Belgian endurance racer Juna-Jane de Keersmaecker is carving out her name in GT racing with a signature mix of consistency, strategic driving, and a refusal to back down—even when she’s the only woman on the grid.

EARLY YEARS

Born in 2008, Juna-Jane grew up in a household where motorsport was the soundtrack to life. Her father, Mikael de Keersmaecker, was a Belgian rallycross driver, so she understood the smell of burning rubber and the language of lap times before she could write her own name[1]. Before she ever touched a steering wheel competitively, she was an equestrian, competing in show jumping—a discipline that demands precision, timing, and nerves of steel, all of which would serve her well later[2]. She began racing as soon as Belgian law allowed: at 16, in 2022, she jumped straight into endurance racing with her debut at the 24 Hours of Zolder[3]. No warm-up laps. No cautious entry. Just go.

OTHER INTERESTS

Before racing became her world, de Keersmaecker competed in equestrian show jumping, a sport that taught her how to read a course, manage adrenaline, and stay cool under pressure[2]. The transition from horse to horsepower might seem dramatic, but both require split-second decision-making and an understanding of rhythm and balance. It’s a background that makes her stand out—most drivers come from karting; she came from the stables.

EARLY SUCCESS

Juna-Jane didn’t waste time proving she belonged. In her rookie season in 2022, she became the Ladies’ Champion in the Belcar series, a title that announced her arrival with authority[3]. The following year, she teamed up with fellow Belgian racer Julie Kenis, and together they dominated the 2023 Ladies Trophy in the Belcar Endurance Championship, consistently improving their performance throughout the season[4][5]. Racing a BMW M2 CS under the JDK by G&A Racing banner, the duo showed they weren’t just participating—they were competing, and winning[6]. Their partnership became one of the most talked-about storylines in Belgian endurance racing, proving that all-female lineups weren’t novelty acts—they were podium threats.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2022: Belcar Ladies’ Champion in her debut season[3].
• 2023: Won the Ladies Trophy in the Belcar Endurance Championship alongside Julie Kenis, finishing third overall in the GT Sport class championship with a bronze medal[5][7].
• 2024: Competed in the 24 Hours of Zolder in an all-female lineup featuring Beitske Visser, Sandra Van Der Sloot, and Julie Kenis, finishing 7th overall and posting the fastest lap time among female drivers at 1:32.132[8][9].
• 2025: Secured victories in the GT Sport class of the Belcar Endurance Championship and Porsche Endurance Trophy Benelux alongside Benjamin De Cock, driving a JDK by NGT Porsche 718 Cayman GT4[10][11][12].

INSPIRATIONS

While specific inspirations aren’t documented, it’s clear that growing up around her father’s rallycross career shaped her view of racing as something attainable, not abstract. Watching him compete likely planted the seed that motorsport wasn’t just for spectators—it was for participants. Her decision to race alongside other women, particularly in all-female lineups, also suggests she’s inspired by the idea of visibility and representation, proving that female drivers can compete at the highest levels without asterisks.

REPUTATION

De Keersmaecker has built a reputation as a reliable, fast, and strategic endurance driver who thrives in team environments. Her partnerships—first with Julie Kenis, then with Benjamin De Cock—have been marked by consistent results and a no-drama approach to racing[10][11]. She’s known for being one of the best-placed female drivers in mixed-gender endurance events, often outpacing male competitors and earning respect not because she’s a woman, but because she’s quick[8]. Her ability to hold her own in grueling 24-hour races and multi-class championships has made her a fixture in Belgian motorsport. She’s not flashy, but she’s effective—and in endurance racing, that’s everything.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Juna-Jane is currently competing in the 2025 Porsche Endurance Trophy Benelux, piloting a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992) alongside Benjamin De Cock under the JDK by NGT banner[13]. The season includes marquee events like the 24 Hours of Zolder, where she’ll once again test her endurance and pace against a deep field of competitors[13]. With multiple class victories already under her belt this season, she’s positioned to challenge for the championship title. Beyond 2025, her trajectory suggests ambitions that could extend to international GT racing, though she’s letting her results do the talking for now.

REFERENCES

[1] Speedqueens: August 2010
[2] Juna-Jane De Keersmaecker | FEI.org
[3] Women in Belcar – Speedqueens
[4] Visser, Van Der Sloot, Kenis and De Keersmaecker enter 24H of Zolder in all-female line-up
[5] Final Standings Belcar Endurance Championship 2023
[6] BMW M2 stock photography – Alamy
[7] Belcar : victoire et titre pour D’Ieteren Luxury Performance by NGT
[8] 24 Hours of Zolder: De Keersmaecker finishes 7th overall
[9] All-female line up for 24 Hours of Zolder
[10] Belgium Racing Team wins thrilling second race
[11] Belgium Racing scores second consecutive victory in Porsche Endurance Trophy Benelux
[12] D’Ieteren Luxury Performance by NGT claims victory at New Race Festival
[13] La 47e édition des 24 Hours of Zolder