Race Track Trainings

PRTC slipstream battles at the Salzburgring create new league leaders -

Dirk Ehlebracht makes successful debut of brand new PRTC racing car

Salzburgring. After a long "summer break," the Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) resumed the action at the legendary Salzburgring (AUT) on September 20-22, 2024, with rounds 5 and 6. This 4.255-km venue steeped in tradition was to be the drivers’ field of honor. Due to the layout of the track, the races were once again characterized by exciting slipstream battles.

True to the series motto "real cars, real racing," both ambitious youngsters and experienced "gentleman drivers" took to the starting field to once again compete against each other in the PRTC. Germany, the USA and Switzerland were represented in terms of driver nationalities.

"We arrived at the Salzburgring at the halfway point of the season and are looking forward to more touring car action. Starting in front of the well known backdrop of the famous "Histo-Cup" brings many spectators to the racetrack, who give this event its unmistakable flair. We also have the unique pleasure of witnessing the debut of the new CHEVROLET Cruze Eurocup 1.4 Turbo V1 race car with Dirk Ehlebracht at the wheel!" says series organizer Andreas Pfister before the start of the race weekend.

One highlight of the race weekend was the debut of the brand new CHEVROLET Cruze Eurocup Turbo racing car with Dirk Ehlebracht (GER) at the wheel.

After the first free training on Friday, the touring car drivers went into the important qualifying session on Friday evening to determine the starting positions. Austria gave us the best weather conditions for this, meaning that the track was in a perfect state for motorsporting excitement.

Former champion Marco Bedrich takes pole position in class 2

Already in the qualifying session, 2023’s PRTC champion Marco Bedrich (GER, Cottbus) impressively proved to everyone that he has not gone soft since his time on the podium. Despite almost half a year break from motorsports, he managed a brilliant comeback with the pole position and a time of 1:52.302, beating the strong time set by Patrick Röthlisberger (CHE, Langnau) of 1:52.521. The only one faster than the two was Dirk Ehlebracht (GER, Oberursel) whose first time in the brand new Chevy Turbo (Class 3) landed him a time of 1:50.991.

Andreas Schundiak (GER, Weiden) took third place ahead of Felix Müller (GER, Deggenhausertal), Marcalis Shinaul (USA, Nuremberg) and Thomas Eckert (GER, Nuremberg).

With a brilliant comeback to the pole: Marco Bedrich from Cottbus

Bedrich shows strong nerves and takes the victory in the first race

As usual, the PRTC fans on the stands and at home watching the live stream were not disappointed by the first race of the day. The close times achieved in the qualifying session already set the tone for the rest of the day.

Already in the warm-up round Marco Bedrich managed to bring his TOYO TIRES R888R Semi-Slicks to the ideal temperature, and to leverage this in the best way possible at the standing "Grand Prix Start" to take the lead directly. Swiss native Röthlisberger was fast on his heels, and he managed to learn some tricks from the former PRTC champion.

Behind this action there was plenty more touring car motorsports worth seeing with a direct slight collision between Andreas Schundiak and Felix Müller, which cost both some speed on the long back straight after the "Nockstein turn."

Schundiak managed to stay ahead, but Felix Müller kept the pressure on. The front of the pack saw a similar duel of wills and skill take place: Marco Bedrich was first, but was increasingly under pressure by Patrick Röthlisberger. Back in the midfield, things were going far less smoothly for Thomas Eckert. He lost speed due to technical problems with his CHEVROLET Cruze Eurocup race car, but was still able to finish 6th.

Two strong races make Patrick Röthlisberger (CHE) the new PRTC league leader

But it was Bedrich who ultimately showed nerves of steel and won the first race, ahead of Patrick Röthlisberger, who was able to skillfully make use of the slipstream. Andreas Schundiak completed the roster for the podium positions ahead of Felix Müller and Marcalis Shinaul.

Marco Bedrich also secured victory in the second race, 0.2 seconds ahead of Röthlisberger

Fresh from the action from the first race, the drivers had only a short time to keep the concentration for the second race, as it took place three hours later. This time Patrick Röthlisberger started from first place, ahead of Marco Bedrich and Andreas Schundiak.

