The summer of endurance. Gearing up for the next 3 rounds of European Championship action in 2018
Fancy a summer in Europe? Entries are still available for continental and international teams and drivers alike for endurance racing action at Navarra, Imola and Portimão.
Following a thrilling season-opener at Silverstone, at which more than 35 cars spanning 12 different nations competed, the 24H SERIES powered by Hankook is readying itself for a full, action-packed summer of endurance racing at three of Europe’s most revered circuits.
Hankook 12H NAVARRA (20-21-22 April)
Up next on the 2018 European Championship tour is Navarra in late April, which welcomes competitors from both the 24H GT and 24H PROTO divisions. The latest addition to CREVENTIC’s expanding portfolio, the Hankook 12H NAVARRA will be hosted at the mesmeric Circuito de Navarra in northern Spain, a facility that officially joined the motorsport community in 2010.
A landmark for GT racing having previously hosted the Blancpain Endurance Series and the FIA GT1 World Championship, the Circuito de Navarra is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most intricately fascinating circuits to drive at speed. Indeed, its combination of fast banking turns, technical infield and high-speed 800m start-finish straight prove a challenge for even the world’s most astute professionals. Located just a stone’s throw from Estella/Lizarra and the historic Pamplona, the Circuito de Navarra similarly offers fans, travellers and racers the stunning topographical tapestry that is the Navarre Pyrenees, as well as a taste of the region’s diverse art and culinary culture. Entries are still available for GT and PROTO teams for the Hankook 12H NAVARRA on 20-21-22 April.
Hankook 12H IMOLA (24-25-26 May)
One month later, the 24H SERIES powered by Hankook journeys to Imola, where GT competitors will be joined by the TCE division for more frenetic European Championship action. Scheduled to take place on 24-25-26 May, the Hankook 12H IMOLA produced easily the most exciting race finish last season, with barely 30 seconds separating Car Collection Motorsport’s Audi R8 LMS and Scuderia Praha’s Ferrari 488 GT3.
One of Europe’s most historically significant circuits, the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari was home to the Formula 1 San Marino Grand Prix for almost three decades between 1981 and 2006, and positively radiates motorsport heritage as a result. Motorsport fans will certainly want to check out the circuit’s Museo Checco Costa, which showcases some of the most famous cars to ever grace the 4.9km circuit, as well as a bastion of Ferrari memorabilia in honour of Il Commendatore. Remember too that stellar Italian cuisine and a rich nightlife will also be up for grabs in the neighbouring cities of Imola, Bologna and Modena, home of the prancing horse.
Hankook 3X3H PORTIMAO and Hankook 24H PORTIMAO (5-6-7-8 July)
Before a well-earned summer break, GT, TCE and PROTO entrants unite for the next round of the European Championship in Portimão, which sees the Hankook 3X3H PORTIMAO and the Hankook 24H PORTIMAO run consecutively over the course of the 5-6-7-8 July weekend. An example of CREVENTIC’s diverse racing programs – which features 12-hour and 24-hour race events alike – the series’ only Portuguese round marks the halfway point for both the European Championship and the tangential Championship of the Continents. For GT, TCE and PROTO teams interested in competing at Portimão, there truly will be everything to play for.
A 10-minute drive from Portimão and Lagos (and the exceptional character these cities offer), the Autódromo Internacional de Algarve is one of the most uniquely designed circuits in Europe. Penned to capitalise on the undulating terrain as much as possible, the track incorporates fast straights, mid-speed off-camber corners and the area’s natural elevation changes to produce a truly one-of-a-kind racing experience for both first-time and returning racers. It’s a challenge that, last year, saw three of the five category winners secure with championship honours.
