KC Motorgroup Ltd. (KCMG) returns to the Nordschleife with two Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 cars for its final VLN Endurance Championship event ahead of the qualifying race for the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Following the cancellation of VLN 2 after one lap due to snow, the team hopes for better weather to utilise its final race prior to the all-important qualifying event for the legendary Nürburgring 24 Hours. KCMG aims to maximise its track time by bringing two cars to VLN 3.
In the #39 Nissan remains Nordschleife veteran Christer Jöens. Alongside him is World Endurance Championship LMP2 racer Matthieu Vaxiviere, and 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia champion Nico Menzel. All three drivers will remain part of KCMG’s line-up for the 24 Hours.
Nico’s father Christian will be back behind the wheel of the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 in the #38 machine, which will be used primarily for testing rather than racing. The multiple Porsche Carrera Cup champion is once again paired with fellow Nordschleife expert Philip Wlazik.
Both drivers played a key role in the development of the car throughout testing and the first two VLN events, and will be working hard to find any final improvements ahead of the six-hour qualifying race for the 24 Hours on 19 May.
In addition to the VLN Endurance Championship and Nürburgring 24 Hours, KCMG remains committed to its Intercontinental GT Challenge campaign with Nissan. The next round is the famous Spa 24 Hours on 27 July.
Christer Jöens, #39 Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3: “Driving my first laps with the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 for KCMG was a real pleasure. Unfortunately, the race was cancelled because of snowfall which I haven’t seen in over 10 years of racing at the Nordschleife. We are all looking forward to this weekend to work further on the programme with hopefully nice weather conditions.”
Matthieu Vaxiviere, #39 Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3: “First of all, I would like to thank KCMG for their trust and giving me the opportunity to drive on one of my favourite tracks. 24-hour races are always special to do, especially on a mythical circuit like the Nordschleife. I’m really glad to be able to do it this year as part of a professional line-up. I’m looking forward to working with all the team and bringing them some success.”
Nico Menzel, #39 Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3: “I’m super happy to join KCMG for their campaign on the legendary Nordschleife. I couldn’t ask for a better drive, so thanks to Paul Ip and everyone involved. The whole setting is very special and emotional for me. I grew up in Kelberg and racing with my dad in the same team, having been around the Nürburgring for my whole life and racing there since I could drive. It’s every driver’s dream to compete in these races on the world’s best circuit in a GT3 car. I’m sure we still have to learn but we’re going to have a competitive package with our two Nissans. I can’t wait to work together with the team for the first time this week at VLN 3.”
Christian Menzel, #38 Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3: “VLN 3 is going to be a very important race for us as a new private team without much prior data and experience. Until now we haven’t had the perfect preparation due to the bad and cold weather. Now as it’s warmer the conditions get closer to what we will experience at the 24 Hours. It was great to help the guys finding a new home in the Eifel and even better to see all the happy and smiley faces. We are ready to continue our preparations.”
Philip Wlazik, #38 Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3: “After an underwhelming VLN 2 where the snow forced us to stop after one lap, we’re eager to get back on track for VLN 3 and make up for lost time. We have been making strong progress so far and we need to make a big push this weekend as this will be our last race before the qualifying race in May, but I believe we have the right people on the job to do.”
Paul Ip, KCMG Founder: “As we get closer to the qualifying race and main event for the Nürburgring 24 Hours, we can feel the excitement brewing. This is our last chance to prep our Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 in a racing environment so we need to put in maximum effort to get the cars ready, which I know the team and drivers will put in. I wish them all the best for VLN 3 this weekend.”
Source. KCMG/Photo. Swoosh Communications
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