond the initial shock and gained valuable insight into the effectiveness of safety equipment in severe accidents.
The driver competed in the same vehicle that was involved in the crash within the GT3 Spec category.
He expressed his joy at returning to the Starcars.com circuit and felt the adrenaline of racing once again.
"I am truly happy to see the car back on the track.
It still needs a few adjustments, but honestly, no one expected that we would be able to prepare it in time for the race.
It was a tremendous effort from the mechanics, and thanks to the support of sponsors like Tire Kingdom," remarked Van Der Laat.
He reported that after the accident, he only sustained minor bruises and received medical clearance to race.
Reflecting on the incident, Van Der Laat adopted a positive mindset, focusing on moving past the incident.
He mentioned, "I don't dwell much on reliving that moment.
While some might not believe it, I watched the crash video several times to understand what happened and identify the factors leading to the loss of control, whether it was speed, the tire placement, or other circumstances."
Van Der Laat emphasized the importance of putting the incident behind him and concentrating on upcoming races, currently leading the GT2 category and aiming to re-enter the contention for GT3 Spec.
"Not many know that after the crash in the GT3 Spec category, I was treated by an ambulance, and once the medical assessment was complete, I got into my other car and competed in the GT2 category, where we managed to maintain the lead," he added.
Now, seeing the car that was involved in the accident back on the track and ready for competition felt reminiscent for Van Der Laat.
He concluded with, "It feels like seeing a child back in action.
You grow attached to it, and a significant effort was made to bring it back to the racing arena and continue fighting for the championship."
Van Der Laat participated in the Tire Kingdom Cup, the third round of the Motorola 2025 National Automotive Championship, at the Starcars.com Circuit in Parque Viva this Sunday.
In the previous incident, Van Der Laat's car collided with a stack of tires on the main straight, causing it to flip before landing heavily.
Fortunately, he did not suffer serious injuries beyond the initial shock and gained valuable insight into the effectiveness of safety equipment in severe accidents.
The driver competed in the same vehicle that was involved in the crash within the GT3 Spec category.
He expressed his joy at returning to the Starcars.com circuit and felt the adrenaline of racing once again.
"I am truly happy to see the car back on the track.
It still needs a few adjustments, but honestly, no one expected that we would be able to prepare it in time for the race.
It was a tremendous effort from the mechanics, and thanks to the support of sponsors like Tire Kingdom," remarked Van Der Laat.
He reported that after the accident, he only sustained minor bruises and received medical clearance to race.
Reflecting on the incident, Van Der Laat adopted a positive mindset, focusing on moving past the incident.
He mentioned, "I don't dwell much on reliving that moment.
While some might not believe it, I watched the crash video several times to understand what happened and identify the factors leading to the loss of control, whether it was speed, the tire placement, or other circumstances."
Van Der Laat emphasized the importance of putting the incident behind him and concentrating on upcoming races, currently leading the GT2 category and aiming to re-enter the contention for GT3 Spec.
"Not many know that after the crash in the GT3 Spec category, I was treated by an ambulance, and once the medical assessment was complete, I got into my other car and competed in the GT2 category, where we managed to maintain the lead," he added.
Now, seeing the car that was involved in the accident back on the track and ready for competition felt reminiscent for Van Der Laat.
He concluded with, "It feels like seeing a child back in action.
You grow attached to it, and a significant effort was made to bring it back to the racing arena and continue fighting for the championship."
