DSC’s Daily Notebook (17/08/2023)

Kuno Wittmer retires

Canadian racer Kuno Wittmer, who won the 2014 IMSA GTLM Championship with SRT Motorsports and spent multiple years as a BMW factory driver, has announced his retirement from professional racing.

“What a ride it has been!” He said in a statement released last night.

“June 1998 – I began this epic journey into the world of Motorsports. Not knowing where I would end up, how many races or championships we would win, I pushed on with all the perseverance in me. I have my parents, wife and kids, brothers, uncle, friends, race teams, manufacturers, sponsors and fans to thank with everything I have.

“These types of messages are never easy for anyone, especially when you are so attached to a sport you love. Growing up in this sport, I never really knew when the end game would be, nor looking beyond all of it. What an incredible time I have had!

“After 25 years of hard-fought races, I have decided to hang up that helmet..with zero regrets! I have accomplished everything I wanted in this sport and fulfilled my dreams to the fullest.

“Thank you everyone.”

BMW display

A Team RLL BMW M Hybrid V8 show car is on display for fans at Indianapolis International Airport for the next few weeks to promote IMSA’s return to the ‘Brickyard’ in September.

Heading to the award-winning @INDairport in the next few weeks?

Be sure to snap a pic with the #BMWMHybridV8 and tag us!

We can’t wait to see you at @IMS Sept. 20-22 for the Battle on the Bricks race!#IMSA pic.twitter.com/S2F0hx2w0V

— Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (@RLLracing) August 16, 2023

Mazda MX5 Cup oval test

The hugely popular IMSA-sanctioned Mazda MX-5 Cup, is set to test at NASCAR venue Martinsville Speedway in Virginia, according to website Speed Sport.

This test is being used to explore the viability of racing on the half-mile track. Regular drivers from the series and Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell are scheduled to turn laps.

Bathurst 12 Hour tickets on sale!

Tickets for the 2024 Bathurst 12 Hour are already on sale for fans.

The 2024 edition will be run on February 16-18, with attendance expected to be strong once again after 53,466 fans travelled to Mount Panorama for this year’s edition, the first featuring international teams since the start of the COVID pandemic in 2020.

The 2023 Bathurst 12 Hour saw a record crowd of 53,466 in attendance as international marques and teams returned to compete in Australia for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Following a massively successful 2023 event, we are very excited to open ticket sales for the 2024 Bathurst 12 Hour,” event director Shane Rudzis said.

“Every year we welcome more of the world’s best teams, drivers, and manufacturers to take on Mount Panorama, and we take significant pride in putting on a world-class event to kick off another exciting year of racing.

“We have already seen an incredible start to sales of camping and corporate experiences, and have received tremendous interest from prospective competitors for next year’s race. We are expecting another fantastic turnout of both domestic and international competitors and event-goers to journey to Mount Panorama for what is building up to be the biggest Bathurst 12 Hour yet.

“We are looking forward to welcoming the world to Bathurst once again from February 16-18, in what undoubtedly will be another heart-pounding 12 hours of racing at our beloved Mount Panorama.”

Tickets for Australia’s International Enduro can be purchased HERE >>>

Maro & Kelvin hit the gravel!

Mercedes factory driver Maro Engel and Audi works driver Kelvin van der Linde have been out in a rally car at the Lausitzring, filming a a ‘Schotter’ (Gravel) challenge, which will be shown to the public this Sunday.