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.
