ESPORG’s General Manager Dirk Penasse and Druseliea Betea, Head of the European Wellbeing Initiative (EWELLIN) joined the fight against cancer, behind the wheel of an electric DAF Truck at Roadstars Against Cancer in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium on 22 March 2026.
In the heart of Belgium’s motorsport landscape, Circuit Zolder transformed into a powerful arena of hope, solidarity, and action this past weekend. The third edition of Roadstars Against Cancer brought together 140 passionate participants – ordinary people with a B driving licence – for an extraordinary experience: taking the wheel of a 40-tonne truck and completing two thrilling laps of the legendary circuit. Every euro raised from ticket sales went straight to Kom op tegen Kanker, the Belgian organisation dedicated to fighting cancer through research, patient support, and prevention.
At the centre of this moving initiative stood Dirk Penasse, General Manager of the European Secure Parking Organisation (ESPORG). With quiet determination and a big heart, Dirk climbed into the driver’s seat of a fully electric DAF XF truck and took part in the test drives, proudly representing not only ESPORG’s entire team but also the thousands of professional drivers who face daily challenges on Europe’s roads.
“For many of us in the transport sector, this cause is deeply personal,” said Dirk after his laps. “Cancer doesn’t discriminate – it touches families, friends, and colleagues across our industry. By participating today, we stand shoulder to shoulder with every driver, every family member, and every Roadstar who has lost someone or is currently fighting this disease. Today we drive for them.”
The event was the brainchild of Marc Van Grootel, a former truck driver and transport entrepreneur who tragically lost both his first and second wives to cancer. His personal mission – turning grief into action – has grown into a powerful movement. “Every day in Belgium, an average of 212 people hear the words ‘you have cancer’,” Marc reminded everyone. “That’s nine diagnoses per hour. Far too many. But together, with every lap driven today, we are saying: enough is enough.”
Dirk Penasse’s participation carried an extra layer of meaning for ESPORG and the wider transport community. The choice of a zero-emission electric DAF truck perfectly symbolised the organisation’s dual commitment: fighting for people’s health while championing a greener, more sustainable future for the industry. ESPORG has long advocated for the voluntary Green Parking Standard, which encourages truck parking areas across Europe to adopt environmentally friendly technologies – from solar power and EV charging stations to water recycling and energy-efficient lighting. By driving electric on the circuit, Dirk showed in the most visible way possible that sustainable transport and driver wellbeing go hand in hand with caring for our communities.
Behind Dirk stood the full ESPORG support team – colleagues from the secretariat, board members, and partner organisations who came out to cheer, assist, and spread the message. Their presence turned the day into a true team effort, reflecting the spirit that ESPORG promotes every day: solidarity, safety, and support for the men and women who keep Europe’s supply chains moving.
From the roar of the engines to the emotional stories shared between drivers, cancer patients, and guests of honour (including Flemish Mobility Minister Annick De Ridder and former Tour de France yellow jersey winner Marc Wauters), the atmosphere at Circuit Zolder was electric in every sense. Food trucks, simulators, miniature truck demonstrations, and a warm sense of community made the day unforgettable.
As the final laps concluded and the sun set over the circuit, one message rang clear: we drive together – against cancer, for a healthier tomorrow, and towards a more sustainable transport future.
ESPORG and its entire team are proud to have been part of Roadstars Against Cancer 2026. Dirk Penasse’s hands-on involvement is a powerful reminder that the fight against cancer is everyone’s fight – and that even the smallest gesture, like turning a steering wheel for a good cause, can make a real difference.
Together, we drive change.
