Project to continue; NLS start planned
The ambitious project by IronForce Racing to compete in the Nürburgring 24-hour race in mid-May with a Porsche 911 GT3 RS MR cannot be realised this year. The two figures behind IronForce Racing, Jan-Erik Slooten and Timo Scheider, have decided after careful consideration and exhausting all options not to take part in this year’s 24h race. However, the project will continue. A start in a race of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) is planned for this season.
After several months of intensive work and great dedication to be able to start with a Porsche 911 GT3 RS MR at this year’s Nürburgring 24-hour race from 15 to 17 May, Jan-Erik Slooten and Timo Scheider have to cancel their ambitious project.
“After a lot of back and forth, we have decided that we will not start in the 24-hour race. We simply still have some issues where we do not know whether we will be ready in time for the race,” says Jan-Erik Slooten.
Technical challenges
Since the beginning of the year, the team has been working intensively on converting the road sports car in accordance with the technical requirements of the regulations. In doing so, the team encountered significant challenges, particularly in the areas of electronics and software.
“In the phase in which components in the car had to be adapted to the regulations, we realised that in the remaining time until the 24h race we could not say with a clear conscience: ‘We will definitely be on the grid,’” explains Timo Scheider. “That was the moment when we decided to draw a line here.”
“It is such an amazing project, and that is why it is of course more than sad that we cannot compete in the 24h race. I also feel sorry for our partners and fans, because I know that everyone was really looking forward to the race,” says Jan-Erik.
And Timo adds: “It is difficult to find the right words. But because it was so difficult, it was also so special for us.”
NLS start planned
Nevertheless, the cancellation of participation in the 24h race does not mean the end of the project. IronForce Racing is planning to enter the car in a race of this year’s Nürburgring Endurance Series as soon as possible. To this end, the conversion of the Porsche is to be completed in the coming weeks, and corresponding test kilometres are also to be carried out.
“Before we promise something that we cannot keep, we would rather pull the plug now and then do it properly,” Timo sums it up.
“We know exactly what a 24-hour race means, and that is precisely why we also know when the right time is to compete,” adds Jan-Erik.
Jan-Erik and Timo will still be present on site at the 24-hour race. An event for fans is also planned at the team’s home base at the Nürburgring, where the Porsche will also be on display. Further information will follow shortly.
Text: IronForce Racing