Fame, fear, lots of visits to the loo, and some racing
This weekend I’m doing the Nürburgring 24 hours in a BMW M4 GT4. Scared? A bit. But maybe I’ll get another toy car with my name on it.
I’ll never be immortalised as an action figure. And believe me, I’m fine with that. I can’t remember why I mention it other than as an excuse to post the above picture. Oh yes, that’s it… No, I’m not going to be miniaturised any time soon (or scaled up in Hammond’s case. Are we allowed to make these jokes or are they the preserve of May and Clarkson? Too late now). But in a few months there might just be another model car being made with my name on it.
I’ll never be a real racing driver. And believe me, I’m not quite as ok with that. But anyway, next week I can pretend to be. And not at a windy and deserted Snetterton or Cadwell with the only souls watching having been dragged there by a family member with a Caterham and a dream. No, the track will be lined with literally hundreds of thousands of fans. Some of them won’t even be drunk.
Psychedelic M235i Racing was my car in 2014. Model of it one of my most prized possessions
Both of these quite amazing events are only possible because of the mad, scary, brilliant and unique ADAC Zurich Nürburgring 24 hours race. And a kind invite by BMW to race their brand new M4 GT4 racecar. It’s the most wonderful race in the world in my opinion – over 150 cars going hammer and tongs on this crazy track, a wild array of machinery from works GT3 cars to barely modified production cars and top Le Mans-winning drivers mixing it with people like, um, me.
I haven’t driven the GT4 yet and will do so for the first time next Thursday in the official practice session. And I only really know what was in the press release about it last year: M4 drivetrain and M4 GTS bonnet. Seats, brakes and pedal box similar to those fitted to the M6 GT3 car, carbonfibre doors, revised aero and a proper motorsport exhaust system. I can’t wait to see it. Full size and then, all being well, when the good people at Minichamps turn it into a diecast model.
By the way, for more info on those amazing action figures click below.
Look out for some videos from this unique event from Thursday. I might even learn to use Facebook live. Possibly.
For more info on those action figures please click below.
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Comments (6)
The adac 24hr rennen - in my book one of the worlds great races. The team that has always impressed me is STI, amazing team spirt - the symbol they wear on their shirts means ticker/heart/spirit - they'll be in or close to the top 20 probably - not bad - for a 2l turbo (SP 3T class). Overall Merc 1,2 and 3 (SP9) or perhaps Manthey will challenge? - M6 will definitely be up there with R8 (in SP9) - M3/M4s haven't gone well in a long time. Are you going round in the Securtal Sorg M4 GT4 (SP 8T) ???? - Good luck, it takes balls, daunting event, a finish = a win :)
Interestingly I believe Chris Gebhardt (sport auto) is going around in a Hyundai N (SP 3T) and Sabine Schmitz is probably with Frikadeli in a 991 991 GT R.
Yep Securtal Sorg car number 40 - start list is now up.
Good luck JB...hope it's a dry one!
Hope you will be able to start,this time. Tons of luck to you Jet (do u remember? The M6 Gt3 test...)
Don't think I'll need that pressure! Going to have some seriously quick teammates.
It's a good Gt4,had a strong race at the Dubai24 early this year and another M4 Gt4,not by M Sport,but privately developed by a Dutch dealer,Ekris,is a strong contender in the Euro Gt4 champioship. And you will face the new R8 Gt4,which will...
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