A look at the IGTC points battle
This weekend’s Spa 24 Hours will mark the halfway point of the Intercontinental GT Challenge season, and there are 15 nominated entries (split equally between BMW, Mercedes and Porsche) that can score IGTC drivers’ and manufacturers’ points.
Ahead of the race in Belgium, it’s tight at the top of the manufacturers’ standings, as a one-two finish at Kyalami drew BMW level on points with reigning champion and Bathurst winner Mercedes-AMG. And the drivers’ championship will also evolve at Spa where joint leaders Jules Gounon and Kenny Habul are split for the first time this year.
Sheldon van der Linde, Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts are just three points further back thanks to their victory in South Africa, and Luca Stolz rounds out a current top-three covered by just five points.
Each IGTC manufacturer has nominated five cars (the maximum number), three of which can be drawn from the Pro class. However, only the two highest-placed entries will score points towards their manufacturer’s tally. On the other hand, all nominated drivers will collect points if they finish inside Intercontinental’s top 10.
A further four cars have been entered in the Independent Cup which sees Bronze-graded drivers score points individually regardless of marque or class. Each entrant is permitted a drop score across the five rounds, and all four contenders have effectively done so already. Currently, both Jonathan Hui and Kenny Habul are tied for the lead with 25 points.
For fans watching the Spa 24 Hours, Intercontinental entries can be identified by their white Fanatec windscreen banners and IGTC stickers that appear on the bonnet and each flank.
Unlike World Challenge Europe entries, championship points are only awarded at the chequered flag, regardless of classification.
Tsunoda to drive on the Nordschleife
Scuderia AlphaTauri has announced that current F1 driver Yuki Tsunoda will participate in the upcoming Red Bull Formula Nürburgring event, driving a Honda NSX GT3 Evo on the Nordschleife.
Tsunoda adds to the impressive line-up of Red Bull-affiliated drivers confirmed for the event, which includes Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel who will compete with their F1 show runs.
“I’ve never driven at the Nürburgring before, so I’m really looking forward to the event in September. I can’t wait to drive around it in my Honda NSX GT3 Evo, which is an incredible car and a proven race-winning machine at the highest level of GT3 competition”, says Tsunoda. “The Nordschleife is a legendary circuit, I just experienced it on the Gran Turismo videogame and already enjoyed it a lot.”
The September event is being held alongside the 12-hour Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) race.
Sheargold fundraising for Bowel Cancer Australia
World Challenge Australia driver Mike Sheargold is using his recent bowel cancer diagnosis to raise awareness and funds for Bowel Cancer Australia, a 100% community-funded leading national charity dedicated to the prevention, early diagnosis, research, quality treatment and care of bowel cancer.
Sheargold was diagnosed with bowel cancer a fortnight ago and has just undergone surgery. Because the cancer was detected and removed early, Sheargold’s prospects of a full recovery are very positive.
“I’m feeling a bit sore and tired, but very happy and overwhelmed with the support from my family, friends and motorsport community, not to mention the care and support I’ve received from all the doctors and nurses, Sheargold said.
Sheargold was lucky, he diagnosis came by chance as part of the medical examination required to obtain his Motorsport Australia competition licence.
“When I did the medical to renew my licence, the blood test detected low iron levels, so my GP suggested some further tests, which ultimately resulted in the cancer diagnosis,” Sheargold said.
“Normally, people don’t commence regular bowel cancer screening until they reach 50, so it could have gone undiagnosed for a long time and ended up becoming far worse. I really have my involvement in motorsport to thank for catching it at such an early stage.”
RAM Motorsport plans to use its racing to raise awareness of early-onset bowel cancer and support lowering the screening age. It has unveiled a special Bowel Cancer Australia livery as part of its efforts.
The Bowel Cancer Australia Mercedes will be on track for Round 4 of GT World Challenge Australia, 28-30 July at Sydney Motorsport Park, and Round 5, 11-13 August at Queensland Raceway.
To kick start the campaign Mike and his wife Lauren, together with the Sheargold Foundation, have pledged $50,000.
Images courtesy of IGTC and World Challenge Australia
