Björn and Georg Griesemann (Porsche 911R SR) were crowned winners after completing 39 laps in 6:36:59.513 hours. Starting from fourth on the grid, they took the lead for the first time after just eleven laps and only relinquished it briefly for just under three laps.
A happy Georg Griesemann was satisfied after the race and explained: "We consistently stuck to our tactics, took it easy on the car and avoided using the curbs too much in order to manage the race successfully. In the middle of the race, the pressure from the BMW squad behind us increased and we had to step up our performance. There are certainly more pleasant moments than having a pursuer like Olaf Manthey breathing down your neck in the last four laps." The decision to stay on slick tires in the light rain paid off.
Reliable BMW
Last year's winners, consisting of Peter Schumann, Jürgen Schumann, Olaf Manthey and Joachim Kiesch, put in an impressive performance in a flawless race, crossing the finish line just 59.656 seconds behind the winners. Peter Schumann summed it up: "We are very happy with second place, we would never have thought that at lunchtime today. We were six minutes behind at one point. An additional pit stop was simply necessary for safety reasons and cost us some time."
The team's performance and the reliability of the BMW are all the more impressive when you consider that they have always finished in the top 4 in the last three years.
Another 911 on the podium
The team of Michael Hess, Matthias Wasel and Frank Stippler (Porsche 911 RSR) celebrated their best result as third overall in the ADAC 1000-km race. The trio started from pole position and led the field for a total of nine laps.
Michael Hess had already secretly speculated on a top 3 finish before the start of the race and commented: "Unfortunately, we had to make an additional pit stop." The Düren native also joined the winners in thanking Edgar Salewsky, who prepared both Porsches.
The notorious Eifel weather showed its mild side and spared the 90 or so participants. The sun shone brightly over the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife. There was a brief spell of light rain in the final phase, which caused a certain amount of tension among the teams, but without any significant effects.
The fastest team in the classic Annex K cars was the family team consisting of father Ralf Oehme and sons Leonard and Moritz, who took turns at the wheel of the Porsche 911 ST.
The battle in the individual classes went down to the last second. 54 of the 89 teams that started saw the black and white checkered flag.
Some of the co-favorites were unlucky, including Markus Dünkelmann, Christoph Breuer and Andy Gülden, who had to retire from the race in their Porsche 911 RSR after just six laps due to gearbox damage. The same happened to the winners of the 2021 edition, Kersten Jodexnis, Robin Chrzanowski, Peter Scharmach and Dr. Eddy Althoff, who had to retire their Porsche after 15 laps due to engine damage.
Organizer draws a positive balance
Organizing manager Henning Meyersrenken was extremely satisfied after the race. "We have once again successfully developed the traditional race this year and were able to welcome the largest field of starters to date at the third edition. The positive response from riders and fans makes us particularly proud. We are already looking forward to the next edition, when we will be back here in the 'Green Hell' from September 20 to 22, 2024."
More information can be found on the ADAC 1000 km race website.