After the start, Röthlisberger soon lost the leading position, as Marco Bedrich once again showed his experience, taking the lead position.

Andreas Schundiak also experienced a weak start in the second race, having to let two competitors pass, but he managed to make up for the positions in the course of the race.

Felix Müller also managed to improve his lap times significantly, and only a hair’s breadth separated him from Schundiak. Likewise, Marcalis Shinaul also joined the fray in the competitive midfield with a significantly better speed.

Dirk Ehlebracht used the turbo power of his new Chevrolet Cruze Eurocup race car, branded in the design of "Caramba Chemie," to overtake the other Cruze cars for an impressive debut.

New best time for Dirk Ehlebracht in the new PRTC racing car in race 2

Bedrich also won the second race, albeit just ahead of Patrick Röthlisberger, who now travels as the new league leader (42 points) to the next races at the Nürburgring GP course October 04-05, 2024.

Next in the ranking are Andreas Schundiak (41 points) and Felix Müller (40 points), waiting for their chance to overtake.

PRTC fans are already looking forward to lots of “real cars” and “real racing” as the season progresses.

Marcalis Shinaul with debut in the Pfister-Racing Tourenwagen-Challenge (PRTC) 2023

Ansbach. Another talent will make its debut in the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) in the 2023 season. The 29-year-old racing driver from Ansbach (Bavaria) took part in the track day with a racing driver license course at the Salzburgring in September 2022. After successfully completing the course, he really "tasted blood" and now wants to prove his talent in the PRTC in a CUPRA Ibiza V1 Cup racing car.

“We are happy to welcome another talent in the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) with Marcalis Shinaul. Marcalis earned his first spurs at the track day and racing driver license course at the Salzburgring. He was able to successfully complete the license course, which enables him to enter the PRTC. We wish you every success from now on!” says series organizer Andreas Pfister.

Andreas Pfister (l.) and Marcalis Shinaul (r.) with the racing-licence-certificate at Salzburgring

Racing driver Marcalis Shinaul is already looking forward to the coming racing season:

“As this is my rookie season, I hope to learn and grow as a driver as soon as possible. I just want to show what I'm capable of behind the wheel and do my best!"

Pictures: Pfister-Racing GmbH

Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) announces race dates for 2023 –

 latest information on the PRTC at the Essen Motor Show

Obersfeld. “In every crisis there is an opportunity, and that includes motor racing. The interest in affordable touring car motor racing is even higher than ever, and we are pleased to be able to offer a contemporary, exciting and affordable product with the Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC),” explains organizer Andreas Pfister. “This season, 21 drivers have already competed in 3 racing classes from 3 nations, and even more participants are expected next year. All the detailed information on the new season is also available at our booth in hall 8 at Essen Motor Show from December 3 to 11, 2022.”

The Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) enables affordable circuit motor racing to take place in Germany and its neighboring countries. Talented newcomers from the world of carting as well as from driver evaluation programs and racing driver license courses all participate in the Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge. And they are joined by ambitious newcomers and gentleman drivers.

Considerable attention is paid to the professional marketing of the racing drivers and the sporting events in order to increase the attractiveness of touring car motor racing and to put the drivers and series partners in the limelight in a targeted way.

The winner of the Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge (Division A, Class 2) will receive a free test opportunity in the TCR racing car.

´

real cars, real racing: that’s the Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge!

appealing mix of ambitious youngsters and “gentlemen drivers”

Exciting touring car motor racing with genuine races is therefore guaranteed. The mix of ambitious youngsters from the world of carting as well as experienced “gentleman drivers” promises exciting wheel-to-wheel duels and genuine touring car motor racing on cool racing circuits.

Provisional racing calendar for 2023*

*subject to approval of DMSB **Guest race

Eligible to start in the Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) are touring cars according to FIA/DMSB Group H regulations in 4 different racing classes:

Class 1 – CUPRA Ibiza V1 Cup / Central fielding with rotating system

Class 2 – CHEVROLET Cruze Eurocup 1.8 LT V4 / Central fielding with rotating system

Class 3 – CUPRA Leon MKII DSG, SKODA Octavia Cup DSG or similar

Class 4 – CUPRA Leon TCR or similar

The class winners win honorary awards and other high-quality prizes. Opportunities for entry are available as part of the ACV Touring Car Driver Evaluation and by attending a racing driver license course.

