In 2021 we had the special opportunity to get one of the coveted starting places in the opening race of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. The French organizer of the Porsche Sprint Challenge had invited. A total of 55 Porsches were registered and we received a positive decision for our entry. It certainly helped that we own a Porsche 993 GT2 that competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1998.

Extensive preparations were now necessary and the bureaucracy with corona restrictions did not necessarily simplify our project. The turbo garage then remained closed for a week and the entire team set off with a truck and motorhome.

Our Porsche 997 GT3 R was one of four other vehicles in this category, otherwise there were mainly 991 Cup 2nd Gen. and 992 Cup vehicles and several 991 GT3 R 2nd Gen. at the start.

The starting field was diverse, with drivers from New Zealand, Australia, England and mainly France and Belgium taking part. There was a pleasant atmosphere in the paddock and after all the preparations we went to two free practice sessions, each lasting 45 minutes, for qualifying. There we took 15th place and were able to maintain this in the race, making us the fastest German and the fastest 997 GT3 R.

Since we drove at Le Mans for the first time, the impressions were overwhelming, both of the track and the surroundings and the history, you can feel the history with every kilometer that is covered. Satisfied, exhausted and financially burdened, we returned home without any defects or damage.

The organizer made a film about the event, here is the link to YouTube:

WATCH VIDEO ON YOUTUBE