From 24th on the grid to twelve across the finishing line Spectacular overtakings on the way into the Top-12 Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 reliable and fast
The Blancpain GT Series was hosted at the Italian Monza for its first round of the Endurance Championship. Molitor Racing Systems takes part in this Series as well with one Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 and its drivers Craig Dolby, Sean Walkinshaw and Martin Plowman.
Following a disappointing 24th place in Qualifying, the drivers showed their skills and brought the Nissan GT-R home in 12th place after great overtaking manoeuvres. After an unsuccessful start into the Blancpain GT Sprint Series last Sunday at Nogaro, the Lonsee-based team was hoping for a better start into the Endurance Series at Monza. A guiltless involvement into a starting accident into the qualification race meant for a poor result during the main race as well. Craig Dolby and Sean Walkinshaw were joined for the first time this weekend by Martin Plowman.
“The weekend is not only a new journey for us as a team, but also for me personally”, said Plowman. “It is not only my debut in the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3, but also my debut in GT3 racing in total. I mainly raced open-wheel cars and prototypes in the past.” The 27-year-old took behind the wheel at the start and was able to catch five places in the first 30 minutes only, racing in 19th place. The overtaking manoeuvre of the race was completed by Plowman: Racing down the long straight in Monza, Plowman took on Bonanomi and Engel at the same time. Whilst all three cars were racing down the straight side-by-side, Plowman got the better and took the front spot going into the first chicane.
The Brit handed over the car to driver colleague Walkinshaw and MRS-Racing was even running in sixth place momentarily. Walkinshaw showed a great and solid achievement once again in his second-ever GT3 race in his still young racing driver career. Craig Dolby took over the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 for the final stint of the three-hour race, which was running in 19th place at the time.
Dolby took the best out of the Nissan once more and had great battles with the #98 SLS and the #17 Ferrari. The #73 Nissan GT-R finished the Endurance race in the Monza in an extraordinary 12th position.
„It was clear to see that Monza as a high-speed circuit suited the Nissan GT-R well and Team RJN Motorsport was running really well, too”, said Karsten Molitor, Team Principal. “The Endurance Championship is a very competitive field and the smallest mistake will be noticed. We have the right package and were able to make up some places thanks to our good drivers. It was a great race and I am excited to see what else there is in store for us this season.”
The next stop for the Blancpain Endurance Series is in Silverstone on 23/24 May 2015.
