After a year of discovery rewarded by very good results in Blancpain Endurance Series, the team thinks bigger and higher! Indeed, the TDS Racing will enter a second car in 2014 !
The TDS Racing team had announced it: 2013 would be a year of discovery! Last season allowed the team to get used to a new championship (Blancpain Endurance Series), a new category (GT3) and a new car (BMW Z4). Quickly, the team distinguished itself with very good results such as two podiums in the Pro Am category (Monza and Silverstone). The team also put itself forward during the prestigious 24 Hours of Spa when the # 25 BMW Z4 led the race in its category in the first quarter of the race. At the end of the season, the TDS Racing finished 5th in the Pro Am Team championship and was the best BMW representative in this category !
Encouraged by its performance, the team will continue in Blancpain Endurance Series this season. The chances to perform well have been multiplied because two BMW Z4 GT3 cars will be entered. The #10 will be driven by Eric Clément (a regular GT3 driver), Benjamin Lariche (he drove inPorsche Carrera Cup France in 2013) and Nicolas Armindo. This last one was GTE Am European Le Mans Series champion in 2011 and 2012!
The second car, the #12 BMW Z4, will be driven by Henry Hassid and Nick Catsburg. The first one was already in the team last year. The second one has been running in the Blancpain Endurance Series since 2012 with BMW. Moreover, he knows the team well because he became European Megane champion in 2010! Both drivers will compose one of the strongest lines-up of the category.
In any case, the past season has whetted the appetite of the men of the South of France. The 2014 target is obvious : to win the Pro Am title in spite of a strong competition. First indication on 12th and 13th April for the first race at Monza, Italy!
Nicolas Armindo, BMW n°10: “Although I have already a busy programme, I wanted to take part in the Blancpain Endurance Series because it is an important championship.
I wanted to compete it with the TDS Racing for several reasons. First because I have been knowing Xavier Combet for a long time, we were opponents in Formula Renault. Moreover, the team has developed a lot, starting from the European Megane Trophy Championship and finishing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It proves that it is a world class team. We had tried to work together several times in the past but it had never come true. I am really happy it can be possible now.
I have never driven the BMW Z4 GT3. But I have already driven a lot of GTs, almost all GTs I mean! I am looking forward to testing it because this car seems to be great!
The target of our line-up is to win. I will drive with my friend, Eric, together with Benjamin Lariche. Eric is very regular, watchful and careful in his driving style. Benjamin has performed very well recently. As for me, I have the experience regarding the set-up of a car and the speed. I am confident; we have a consistent line-up, the one we need to be in the front.
In 2014, I am lucky to drive for two great teams and I would like to thank the IMSA Performance Matmut team which allows me to drive for the TDS Racing.”
Nick Castburg, BMW n°12: “As I was pursuing a drive, I got in touch with Xavier Combet and Jacques Morello from TDS Racing. I know them from 2010 because in 2010 I won the European Mégane Trophy Championship with them. Pretty soon, the deal was done and I am happy with this. I am also happy to drive with Henry Hassid in Pro Am. I think he is one of the strongest Am drivers. I think we can do a pretty good job.
I know the BMW Z4 very well because I have driven it since 2011. The car suits my driving style and with the experience I have from this car, I think it can help us to have good results. Normally, this car does pretty well. In terms of balance of performance, it is never the fastest, it is never the slowest. But over a season, it is really competitive and quite fast! I am confident for this season and my objective is to win the Pro Am Championship together with Henry Hassid.”