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Porsche 911 GT3 performed well during Dutch GT4 tests
The Dutch GT4 Championship will have its inaugural season in 2009, starting at Easter. As the first test results are definitely promising, Paul van Splunteren is full of confidence ahead of the launch of the new GT4 category in the Netherlands. “Our Porsche 911 GT3 has been tested with the GT4-racekit and performs really well’’, says the racing owner of Porsche Centrum Eindhoven.
It must be confusing to see a car of the GT3 category compete in the Dutch GT4 Championship, in particular as the GT3 has been inextricably bound up with Porsche ever since 1999, when the first 911 GT3 car was introduced, the hardcore alternative for the devoted 911 driver. The 997 GT3 category was launched in the summer of 2006 and production stopped in the second quarter of 2008. It is not known when the successor to the successful formula will be introduced, but Porsche officials think the launch may very well take place at the end of 2009.
First test results promising
The (Dutch) GT4 Porsche design is based on the existing 997 GT3, which has been fitted for this new spectacular racing class with a number of small adaptations. GT3.nl, the motorsport department of Porsche Centrum Eindhoven, has meanwhile carried out the first tests. The results are definitely promising. Tyres were tested extensively at Circuit Park Zandvoort as the Porsche 911 GT4 competed with the Ford Mustang FR500C, the winning car of the European GT4 Cup in 2007 and 2008. Both cars used Michelin and Pirelli tyres, while they set constant lap times. The Mustang set the fastest lap of 1:51,7, while the Porsche recorded a lap time of 1:52, 3.
Maintain a constant speed
Test proved that the Porsche could maintain a constant speed for a whole hour. “During the development process we were looking for a set up that would enable the car to maintain the same lap times for a long period. Two races of 25 minutes and one lasting 50 minutes will be organised during a weekend. As the races will probably see a limit on the numbers of tyres allowed, a tyre’s life span should be prolonged. ”In view of the first results, we think we will be able to offer a car that not only shows speed but consistency in particular”, says Paul van Splunteren of Porsche Centrum Eindhoven.
Conversion kit offer
The next few months, GT3.nl, the Porsche Centrum Eindhoven sports department, will complete the specification and homologation in close co-operation with SRO. Unlike other tuners, GT3.nl will not offer a complete car but a conversion kit. Potential Porsche drivers at the various GT4 championships should select a tax free car from a number of used Porsche 911 GT3 cars, preferably a club sport design, and convert the car into GT4 specification with the aid of the certificated kit.
Limited depreciation risks
Apart from the specified and homologated adaptations, the Porsche will be kept in tact in order to compete in championship races. As all of these cars have an approval certificate and virtually all of them have or have had a registration number, the car will keep the resale value of a normal street car, which leads to only limited depreciation risks.
More information
In November, GT3.nl hope to present a survey of suitable cars and a list of the kit’s assembly, including prices. Those interested in GT3 should get in touch with Paul van Splunteren by calling 088-8911911 or sending an email to info@gt3.nl
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