Bernd Küpper has been inherent part of the BFGoodrich Langstreckenmeisterschaft at the Nürbrungring and the Nordschleife since more than 20 years. What drives him year by year? The fascination Nordschleife!
Bernd Küpper, today 43 years old, still was something like a greenhorn when his passion for cars took him to racing sports and to the Nordschleife. He participated in his first race of the endurance racing championship in 1989 with a BMW 2002 of the year 1968. To this day, he has raced around the Nordschleife in countless vehicle types and models, sometimes more and sometimes less successfully. He was however always carrying his love to the ‘Ring’ on board.
After eleven years driving as a team member, Bernd Küpper created his own racing team. Under the entrant “Küpper Racing”, the young crew competed in a BMW 325i in group N for series production cars. Küpper remained faithful both to the class of series production cars and to the vehicle make: Since almost ten years now, the team has started with at least one BMW series production racing car in the BFGoodrich Langstreckenmeisterschaft. The team which is based in Düren has meanwhile arrived at the highest class of series production cars and regularly enters a BMW e46 M3 for the races. If time permits and down to his whim, Küpper also sporadically makes some excursions to other races organised at the Nordschleife, such as for example the RCN.
All created by himself
Along with the number of racing cars of Küpper Racing, the whole team has permanently increased over the years. Whilst at the early stage of the team there were only a few good friends at the side of Bernd Küpper, the regular team now comprises more than ten mechanics and team members, all working voluntary and without being paid. And the crew even grows considerably when the 24h Race is on the schedule. Speaking of the 24h Race: Next year’s highlight of the season is definitely on the calendar for Bernd Küpper and this will be his 20th (!) participation in this classical long distance race.
The ‘boss’ has organised his complete team all by himself and it is with justified proud that he attaches great importance to this fact. Nothing of the equipment available today has been supported by sponsors: tools, accessories, racing car, trailer and truck – he has purchased or organised everything on his own. “It has not always been easy, but so far we have been able to solve each and every problem with the back-up of my family and the many passionate friends. I give my sincere thanks to them all.”
What made Küpper keep at it throughout all the years was the fascination of motor sports, of the fair balance and the equality of chances in the endurance racing championship and of course his passion for the ‘Ring’. Küpper Racing will follow its tradition and compete in next year’s championship again to celebrate together with friends, fans and team members the tenth anniversary of the team foundation.
