Preparations for the 2020 ADAC TOTAL 24h Race are going precisely to plan for Garage 59. The team debuted the new Aston Martin Vantage GT8R at today’s fifth round of the Nürburgring Endurance Series, finishing in second place on the SP8T podium after six hours of racing. Alexander West, Chris Goodwin and Darren Turner all put in strong stints in the Vantage GT8R.
Round 5 of the Nürburgring Endurance Series was the final chance for the team to prepare for the 24-hour race at the Nordschleife on 26-27 September. Everything needs to be perfect to get a good result in one of the world’s toughest endurance races: the team needs to be at the top of its game, the drivers need to be at peak performance and the car needs to be fast and strong so today’s result is a big confidence boost for Garage 59.
Aston Martin factory driver Darren Turner enjoyed getting to grips with the new GT8R package and believes it will stand Garage 59 in good stead for the 24-hour race.
“It’s so good to be back in a race car,” said Turner. “It was good to join the Garage 59 guys and get my hands on the new Aston Martin GT8R. Although we weren’t able to maximise the performance in qualifying, the car proved to be very strong in the race so we have a strong platform for the 24-hours. Both Alex (West) and Chris (Goodwin) put in great stints; Alex’s final stint in particular when he did a brilliant job of defending P2. I’m excited about our prospects for the 24-hour race!”
As this race was the final Nordschleife run before the ADAC TOTAL 24h Race it was important to tick every box and Garage 59 Team Principal, Andrew Kirkaldy, is pleased with the performance of his team.
“These events are never plain sailing,” said Kirkaldy. “There is so much you don’t see that makes the difference between a DNF and a podium finish. I’m delighted by the performance of the team, the drivers and the car this weekend and I hope we can come back here in a months’ time and take another top result!”
Before the team returns to the Nürburging Nordschleife, it has another six-hour race to compete in at the Nürburgring but this time on the shorter Grand Prix circuit. The second round of the GT World Challenge Europe gets underway next weekend. The race will mark the Garage 59 debut for James Pull who was recently announced as a driver of the Silver Class #159 Aston Martin Vantage GT3.