Fresh wind is blowing through the TMG GT86 Cup. While the established teams are currently preparing their Cup vehicles for the new season, three new teams have decided to expand their racing activities at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in joining the TMG GT86 Cup.
With the participation of the British team Milltek Sport, an additional international flair will be brought into the entry list of the TMG GT86 Cup. The brand-new GT86 CS-Cup will be driven by Lucian „Luke“ Gavris and Dale Lomas. They are both experienced in competing at the Nordschleife and the driver duo will occasionally be supported by the British GT3 driver Tom Onslow-Cole. “We got a great feedback on our VLN participation in 2016”, says Milltek Sports Managing Director Steve Pound. “Our two guest starts with the GT86 had been very exciting. We felt right away at home in the VLN and we are highly interested in a further development of the relationship between the TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH, the Nürburgring and Milltek Sport.” In addition to the races in the Cup, Milltek Sport is also planning to enter the Nürburgring and the Silverstone 24 Hour Races with the GT86 CS-Cup.
With Adrenalin Motorsport, another experienced and successful VLN team will add to the quality of the starting grid in the TMG GT86 Cup. Team Director Matthias Unger himself became VLN driver champion in 2008 but meanwhile the self-employed car dealer fully concentrates onto his role as team manager. “Our team is growing constantly. In 2017, we will enter six cars in various VLN classes.” The cockpit of the TMG GT86 CS-Cup will be shared by Niklas Steinhaus and Ulf Wickop. While Steinhaus has been active for Adrenalin Motorsport for a longer time in the VLN, Wickop will have his first full season in the VLN. “I have only a limited budget for my hobby motorsport but I wish of course to drive as much as I can. The good price-performance ratio in the TMG GT86 Cup hereby provides the best conditions for me”, says Wickop, indicating the reasons for his decision.
Alexander Müller, driver and team manager of AM-Motorsport, is still looking for a driver for his Cup engagement. “My friend Jan Focke will support me in the cockpit for some races but unfortunately he will not be available for the complete season.” Müller, who has so far competed with his team mostly in the RCN series, knows the VLN already from some guest starts. “In 2016, I have already looked around a bit in the TMG GT86 Cup. The sporting standard is right and the mood amongst the participants in the series is very friendly. In combination with the attractive overall package offered by TMG, the Cup provides the best conditions for an entry into the VLN”, says Müller who hopes to find a partner with a Nordschleife permit until his first participation in the test and set-up session on the 18th of March.
Nico Ehlert, Principal Engineer customer motorsport: “I am really delighted that three new teams have already registered and will join our single-brand cup. They will add to the sporting quality in the TMG GT86 Cup and I am convinced that they will be able to fight for a podium position after an initial period of settling in. The battles about top positions will become closer. Our new teams must, however, also expect a tough and close competition. The experienced Cup teams will definitely not make their life any easier.”
