The opening round of the BFGoodrich Langstreckenmeisterschaft Nürburgring ended with positions two and three for the race-and-event team based in Radevormwalde. “We have continued from where we stopped in 2008: All the drivers showed a prefect performance and the two race cars were running without any problems. This is how the season may well continue”, said team director Martin Mohr.
After 26 race laps (=633.594 kilometres), the drivers Heinz Schmersal from Wuppertal, Stefan Rösler from Untermerzbach and Mike Stursberg from Wermelskirchen finished second in their BMW Z4 M-Coupé in the class of the ‘Specials’ up to 3.500 cc. The gap behind the winning BMW Z4 of the team Dörr was only 1.08,868 minutes. Mohr: „Place two is a good start into the season and we can go on this way.“
The three drivers were in particular very happy with the new and updated electronic unit for the gearbox which was supplied by BMW and provides controlled double-clutch when shifting down. “This does not only sound well, we can now choose later braking points and better conserve our material”, said start driver Rösler who was enthusiastic about the fantastic atmosphere around the track and the wonderful weather after his stint: “After the long winter break, this was a perfect start into the season today.”
Heinz Schmersal who was driving in the midsection of the race expressed his special thanks to the mechanics. “It was once again great fun to drive the BMW, although unfortunately I had a long yellow flag situation during my turn.” Mike Stursberg enjoyed the last racing laps greatly. “Meanwhile the track was quite clear and I had no problems when lapping other cars so that I could achieve times below nine minutes without difficulties.”
Dr. Eckhard Geulen from Bonn and Stefan Schlesack from Remscheid finished third with their Honda S2000 in the class of the ‘Specials’ up to 2500 cc. Only a slight collision of van Geulen when lapping was a little time costing and resulted in a damaged rear bumper.
