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Nürburg is set to host one of the most gruelling endurance races in the world—the 52nd edition of the 24 Hours Nürburgring. This iconic event on the longest racetrack globally combines the 25.378 km Nordschleife with the Grand Prix circuit. With 130 vehicles across 23 classes and over 450 drivers from three dozen nations, the race promises to push the limits of man and machine.
John Cooper Works, renowned for its motorsport legacy, brings an impressive lineup to this year’s competition. The team includes the adrenaline-charged MINI John Cooper Works PRO #317 and the precision-engineered MINI John Cooper Works #474. These cars, built in Oxford, UK, and fine-tuned at Bulldog Racing in Nürburg, exemplify unmatched performance and reliability on the track.
The MINI John Cooper Works PRO, designated #317, stands out in this year’s race. Based on the latest MINI John Cooper Works model, it will debut at the Nürburgring before its world premiere in the fall of 2024. The car sports a striking red and white motorsport wrap designed by the MINI Design Team, adding to its visual appeal. Competing in the SP-3T class, the #317 is driven by a team of seasoned racers: Charlie Cooper from Great Britain, Markus Fischer from Austria, Christoph Kragenings from Germany, and Sebastian Sauerbrei from Germany.
Equally impressive is the MINI John Cooper Works #474, the only car in this year’s race equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. Competing in the VT-2 class reflects John Cooper Works’ commitment to precision engineering and driving excellence. The driver lineup for the #474 includes Michael Bräutigam, Andreas Hilgers, Sascha Korte, and Marco Zabel, all hailing from Germany.
As the 24 Hours Nürburgring approaches, the anticipation among racing enthusiasts is palpable. Over 200,000 visitors are expected to witness the high-octane action over the weekend. John Cooper Works and Bulldog Racing are determined to showcase their engineering prowess and achieve success on the track. Their focus remains on pushing the boundaries of performance and reliability, embodying the spirit of motorsport excellence.
The race is not just about speed but also about endurance, strategy, and precision. The 24 Hours Nürburgring is notorious for its challenging conditions, unpredictable weather and demanding track layout. Drivers must navigate fast straights, tight corners, and elevation changes, making it a test of skill and resilience. For John Cooper Works and Bulldog Racing, this race is an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities and reaffirm their status in the motorsport world.