As part of the official test days, it is possible to book experienced instructors in 1:1 Active Coaching sessions in order to prepare quickly and purposefully for joining a race.

Further information on the driver support program of Pfister Racing GmbH, the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge and the ACV Touring Car Driver Evaluation is available at www.pfister-racing.eu and www.pr-tourenwagenchallenge.eu – you are also welcome to contact us by telephone on +49(0)9350 / 90 900 59

Centimeter duels on the occasion of the PRTC season opener at the Hockenheimring

 with a double victory by local hero Tim Schestag

Hockenheimring. For the racing drivers in the Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC), the 2022 season got off to an early start: On the weekend of March 4th-6th 2022, the prestigious Hockenheimring GP circuit awaited the drivers. On the 4.574 km racing circuit, genuine touring car action was once again on offer, with drivers who were up for the fight.

The PRTC once more offered a large starting field which also included some newcomers. 19-year-old Simon de Mori from Austria (Hörbranz) and 17-year-old Martin Held from Germany (Berlin) made their touring car debuts and earned their first motor racing spurs.

“Real cars, real racing. That’s the motto of our racing series. We offer professionally organized races with appealing touring cars in 4 qualifying categories, at reasonable costs and with good marketing. This concept is becoming increasingly popular, and we have been pleased with the great response. Last but not least, our racing drivers put on a terrific show for the spectators. We are looking forward to the start of the season!” said organizer Andreas Pfister at the start of the racing weekend.

Robin Renz (GER) from Stuttgart made a successful start to the new racing season

All the racing cars are equipped with standard tires from TOYO TIRES, with the semi-slick Proxes R888R or RS1 Slick Proxes, which in combination with the central fielding and “rotating system” on the CHEVROLET and CUPRA racing cars (class 1 and 2) from Pfister-Racing GmbH, allow for a competitive race at affordable costs.

The winner of the 2022 Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) in class 2 will receive a free test drive in the 350 hp TCR racing car.

Cold driving conditions make for challenging circumstances

The early start of the season saw the drivers welcomed with cold and windy weather conditions with temperatures around freezing, and it was necessary to find the right techniques to get the tires to the right operating temperature quickly in a good working time frame.

In the qualifying rounds to determine the starting grid, Hinrich Groeneveld (GER, Moosburg) performed the best, with his CUPRA Leon MKII DSG racing car from the ATT-Racing team securing first place in class 3.

In the consistently hard-fought class 2 with the CHEVROLET Cruze Eurocup racing cars, Robin Renz achieved the best starting position with a lap time of 2:16:812, finishing in just ahead of Tim Schestag (GER, Walldorf) and Marco Chianese (ITA) from Würzburg, who also performed well, who got starting position three.

Driving with confidence, Tim Schestag continued his series of successes in his touring car before his home crowd

The fans then found themselves eagerly awaiting the start of the first race, with a rolling “Indianapolis start.” As soon as the first lap of the race, Schestag made it clear that he wasn’t satisfied with his second place on the starting grid, driving in the slipstream of Robin Renz.

In class 3, Hinrich Groeneveld took no prisoners, and steered his CUPRA Leon MKII racing car, with its more than 300 hp, towards a class victory.

Rookie driver Martin Held took his chance to gain some initial experiences during the important racing laps, collecting points in class 1 with his CUPRA Ibiza V1 Cup racing car.

Marco Chianese (ITA, Würzburg) pulled off a strong performance in only his second racing weekend

David Stein (GER, Usingen), had “one of those days”. Due to a technical defect, he was unable to take part in either the time qualifying or the race, which cost him important points in the overall standings despite every effort of the mechanics.

During the course of the first race on the other hand, Marco Chianese managed to further improve his lap times and catch up with Dirk Ehlebracht (GER, Oberursel), which ensured a close battle for 3rd place.

