RACING EXPERIENCE WINS CLASS TITLE IN GT & PROTOTYPE CHALLENGE 2022
Sunday, October 30th 2022, Assen, Netherlands
Having raced there during the GT & Prototype Challenge already in August, Racing Experience was back at Assen the last weekend for their season finale race. As the class title was to be decided on this weekend, both drivers Lea and Gary came to finish a successful and a season full of learnings on a high.
Looking back on their races in Assen in August, the pairing was at that time able to finish second overall behind their direct competitor in race 1, while engine issues stopped them from classify in the second race on this said sunday.
Aiming for a better result this weekend, both drivers stepped into the car on the two free practice sessions on Friday, where both were able to build on their work from August. Having had a wet session as well as a drying track, Lea and Gary could experience the track and the car in different circumstances.
Despite having had engine issues and a power-loss in Qualifying on Friday evening, it was Gary who was able to set lap times which brought the team a P3 start in Race 1 and a P2 start in Race 2.
On Saturday morning, the track was wet, but the track was already drying for Race 1. Lea started the race on P3, while a long safety car period which started in the first lap and a following FCY prevented her from doing laptimes under green flag. A well-timed driver change and a constant, fast pace of Gary brought them a P2 finish in overall, right in front of their direct competitor.
Having this points and thus a lead in class in the pocket, the aim for Racing Experience in Race 2 was clear: finish the race to bring the title home.
The second race on Sunday morning was to build on this success of the previous day. Lea started the race in the front row, when a safety car period again started in the first lap. When the race was green again, she was able to do consistent and competitive laptimes, which were only 1,5 seconds slower than their direct and experienced competitor.
Due to the good result on Saturday and the win in the last race in Spa-Francorchamps, the regulations included a 40 seconds time penalty during the mandatory pitstop, while others in front could leave the pits earlier. Coming out in P9 and being stuck behind several GT cars, Gary was then able to bring the car home in P6 overall and P2 in class, which meant the Prototype Class Title in the GT & Prototype Challenge for Racing Experience.
Christian Hauser, Racing Experience Team Owner said, “Despite some engine issues during the whole weekend which we solved for the second race, we were able to show our pace. The team as well as the drivers did an amazing job throughout the whole season and I think the class title is a solid finish.”
Gary Hauser, Driver Racing Experience said, “What a season which comes to an end now. Looking at Lea’s development throughout the season, I think we can be very proud of what we achieved. I tried to share my knowledge with her which she was able to put into practice. We were able to compete with drivers, that have a lot more experience than her and I want to thank the whole team for their commitment!”
Lea Mauer, Racing Experience driver said, “I can’t find the right words for this season finale now. Having never raced a racecar before, the goal for me was to learn as much as possible and to get to know the car and all the different situations. With sometimes more than 40 cars on track, it was quite challenging for me to learn the car, new tracks and get to the right pace. But with all the help of Gary and the team, I was able to do competitive laptimes in the end and to finish the season with the class title. I want to thank every single member of the team for their hard work – you deserve it!”
After this full-packed racing season in the Prototype Cup Germany and the GT & Prototype Challenge, Racing Experience will now concentrate on preparing the season 2023.
If you are interested in competing as a racing driver or in a cooperation with the team, do not hesitate to contact them for discussing different options.