AVIA W&S Motorsport celebrates NLS class win, fastest race lap and another podium in Cup3

In rainy Eifel weather, the team of Patrick Wagner and Daniel Schellhaas started the morning qualifying session over 90 minutes. The wet and dirty Nordschleife caused numerous incidents and so it was difficult to drive a fast lap. In the end, the AVIA racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup #120, driven by Paul Harkema, Tim Scheerbarth and David Jahn, qualified for fifth on the grid in Cup2 of the PETN.

In Cup3, Marius Rauer, Moritz Oberheim and Finn Zulauf started the four-hour race from second place with the AVIA racing Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS #960. Directly behind them on the grid in fourth position, the CMS Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS #962 with drivers Philip Miemois, Mauro Calamia and Niclas Wiedmann at the wheel took up the chase through the Green Hell. The three AM drivers René Höber, Sébastien Carcone and Heinz Dolfen in the Vöhringer Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS #961 started from eleventh place. 

Finn Zulauf took the start in the AVIA racing Porsche Cayman GT4 #960 and managed to get to the front of the group before the first corner, but was then hit on the rear by an opponent and spun. Thus, the 18-year-old lined up again at the end of the field, started a chase for positions and was able to fight his way back into the Top 7. Marius Rauer took over the wheel and continued to gain positions. Moritz Oberheim then caused tension until the last second in a gripping duel for the top spot on the last lap, which he decided in his favour in a commanding manner and was able to cross the finish line as the winner. The team also scored an extra point in the PETN for the fastest race lap. AVIA W&S Motorsport driver Rauer was very happy about his first race win of his motorsport career. 

The Finn Miemois was able to take the lead in Cup3 after the starting turmoil, but had to pit for an emergency front repair after a contact and lost two minutes as a result. Undeterred, Miemois skilfully and quickly made up positions and brought the #962 back to the front of the class. Wiedmann then climbed into the CMS Porsche Cayman GT4 #962 and also kept up the fight for the lead. In the final phase Calamia took over the cockpit and showed his experience as reigning Cup3 champion. The excellent team and driver performance was rewarded with third place.

In the middle of the field of the second starting group, starting driver Höber with the Vöhringer Porsche Cayman GT4 #961 kept out of all the skirmishes and gained places. Carcone took over the car and continued his colleague's consistent performances. Dolfen then brought the GT4 racer home in tenth place in Cup3. 

After winning the season opener and a promising fifth place on the grid, Paul Harkema went into the race with confidence. But unfortunately the AVIA racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 992 #120 crashed shortly before the end of the first hour of racing. Harkema, who was driving on slick tyres, and other race participants were surprised by sudden heavy rain in the Wippermann section. 

On 15 April 2023, W&S Motorsport will head to the third round of the NLS. Then the racing team from Ofterdingen will once again fight for more points in the Porsche Endurance Trophy Nürburgring, when there will again be exciting motorsport over four hours. 

Quotes after the race 

Daniel Schellhaas, Team Principal W&S Motorsport: "Just like in the first race, we also took a victory in NLS2. This time in Cup3. In addition, another podium finish in the class, which makes me particularly happy after the bad luck at the start. Thanks to the good strategy and incredibly good performances of the three drivers of the CMS Porsche Cayman GT4, this is a strong result despite the damage. The trio of the AVIA Porsche Cayman GT4 quickly fought their way back after the spin and delivered a mega strong race. Moritz offered a thrilling showdown, which we were able to decide in our favour and secure our first victory with the Porsche Cayman GT4 in the PETN. Our three gentlemen drove a solid race. Unfortunately, the accident of the Cup2 in the rain clouds the overall result a bit. The results today prove that we had done our homework after the first race. A big thank you goes to our team and all the drivers for a strong job over the whole weekend. We come to the third race of the year confident and self-assured."

Marius Rauer, Driver #960: "Unbelievable, we took our first Cup3 win! I am very happy! For me it's the first race win ever, which of course makes it even nicer. Finn got off to a great start and made a strong comeback from the back of the field. I also made up places before Moritz drove a really brilliant finish. We are also happy about the extra point for the fastest lap, as this can help decide the championship at the end of the season. We will try that again in a fortnight!"

Niclas Wiedmann, Driver #962: "The second round of the NLS is over. It was a miracle that we were able to finish the race. After a great start by Philip, we were able to move into first place, but after a contact with a competitor, our front bumper was damaged. As a result, we had to make an early pit stop for repairs, which cost us time. With a strong pace from Philip, we were able to get back to fourth quite quickly. After a great last stint from Mauro, we finished in a very good third place. We definitely had the pace to win the race, but luck was not on our side. We are looking forward to the next race and definitely aim for the win. Of course, my congratulations go to our teammates Finn, Marius and Moritz for taking the class win. I thank the team for a smooth run and another successful weekend."

René Höber, Driver #961: "An exciting weekend has come to an end. It was great fun with Heinz and Sébastien, even though the conditions were not easy. The team did their usual super job and my two fellow drivers also did well. We can be happy with tenth place in such a competitive class." 

Paul Harkema, Driver #120: "The race started promisingly. Starting from fifth place, I was among the leaders until the accident. I was on slicks at the end of my stint when a downpour knocked me and other cars out of the race. I feel sorry for the team and my two cockpit mates. We will attack again in race three!"