At the front of the pack, Tim Schestag succeeded in taking the lead and gaining a small advantage over Robin Renz. The race then came to a temporary stop due to a “Code 60 phase” which replaced the safety car, and the drivers were forced to reduce their speed to 60 km/h, which prompted a second inspection by the race organizers after the race.

After the lifting of the Code 60 phase at the end of the race, Groeneveld took his class win. In class 2, Tim Schestag achieved another victory, coming in ahead of Robin Renz and Dirk Ehlebracht. Marco Chianese finished in 4th place ahead of Thomas Eckert (GER, Nuremberg), who completed the top 5. Marco Bedrich (GER, Cottbus) failed to reach the black-white checkered flag this time, being forced to drop out of the race as his car suffered damage to its drive shaft.

After the first battle of the new season, the racers were only able to catch their breath for a short while, with the second race of the weekend scheduled for the Sunday morning. With cold weather conditions once again, the race organizers decided to allow the drivers to complete two warm-up laps this time to get their tires up to racing temperature.

Lap-long duel for victory in race 2

The second race succeeded in surpassing the first race in terms of excitement. Robin Renz made it clear that he wasn’t satisfied with his second place finish on the day before, and set out to take the victory in the second race and prevail over Tim Schestag.

In true touring car fashion, the two drivers battled side-by-side in a lap-long duel in the motordrome, and offered the spectators touring car action at its best, with both driving their “Chevys” in a class of their own. The live-stream action was also watched by the fans at home.

Towards the rear of the pack, however, Thomas Eckert hit the throttle too early, and after spinning off course on the first curve, found himself having to play catch-up with the rest of the field.

Simon de Mori (AUT, Hörbranz) scored two points on his debut in race 2

David Stein, on the other hand, put in another positive performance in race 2. With a freshly repaired racing car, he succeeded in working his way up a few positions and into the top 5. The battle for the winners’ podium, meanwhile, turned out to be between Marco Chianese and Dirk Ehlebracht. Chianese impressed with some quick lap times, but it was Ehlebracht who ultimately put in a solid performance to notch up his second podium finish of the weekend.

The second victory was secured by Tim Schestag, who finished just before Robin Renz. The duel between the two drivers from Baden-Württemberg in Germany is certainly a taste of the further fight for the championship.

In the other finishing positions, it was Marco Bedrich, Simon de Mori and Thomas Eckert who secured the coveted PRTC Class 2 points.

The touring car action in the PRTC will be continuing on May 13th-15th 2022 at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben (GER), and is certain to offer another round of exciting motor racing.

Duels between Germany and Austria at the action-packed premiere of the PRTC at the Salzburgring

Salzburgring. The legendary traditional racing circuit in Nesslgraben, Austria, near the city of Salzburg, was the venue for the premiere racing weekend of the Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC). The motor racing festival hosted by BG Sportpromotion set the stage for several well-known racing series, finally making genuine motor racing possible again in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Big names from the world of motor racing had announced they would be there, such as Walter Röhrl, Harald Grohs, Kris Nissen and Roland Asch.

The fans were able to follow all the action on the racing circuit in an excellent live stream with commentary and close-ups, which attracted an audience of more than 30,000 viewers.

In the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC), meanwhile, 10 racing drivers went into battle in the CHEVROLET Cruze 1.8 LT V3 Eurocup. The motto of the racing series, “real cars, real racing”, was plain to see on the racing circuit, with superb touring car action.

10 racing drivers fight it out for victory in the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC)

appealing mix of ambitious youngsters and “gentlemen drivers”

During the first test drives under dry and hot conditions on the Friday, the two “Chevy veterans” Wolfgang Kriegl (AUT) and Björn Dietrich (GER) achieved the fastest lap times. Other PRTC racing drivers took the opportunity to get to know the 4.255 km long high-speed race track, and prepared themselves well for the upcoming weekend of racing.

