Track | Series | Organiser | Car | Placing / Fastest Lap |
Nürburgring | NLS1 | ADAC | Toyota Supra GT4 EVO2 | Finished: 46th Fastest Lap: 9:09.454 |
Nürburgring Germany 21-22 March 2025
Round One ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie. (NLS)
Last weekend at the notorious ‘Ring’ was more than just another endurance race for Harry Barton, Barton Racing, and our Toyota GT4 Supra. For all intents and purposes, it represented the single most important day so far in Harry’s career. Recognised by every top driver and manufacturer as the biggest challenge in motorsport, one hundred and fourteen drivers lined up at midday on Saturday 22 March: objective, to complete as many 24.358 km laps of the combined Nordschleife and Grand Prix circuit as possible in four hours.
All first timers, Harry, and his co-pilot, twenty-one year old Luca Link included, have to complete a stringent intro programme before receiving a unique Nürburgring driver’s certificate. Ongoing over two races, after a classroom talk, and track session behind an instructor, they were, as per the rules, cleared to race, but only on reduced power, the Supra de tuned by 100bhp. Oh yes, and no rule breaking, or else. They take things seriously here in Germany.
Qualifying: Conditions dry and sunny. Result 90th on the grid.
The Race: A heavy downpour during build up meant ‘wets’ for at least one lap. Harry made good start, avoided the inevitable first corner mayhem, and as planned, when the sun came out, pitted for ‘slicks’. After one hour the Supra had made up twenty-four places, and improving. Luca matched times. During his second stint, and with minutes left on the clock, Harry moved the red, white and blue car into the top fifty. Final classification: a magnificent 46th overall, and second in class. Not bad. Not bad at all.
We return for Round 2 on 25-26 April. In the meantime, we need to thank Toyota for building such a great car, and Goodyear Tyres whose sticky rubber helped keep it on the black stuff. Finally, an extra thank you to Luca, who drove so well, and Ring Racing, their immense enthusiasm, encouragement, and enormous experience excelled all our expectations.