Spa 24: Muhlner Motorsport preview

Muhlner Motorsport looking forward to home race

Preparation for the Spa 24hrs in full swing

Francorchamps. The Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium based Muhlner Motorsport Team will be running two Porsche 911 GT3 Cup S cars in the G3 Division of their home race, the Spa 24hrs.

The crew of the 124 car for the 24 hours race this coming weekend is now set - Paul van Splunteren (NL), Ian Khan (MON) and Roeland Voerman (NL) will be joined by the professional race driver Duncan Huisman (NL), who posted fastest time in the official test two weeks ago.

The crew of the 123 car is not yet complete -- two drivers are confirmed. The longtime Muhlner driver Heinz-Josef Bermes, who with his 15 class wins at the Nurburgring 24hrs and 3 class wins in the Spa 24hrs will be one of the most successful drivers in the field, is joined by the UK based Canadian Mark J. Thomas. Thomas is contesting the FIA European GT3 Championship with Muhlner and his quick, consistent and reliable driving style has helped him to a current four point lead in the Porsche Cup category of the championship.

"There is strong interest being shown in the remaining two drives but we want to find the best combination. Only if the driver crew is well matched can you be competitive" explained team boss Bernhard Muhlner and expanded "All in all we are in good shape for the 24hrs. We are still looking for two reliable drivers for the Bermes/Thomas Porsche. Then we'll have two irons in the fire in our quest to match last year's success".

Muhlner Motorsport have enjoyed a total of six class wins in the blue riband Spa 24hrs event: in 1995, 1996 and 1997 running Opel race cars and in 2004, 2005 and 2007 running Porsches.

"Success in 24 hour races comes from a combination of top technical preparation, quick and accident free drivers, a nifty pitcrew for perfect pitstops and last but not least, the right tactics and strategy. Only when all these factors come together can you win. Everyone involved has to give his best -- that's what makes a 24 hour race a true team sport" said team boss Renate-Carola Muhlner knowledgably.

The official program starts on the 30th July with a parade from the race circuit down into the town centre of Spa. On Thursday and Friday there is free practice and qualifying. The race starts at 4pm on Saturday 2nd August.

-credit: muehlner-motorsport.com