(October 4, 2021)- Heading into the 2021 Hankook 12H HUNGARY, Samantha Tan Racing had momentum on its side following a commanding victory last time out in Barcelona.
Despite none of the drivers having ever competed at the Hungaroring prior to this past weekend’s event, the 12-hour event proved to be among the most tenacious yet for ST Racing, which strives to further improve its overall performance, both on-track and in the pit garage, ahead of its sophomore 24H SERIES season in 2022.
In the opening stages of the race in Hungary for example, Jon Miller completed an impressive two-hour stint to move the #438 BMW M4 GT4 into the overall top 10. The following morning, after CREVENTIC’s traditional overnight intervention, metronomic stints from Samantha Tan and Chandler Hull saw both demonstrably slash their laptimes around the Hungaroring. The event proved an invaluable learning experience in particular for Samantha, who represented ST Racing in qualifying for the first time this season.
A flawless run at the Hungaroring was undercut by just one issue, which befell ST Racing as the race entered its closing stages. After an early kerb strike, a rear diff mount finally gave way after withstanding almost 11 hours of no-quarter-given endurance racing. Determined to make the finish, ST Racing’s experienced mechanics ensured the replacement was fitted methodically before sending the BMW back out to collect the chequered flag and its third championship class win of the season.
Three wins, plus podium finishes at Mugello, Circuit Paul Ricard and the Hockenheimring, mean ST Racing, in its first endurance racing season no less, now leads the 24H SERIES Overall GT Teams’ standings by 11 points with just one round of the championship left to run. The consistent run of class podiums means ST Racing has also secured this year’s 24H SERIES GT4-class championship at its first attempt.
Kenneth Tan, team principal: “After running flawlessly for 11 hours, we had a differential mount screw break, probably from all the stress going over the curb at turn 4, which resulted in the differential dropping down and damaging the right outer shaft. Our crew worked really quickly to replace the shaft and position the differential back in place within 30 minutes. Thus, we were able to send the car back out just in time to do a few laps and take the checkered flag. With that finish, we clinched the GT4 class championship and took back the overall lead in the GT class so I am very happy with the end result, but it was also a reminder for our crew and drivers what we need to do to perform well in the upcoming 24-hour race at Sebring. We are looking forward to a very challenging race there next month. Should be a lot of fun!”
Samantha Tan, co-owner/driver: “We are now in the lead for the Overall GT Teams’ standings and have clinched the GT4 championship after another successful weekend for ST Racing! It was everyone’s first time at the Hungaroring, but as always, our team put together an amazing car and all the drivers showed exceptional pace. Throughout the weekend we worked on perfecting our pit stops and consistency on track, and are now preparing for our last race of the season at the Sebring International Raceway. See you there!”
Jon Miller, driver: “It was an unexpected highlight to race in Hungary this year. The track and city were wonderful hosts and the weather was perfect. As usual, our BMW M4 GT4 rolled off the truck feeling fast and the Hankook tires provided consistent grip on a technical circuit. It’s unfortunate that some of the other GT4 teams in the entry list couldn’t make the grid for this event. Regardless, our efforts never wavered and it’s very satisfying to clinch the GT4-class championship after a hard-fought year. ST Racing is ready to meet the challenge that Sebring will throw at us for the final race in November, and we aim to close out this chapter on a high note. Now that we’re leading the GT division overall championship, we don’t want let go!”
Chandler Hull, driver: “It was a condensed and action-packed weekend at the Hungaroring. The ST Racing crew obviously gave us a good car right off the trailer, and all three of us – Sam, Jon and I – were up to speed quickly, despite never racing at the venue before. Saturday was fast-paced as we all tried to get some practice in before Jon ran the first two hours of the race. On Sunday morning we were ready to keep that momentum going and finish the rest of the 10 hours on strong form, with Samantha and I completing multiple two-hour stints after Jon’s impressive first run. Unfortunately we had a mechanical issue a few laps into my last stint, but the crew worked their magic and got me back out in time to cross the chequered flag. It feels amazing to have clinched the GT4-class championship and to be leading the Overall GT Teams’ standings heading into the season finale. I’m looking forward to Sebring and closing out this strong season in style!”
The final round of this year’s 24H SERIES will take place for the first time at the Sebring International Raceway on 18-19-20 November. On ST Racing’s previous entries at CREVENTIC’s North American events, the team has consistently finished on the podium.
Report from Service Presse
