The history of the Nürburgring 24 Hours has been dotted with entries from cars and teams that have stirred the enthusiasm of a watching fanbase.
We’re set to lose one of those in 2023, but to have it replaced by an effort that seems certain to slot nicely into the ‘fan favourite’ void.
Out will go the ‘White Angel’ Dodge Viper, after a long ‘Ring racing career, the big V10-powered car is set to be retired, the car now difficult to maintain as it ages, and the ongoing issues of logistics (in this case from North America), are only getting more uncertain and expensive.
Instead, the team will make a change to a touring car, but in an interesting way.
The base chassis will be a VW Beetle ‘Cup’ car, one of just 42 built for one-make and later club competition.
The car, set to be Ve-dubbed as a Beetle RSR will be powered by the drivetrain from the VW Golf TCR, the two-litre turbo a significant boost from the original 4 pot. With the electronics suite also set to be transplanted the effort gives us effectively (but in regulatory terms not actually) the first Beetle TCR!
The team will continue in their efforts to support the ‘Fly&Help’ charity who build and support schools in developing countries.
Their 2023 programme focuses once again on the Nurburgring 24 Hours, including the Qualifying race with plans too to add an outing in the NLS with their potent new toy!
Beetle pics courtesy Team Facebook page
