Spa 24H: Level Racing event summary

Level Racing fights back in 24 Hours of Spa!

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS. "In spite of everything my team and I enjoyed a brilliant weekend", these were Olivier Muytjens' last word as he walked away from his pit box. "We experienced numerous difficulties in the run up to the race, with all the goings-on during the car's scrutineering, but once we were out on the track everything went smoothly. The drivers performed brilliantly, the team ran like clockwork and the car was perfect. Unfortunately our Italian driver Bruno Barbaro was involved in an accident and it was over and out for us. Bruno was thoroughly disheartened and the other drivers, Brody, Rene Marin and our young Christoff Corten, were all highly disappointed, especially after their excellent performances.

Difficult run-up

On Tuesday the #91 Level Racing Porsche 997 Cup reported for technical scrutineering and for the young Eupen-based team two hard days were to follow, which finally came to an end on Thursday evening. "A few days before the start of the 24 Hours of Spa we received a notice that we would need to replace our fuel cell and this would be a very expensive operation. I cannot understand that a smaller team, of which there are but a handful here, should be presented with such a fait accompli. I made enormous financial efforts to start and then you get this thrown at you. I just don't understand it and I was relieved when everything was behind us and that we were able to fully concentrate on the sporting aspects."

Billiant first-half of the race

The #91 Level Racing Porsche 997 Cup of Bruno Barbaro, Brody, Rene Marin and Christoff Corten took the start of the Total 24 Hours of Spa from 39th place on the grid and right from the start drove a steady and consistent race. In spite of the difficult climatic conditions, the fast pace of the race and the strong field of competitors, the four drivers of the Porsche systematically climbed up through the pack and half-way through the race they were holding 20th position, but more importantly third place in the GTN class behind the two unbeatable official BMW M3. As such a podium place was within sight of the Eupen-based team.

Tragic end

Their upward climb was not to last and an accident brought an end to Level Racing's efforts. Bruno Barbaro came into contact with another competitor "and the damage was too severe to carry out repairs. And so it was all over", Olivier Muytjens commented. "But in spite of everything I have fond memories of the weekend. My team worked perfectly, the car didn't flinch and I believe that we are ready for the future. Why not dream about SRO's new championship?"

-source: levelracing.be