Lionel Hansen (August Racing): "The Porsche Sprint Trophy Benelux is an ideal entry-class"
In the large family of Porsche enthusiasts, August Porsche Addiction is a true institution. This independent Porsche garage specializes in buying and selling, maintenance and restoration, but also built up a solid reputation in organizing 'Track Days'. This way, Porsche owners can their cars to the fullest on the track. In 2021, the company led previously by the duo Pierre Jambers and Pierre Breda was strengthened by Lionel Hansen. The plan is now to step up and take part in motorsport. An explanation:
Lionel, the team of August Racing participates in this year's Porsche Sprint Trophy Benelux. Why exactly?
"We've been considering taking the step towards the competition with our favourite brand for a while now. I personally have quite a bit of experience in this area, but the technical team of August has only just small motorsport experience. While I continued my activities as an engineer both on track and in rallying, we have been working together regularly for the last ten years to restore Porsche cars. Now all three of us are incredibly motivated to see the August Racing team in action."
Does this step towards motorsport have its origins in your Track Days?
"We do indeed organise track driving sessions for Porsche owners, which are eligible for both series models and competition versions. Thanks to our contacts, these days usually get some extra flair due to the presence of some great champions with a – recent or historical – link with Porsche. As far as driving itself is concerned, we can offer different formulas there. We take care of everything: the reservations, the preparation and the transport of the car, the organization on-site... This 'all-in' formula has a lot of success and we thought that we could also offer a whole range of services for motorsport. Hence the creation of August Racing, which is of course connected to the independent Porsche garage."
Have you received any requests?
"At Porsche, the spirit of competition is never far away... We noticed that some of our customers were in the mood for an extra adrenaline rush. For those who want more than our Track Days, we have provided a stepping stone between driving laps without obligation and the competition. The Porsche Sprint Trophy Benelux is the ideal platform for this."
How do you work?
"We are deploying at least one Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, in this case, a first-generation Type 991. Nothing has been signed yet, but we hope for the services of a talented driver to immediately prove the potential of the car. The car can be rented per race or per season, but can also very quickly get the company of other cars, including a 991 Gen II. Anyone who knows me a bit will realize that August Racing is not joining to hope (laughs). We hope that some of our customers will be part of this project, either through a car they rent from us or through their own Porsche."
What are the strengths of the Porsche Sprint Trophy Benelux?
"There are quite a few of them. Firstly, it is clear that the organiser wants to create a cozy atmosphere in the championship, but at the same time offer a professional framework. Being able to have more than three hours of track action on two days is ideal! Furthermore, it is of course also an asset that you can race with many other and different Porsches. There is no need to have a brand new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup to participate: the older models – be it the 991, 997 or even 996 – are also accepted. And that's not all! The Porsche's 718 Cayman GT4 of the first and second generation are also present and have an own classification. These cars are even more accessible, both financially and in terms of driving characteristics. They are an excellent step towards motorsport. All these elements together make for a very interesting mix."
Could August Racing have bigger ambitions in the future?
"To be honest: in the medium term, we also hope to be able to take the step towards Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux, to add an extra staircase to our pyramid. But first the 2021 season!"
Calendar 2021 Porsche Sprint Trophy Benelux
8-9 mei: New Race Festival, Zolder
22-23 megg: Pentecost races, Zandvoort
9-10 juli: 25 Hours Fun Cup, Spa-Francorchamps
25-26 September: FrancoSpeed, Spa-Francorchamps
16-17 oktober: Finaleraces, Zandvoort