28.05.09 An abrupt end to Wolfgang Kaufmann's challenge for a podium place

In last week's 24 hour race on the legendary Nordschleife of the Nürburgring, Wolfgang Kaufmann raced together with former world rally champion Carlos Sainz, former multiple German rally champion Dieter Depping, and competitive Ring racer Patrick Simon.

VW Scirocco GT 24 2009

VW Scirocco GT 24 2009

VW Scirocco GT 24 2009

This evenly matched combination of drivers went into the race driving a VW Scirocco GT24 prepared by Volkswagen Motorsport and entered in the SP 3T class.

„VW Motorsport chief Kris Nissen and his crew did immaculate work, and gave us a superbly prepared racecar. The Scirocco handles unbelievably well, and driving the car round the Nordschleife was a joy“, Kaufmann sums up the highly professional work environment that is Volkswagen Motorsport.

„I had to adjust to the unfamiliar front wheel drive but war so comfortable with the team that I got it done quickly.“

The race went ahead as planned for the four Scirocco drivers, and at dawn of the second day of racing, the blue car with number 117 was placed in a good second place in its class. Until a ferocious crash ended all dreams of a podium finish.

At the Pflanzgarten section, the Scirocco with Wolfgang Kaufmann at the wheel collided with an extremely slowly moving vehicle. Fortunately, both drivers emerged from this severe accident unharmed.

„I went into Pflanzgarten and over the big crest when I found this BMW crawling along right in the middle of the track. I tried to avoid hitting it, but you go into this passage blind. And I think I was going about 200kph at that moment. Disappointed as I am about this end to our race, I have to be grateful that all my guardian angels were already on duty this early in the morning“, a pensive Wolfgang Kaufmann recalled the incident.

„Above all, I would like to thank Volkswagen Motorsport for giving me the chance to be part of this unbelievably professional team.“

The German racing professional also extends his thanks to the large number of fans who got in touch with him and inquired about his condition, from such far away places like the USA, Russia, or Japan.

„This is really special - most of them will have seen the crash on TV, and then spontaneously asked if I was alright. I really appreciate everyone's concern.“