For a racing driver, a professional to boot, to win a race on the northern section of the Nürburgring, the renowned ‘Nordschleife’, is part and parcel of a career. With its 20,8 kilometres, its 154 bends and curves, a track designed many years ago and an ever- existing danger, the big Nürburgring continues to demand respect. One week after having greatly contributed to the Marc VDS Racing ‘Teams’ title in the Blancpain Endurance Series, following a race held on the Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit, Maxime Martin once again proved his worth for the Marc van der Straten team, by clinching victory in the seventh round of the VLN competition teamed up with the young Dutchman Nicky Catsburg.
” I took the start from 4th spot, however the first few kilometres were complicated, Maxime explained. I found myself shut in, and back in 6th place. Having finally got the better of a Mercedes that had cost me valuable time, I found myself back with the leading pack prior to handing over to Catsburg. As from that moment we were floating between 2nd and 3rd place, a Porsche having rescheduled its pit-stops.”
During his second relay Maxime Martin was back on the heels of the leading Porsche. Catsburg took charge of the end of the race, and even though it seemed as though the BMW Z4 GT3 Marc VDS Racing #25 was heading for an excellent 2nd place, the leading Porsche suddenly experienced problems in the final lap. As such the Belgian-Dutch duo inherited the leaders’ position, followed by victory several minutes later! “It was Nicky’s first race on the Nordschleife, and having clinched the deal with me, he quite simply becomes the first Rookie to win his first race on the big Nürburgring, a smiling Maxime commented. What better way to conclude our participations in the VLN competition this season. In fact we could not have dreamt for better … “
It is worth mentioning that this weekend, as an official BMW Motorsport driver, Maxime Martin split his racing time between the DTM in Zandvoort, Friday and Sunday, and the VLN championship at the Nürburgring on Saturday! Following a few short rest days he will be heading off for the United States, to compete on Saturday in a new round, the penultimate, of the American Le Mans Series 2013 at the Virginia International Raceway. A track where the BMWs Z4 GTE in the livery of BMW Team RLL of Bobby Rahal should prove their worth, notwithstanding a rather tricky Balance of Performance. A fortnight later Maxime will be at the Petit Le Mans, for the final round of the ALMS, held at Road Atlanta, in Georgia. Who said anything about a pretty heavy agenda?