As the crown jewel of the Intercontinental GT Challenge and the premier GT3 enduro, the 24 Hours of Spa is always a big event. And this year, for the 100th anniversary, it feels even more special.
For Belgian drivers like Maxime Martin, it’s particularly significant. The 2016 winner will be making his 18th start in the 24 hours this week with WRT in its #46 M4 GT3. He’s hoping to take his second win overall and continue the family tradition.
“Spa for me is a very important race,” said Maxime. “As a Belgian driver, it’s always special. But with the family history here, it makes it even more special.”
Maxime’s family history at the 24 Hours of Spa features six overall trophies over four events. Maxime’s father, Jean-Michel Martin, has won the 24 Hours four times overall, including twice with his brother, Philippe.
Jean-Michel (pictured below today in the Spa paddock) and Philipe Martin paired up for victory in 1979 and 1980, driving a Ford Capri III 3.0S, before Jean-Michel took two further wins in the World Touring Car spec BMW M3, in 1987 and 1992.
“I need to catch up!” joked Martin. “They’ve already won it more than me.
“But the racing is quite different now, so they don’t give me advice.”
And, in fact, Maxime has had a chance to sample both cars that his father and uncle have won in.
“The Ford Capri, I’ve driven just once. But the M3, I’ve driven already, and I will drive a bit more.
“They were very competitive, but it’s a completely different race car. To compare to what we have now, it’s very different.”
Maxime is making his ninth start for BMW, the most successful brand at the 24 Hours of Spa. His win came back in 2016, driving the BMW M6 for ROWE Racing.
“It’s something special, to be part of BMW, to be a part of a big manufacturer which has won a lot, and has a lot of history in racing.
“I’ve won the race already with BMW. And I really want to try and win it again.”
In addition to competing in the main event, Maxime is set to share a 1989 E30 BMW M3 with his father in the centenary Touring Car race this weekend.
Whatever happens this weekend, the Martin family are a massive part of the story of the Spa 24 Hours. By Sunday we’ll know what the next chapter says!
2024 images courtesy of SRO/JEP
