Disappointing weekend for Walkenhorst Motorsport

After a very successful qualifying, both Pro vehicles had to be retired early. 

Nürburgring. The ROWE 6-hour ADAC Ruhr Cup race took place at the weekend, in which 118 vehicles started. Walkenhorst Motorsport had won the last Nürburgring Endurance Series event, which is why the hopes for NLS 5 were also on overall victory.

The #34 BMW M4 GT3 was ideally placed by Christian Krognes and Jakub Giermaziak in qualifying. The race started from the second starting position. Especially in the early stages, the veteran Jakub Giermaziak proved his skills again with a perfect stint. Lying in P1, he handed the car over to his teammates. But luck was not kind to the duo. Due to a technical problem, the #34 suddenly had to be parked shortly after being handed over to Christian Krognes.

The same applied to the run for the sister car. The #35 qualified for sixth place on the grid. Thomas Neubauer, Niklas Krütten and Dylan Pereira were within striking distance of the leading group in the first four hours when the Pro vehicle also had to be parked. At that point it was in fourth overall position with a chance of a podium finish.

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The race went much better in the other categories. The BMW M4 GT4 with the #191 and Aris Balanian, Florian Weber and Ace Robey behind the wheel started the six-hour race from P1 in the class. The trio showed a flawless performance and celebrated second place.

The two Hyundai i30 N also showed strong lap times. The #466 with former DTM driver Dev Gore, Lucas Frayssinet and Manuel Madonado was able to finish the Nordschleife premiere on a very good second place in the class.

The #470 with Bennet Ehrl, James Kell and Tazio Ottis drove a trouble-free race and ended up fourth in the VT2 category.

Thus, important points for the Nordschleife permit could be achieved for the #466 and #470. James Kell received his permit with the result and thus the release to participate in higher classes.

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Jörg Breuer: “Of course it is bitter when you travel to the Nürburgring with high hopes and then end up being so disappointed in the fight for overall victory with the #34 and #35 and having to park both cars. After winning NLS 4, our goal this time was to win again. Jakub Giermaziak did a great job, especially in the early stages. Then unfortunately bad luck overtook us. Things didn’t go much better with the #35. The team also had to park the car due to a technical defect.

Our vehicles in SP10 and VT2 were able to save the weekend with very good results. Nevertheless, we travel back to Melle with a sad eye. Now it’s time for the well-deserved summer break, which we will also use to prepare for the next race in mid-September.”

Tazio Ottis: “It was another great weekend with Walkenhorst! The team and cars ran flawlessly and it was great fun to drive with James and Bennet! Can’t wait to come back and compete in another NLS soon!”

Ace Robey: “I have always enjoyed the 6 hour race here and all three drivers were looking forward to a great race. Luckily the weather was fantastic – maybe just a bit too hot for the Nürburgring. There were a lot of Code 60 phases during the race and the high temperatures on the track definitely contributed to the accidents. All three of us drove great and just missed out on the victory. The whole Walkenhorst team was great and did an awesome job throughout the weekend. I can’t wait to race here again.”

Dev Gore: “It was a great experience doing my first laps on the Nordschleife. The weather cooperated perfectly and everything went according to plan. We had a successful weekend and I’m looking forward to continuing to pursue my permit. Of course, celebrating your first outing with a podium is something very special. Thanks to the team!”