Peerless run in Barcelona secures ST Racing second 24H SERIES win
ST Racing has taken its second GT4 class win of 2021 at the Hankook 24H BARCELONA, a result that moves the Canadian team to within five points of the Overall GT Teams’ championship lead in the 24H SERIES.
Samantha Tan Racing began what turned into a flawless run on its maiden outing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in northern Spain with its sixth consecutive pole position in the GT4 class. The Canadian outfit had started each of the preceding five championship rounds of the 24H SERIES from pole position with the #438 BMW M4 GT4, and even claimed the category top spot at the non-championship Hankook 6H ABU DHABI in January. Keen to continue the team’s streak, Nick Wittmer posted a formidable 1m 55.963s laptime around the 4.675km Catalan circuit during Friday’s qualifying session, seven-tenths faster than any of his nearest rivals could manage.
Come race day, ST Racing took advantage of an early Code 60 caution period to re-fuel the BMW M4 GT4, but consistently remained within striking distance of nearest rival RHC Jorgensen-Strom by Century – also running a BMW M4 in Montmeló – before re-taking the class lead at the three-hour mark. Thereafter, the #438 BMW M4 would not lose the lead, a combination of consistent and fast laps, and stellar pit work from the team’s experienced group of mechanics allowing ST Racing to stretch its advantage to 14 laps en-route to GT4-class victory.
A second win of the season, plus credited 2nd-place finishes at Mugello, Circuit Paul Ricard and the Hockenheimring, mean ST Racing now lies second in the Overall GT Teams’ standings in its maiden 24H SERIES campaign with two events remaining.
Kenneth Tan, team principal: "I am relieved, elated, and proud all at the same time. This win is so sweet given the amount of work and planning we have had to do for this very challenging race. The past three races in the 24H SERIES were huge disappointments owing to mechanical failures, but we were finally able to show our true potential and the result we achieved at the 24H BARCELONA showed what ST Racing is truly capable of. The race was truly a team effort: every single member of our racing family had a hand in this win – every one of them – and I want to thank them all for their flawless performance and uncompromising passion. I really believe that passion gives you that extra edge. I also want to thank our European team partner, Bas Koeten, who has given us so much amazing assistance. Now it’s back to work and planning for the next race in Sicily. I just cannot wait!"
Samantha Tan, co-owner/driver: “This was an incredible effort by every single person in this team to execute a flawless run at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya! The team gave us an amazing car and even though it was everyone’s first time at the track, I think all the drivers drove very consistently to take the GT4 class win and finish 12th overall. I really can’t thank Jon, Nick and Chandler enough for their amazing pace during the night. Amazing job! We’re now only five points behind the Overall GT championship leader, and are very excited for the next race in Sicily. ST Racing is right back in the championship hunt. Special thanks to our sponsors, BMW Motorsport and Bas Koeten Racing for their help in achieving this win!”
Nick Wittmer, driver: “Have no words for what we achieved this weekend! The guys set up the car perfectly, my co-drivers all did a great job, and all we had to do from there was just bring the car home safely. Our goals were to stay off the kerbs, avoid contact, keep the BMW clean and don’t try to beat the piss out of it every second! We had consistent laps from all four drivers and that’s what it took to win this 24-hour race.”
Jon Miller, driver: “Winning in Barcelona was a total team victory! We set out with the intention of making no mistakes, which is what endurance racing these days is all about. That in the end is what got us the win. A huge thank you to all the crew who nailed every single pit stop and for their excellent strategy calls. My co-drivers all drove perfectly, we didn’t abuse the car, didn’t take any unnecessary risks and the end result is a race win. I really can’t say enough about every single person on this team who performed flawlessly this weekend, and it’s really satisfying to get a result when everybody does their job and things go well with no drama!”
Chandler Hull, driver: “It was our first time in Barcelona for ST Racing, and I’d say it went pretty well! It was a great effort by the whole team, the STR guys gave us a great car and all we had to do was stay calm, stay off the kerbs, keep our noses clean, take care of the car and bring the BMW home. Fortunately, we were able to do exactly that and it feels great to come out and win another 24H SERIES race, especially at a new circuit!”
