Manthey are going for victory again
running of what is arguably one of the most spectacular motor races in the world - the Nurburgring 24 hours.
Over 200 cars will line up to tackle the daunting Nordschleife, and thanks to a complex class structure and a very relaxed set of regulations, amongst them are some of the most exciting competition cars to be found anywhere in the world right now. With the challenge of the circuit, the usual bad weather and the gruelling attrition rate, the race is a fight for survival as much as a competition between rival teams.
Last year’s winning team Manthey Motorsport are favourites once again with their highly developed 997 GT3 RSR, but formidable competition comes from a horde of other Porsches including the Alzen brothers’ new Cayman-based race car. Expect other contenders to include the mighty Zakspeed Viper GTS-R and the quickest of the M3 GTRs.
Throughout the field there are interesting machines, such as a racing Audi RS4, the spectacular Lamborghini Gallardos, a Honda NSX Type R and a Falken-entered Nissan 350Z driven by Dirk Schoysman amongst others.
Mmmm, we really like this...
Aston Martin are also looking for an overall victory with a mean-looking DBRS9 run in high downforce spec and featuring Klaus Ludwig on the driver sheet. The marque is also represented by three N24 V8 Vantage models in a lower class.
Down at the other end of the grid, there are Vauxhall Corsas, Clios and even a Rover Mini. What it must be like in one of these at night, in the rain, when you’re lapped by the quickest cars, we can only imagine. Sadly.
Can Aston take an overall win with this car?
If you can’t be there you can keep up to date with what’s going on by listening to the Radio Le Mans team, who will be broadcasting live from the Nordschleife. Log on to their website below or select Sky channel 0157 to hear them.
PH will be there too, dribbling over the cars and soaking up the atmosphere – especially as the sun sets on 200,000 race fans around this wonderful circuit. Expect a full report next week.
NSX Type R joins S2000s and Civics
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The Falken team will enter this 350Z
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Mean-looking Audi RS4
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Carlsson tuned SLK55
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