Tijme Groot

After making his debut in the European Championship Junior Buggy category last year and building the strength needed to take the next step, Tijme Groot is set to debut in the Buggy 1600 class in 2026 with a Peters chassis. He is also planning to compete in all 12 rounds of the European Autocross Championship.

Ahead of the season, he will put his new buggy to the test in race conditions on April 11–12 at the opening round of the FIA Central European Zone championship in Nyirád. The AX MAGAZINE ITALIA team caught up with Tijme to hear his thoughts ahead of his Buggy 1600 debut.

What has been the biggest challenge in moving up from Junior Buggy to Buggy 1600, and can you share any details about your technical package for the season — will you be running a Hayabusa engine or exploring a different concept?

Tijme: “I will be driving a Peters buggy with a Duxe Hayabusa engine. I will be racing with PK Chalets Racing, which runs three identical cars. I am now 18 years old, so I can make the step up to the 1600 class, and I’m ready for it.”

Do you have any expectations for the upcoming season? What are you anticipating from the Buggy 1600 category?

Tijme: “We have invested everything we have to build the strongest possible team and car. The team has already proven to be both strong and reliable. It’s a new class for me, but I tested it once last year and it felt really good.”

Tijme would like to express his sincere appreciation to Peters Autosport, PK Chalets, Mervin Klaassen, Nathan Ottink, Bart de Haas, Chassisparts, Benteler Climore, Eurol Lubricants, and Phantom Cutting Tools for their valued support.

In turn, AX MAGAZINE ITALIA would like to thank Tijme and wish him a successful and rewarding season.