STUTTGART, Germany — Traditionally, the German Carrera Cup features a high number of Dutch competitors.
Of the permanently registered drivers tackling the season, seven will fly the red, white and blue national flag on their Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. At the upcoming third round this weekend, they have a home race: season races five and six of the Porsche Sixt Carrera Cup Deutschland will be held in Zandvoort as part of the DTM support program.
“The Carrera Cup weekend in Zandvoort is always a very special affair. My family and many of my friends come to the track to support me,” said Larry ten Voorde, the reigning champion and winner of both Zandvoort races last year. Driving for the German Proton Huber Competition team, the 27-year-old has notched up one victory this season.
As one of three Dutchmen in the top five of the drivers’ standings, he is in hot pursuit of championship leader Harry King from Great Britain.
Behind ten Voorde in the rankings are his compatriots Huub van Eijndhoven and Robert de Haan from Team75 Bernhard, who won one of the two races in Oschersleben.
Janne Stiak travels to Zandvoort as the best-placed German in fifth. Like de Haan, the young German competes for Porsche brand ambassador Timo Bernhard’s team.
Championship leader King is well aware that Zandvoort could become somewhat of a lion’s den for him.
“Of course, the number of Dutch fans in the grandstands vastly outnumbers that of the British,” smiles the 23-year-old Englishman, who took two victories for the German team Allied-Racing at the season opener in Imola, Italy. “But I’m not letting that bother me. I had a good test in Zandvoort and I’m confident that I can fight for podium positions.”
Dutch drivers occupy the top-four places in the rookie class. Flynt Schuring from Team Proton Huber Competition and Senna van Soelen (Target Competition) head to their home race sharing the lead in the championship standings.
Their closest rivals are de Haan and Uniserver by Team GP Elite driver Kas Haverkort. After four races this season, the fight for the team title has also come down to a duel between Germany and the Netherlands: Proton Huber Competition from Bavaria leads ahead of Uniserver by Team GP Elite, which is based close to Amsterdam.
After four races, the top 10 in the overall standings of the Porsche Sixt Carrera Cup Deutschland include drivers from five nations: Aside from Great Britain, the Netherlands and Germany, France and Israel are also represented.
“The two races in Zandvoort are always among the highlights of the season,” said Hurui Issak, Project Manager Porsche Sixt Carrera Cup Deutschland, in anticipation of the race. “The race track nestled into the dunes is very demanding for the drivers. And the packed grandstands with the multitude of German and Dutch fans add to the unique atmosphere.
“So, we’re looking forward to another exciting weekend together with the DTM.”
The event will be broadcast live by SPEED SPORT 1, for free.