Wolfgang Kriegl puts down an excellent performance during a battle in the rain

On the first day of racing on the Saturday, the conditions changed all of a sudden: Stormy weather, cloudy skies and rain descended on the racing circuit. Local driver Wolfgang Kriegl proved best able to cope with the slippery and challenging conditions: Not only did he secure pole position for the first race, but also a superb race victory with an advantage of more than 10 seconds over the next drivers.

The battle was intense further down the field: Roman Holzner (GER) celebrated a sensational touring car debut, putting Björn Dietrich (GER) and Sven Grossmann (GER) under considerable pressure. The exciting action saw three drivers fight it out for second place, with Dietrich missing the braking point on the first chicane twice before he then pulled off two courageous overtaking maneuvers in the notorious paddock corner in the best touring car tradition to move back into second place.

The winners’ podium in the first race: from left to right: Björn Dietrich, Wolfgang Kriegl and Sven Grossmann

Close behind them, Roman Holzner came in at fourth place with fast lap times, ahead of Dennis Bröker (GER), who had an unremarkable but constant race. Sixth place was taken by Dirk Ehlebracht (GER), who finished ahead of Aaron Morf (GER) and Mathias Gaiser (GER), who finished 8th and secured the final championship point.

The second day of racing on the Sunday saw another change in the weather conditions: Dry and hot weather was forecast for the Salzburgring.

Björn Dietrich beats Kriegl to win the Sunday race

At the start of the day of racing on Sunday, the drivers got to enjoy the great atmosphere at the Salzburgring and watch the famous race series, as their race didn’t get underway until 14:50 hrs local time. By that time, the conditions on the racing circuit were clear: It was dry, with a good grip on the road surface.

Following the standing Grand Prix start, Wolfgang Kriegl initially built up a decent pole position, but was forced to give it up again after a surprise attack by Björn Dietrich on the first lap, who succeeded in taking the lead in the race.

As usual, the battle was intense further down the field: Roman Holzner used the slipstream of Kriegl and Dietrich to catch up with the leaders, but then found himself contending with electronic problems on his CHEVROLET Cruze Eurocup 1.8 LT V3 Cup racing car, just like Sven Grossmann.

The speed was there – but the luck wasn’t: Roman Holzner (GER)

After that, Dirk Ehlebracht (GER) looked like a safe third place, before braking problems saw him missing the turning point in the first chicane and being forced to give up his place on the winners’ podium to Dennis Bröker (GER), who held on to third place until the finishing line.

At the front of the pack, Wolfgang Kriegl threatened to overtake several times in Björn Dietrich's rear-view mirror, but Dietrich defended his position courageously and won Sunday’s race. Fourth place was secured by Mathias Gaiser (GER), who came in before touring car rookie Aaron Morf (GER), who completed the top 5 finishers.

Young Sandro Ritz (GER), a graduate from the world of go-carting, secured his first championship points. In a good race, the youngster came in at 6th place, in front of Patrick Huber (GER) and Sven Grossmann (GER).

Provisional racing calendar for 2020

July 24-26, 2020                                            Automotodrom Grobnik** (CRO)

September 14, 2020                         Official test day at Salzburgring (AUT)

October 3, 2020                                            Official test day at Wachauring (AUT)

October 10-11, 2020                         EuroSpeedway Lausitz (GER)

July 24-25, 2020                                            Motorsportarena Oschersleben (GER)

October 31 - November 1, 2020                 Motorsportarena Oschersleben (GER)

November 13-14, 2020                                 Motorsportarena Oschersleben (GER)

**FIA CEZ guest races

Eligible to start in the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge are touring cars according to the DMSB Group H regulations, where the focus is on touring cars from the manufacturers CHEVROLET and CUPRA. The classes are determined according to engine capacity.

The class winners win honorary awards and other high-quality prizes. Opportunities for entry are available as part of the ADAC Touring Car Driver Evaluation and through participation in a racing driver license course.

As part of the official test days, it is possible to book experienced instructors in 1:1 Active Coaching sessions in order to prepare quickly and purposefully for joining a race.

Further information on the driver support program of Pfister-Racing GmbH, the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge and the ADAC Touring Car Driver Evaluation is available at www.pfister-racing.eu – you can also contact us by telephone on +49(0)9350 / 90 900 59

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