• Audi driver Andreas Weishaupt wins Gentlemen class in his debut year • Five wins in class with Christer Jöns • First Gentlemen title for Christian Abt's Audi team
Andreas Weishaupt (42, DEU/C.Abt Racing) came, raced and conquered, not immediately, but as early as his sixth ADAC GT Masters race. Weishaupt topped the Gentlemen rankings by the end of his first season in the Super Sports Car League. On his way to the title, he achieved five class victories and also finished on the podium seven times with partner Christer Jöns (28, DEU). Weishaupt failed to make it to the Gentlemen podium in only one race in which he took the chequered flag. "I was always careful, but my dream throughout was to lift the title in the end, obviously," said the new Gentlemen champion with reference to his season. "For a while, it looked as if we had no chance in the title fight. It was a surprise that we managed it in the end, and I'm very pleased about it." Weishaupt is a classic example of a Gentlemen driver finding his way to motorsport at a late stage. The businessman from Germany's south west only began motor racing in 2011. He moved to endurance racing on the Nürburgring Nordschleife after initial experience in Porsche Clubsport. He then took the next step this year, joining C.Abt Racing in the ADAC GT Masters. He impressed in his debut year in a sprint series with a continuous improvement in form. He needed just six races before securing his maiden victory in class and stood on the top spot of the podium for the first time at the challenging Spa-Francorchamps track. "I'm new to the class and learn a bit more with every race," said Weishaupt, showing his modesty after his initial successes at the start of the season. The Audi driver had a steep learning curve. However, it was obvious at least by the tenth race at the Nürburgring when he brought his R8 home to a sixth place overall finish in tough, wet conditions that Weishaupt could be expected to be a contender in the title fight. "I love the rain, because I do well in the wet," he said, speaking about his strong performance in the Eifel. Weishaupt made a mad final dash to take the title in the second half of the season, notching up four wins in class in eight races. Jöns has acted as 'driving instructor' this year to his team-mate and is full of praise. "He really deserved to win the Gentlemen standings. He's turned in a superb performance, because it's a mega challenge when you've only been active in motorsport for five years and then enter a top championship series. He did just great, improved consistently and above all, always acted in a well-thought-out manner. He showed what he can do this year, especially in tricky rain-affected races. You have to admire his performance." On Sunday evening in Hockenheim, Weishaupt bounced with joy as he accepted the Gentlemen trophy and a cheque for 25,000 euros in prize money from ADAC Sports President Hermann Tomczyk. "This prize money is obviously shared between Christer and me. He's played just as big a role in our success as me," said Weishaupt, always the gentleman. When asked about his title defence next year, he also showed deference to team boss Christian Abt. "I would love to defend the title next year, definitely, but that now depends on what plans Christian Abt has for the 2016 season. We'll be back - even stronger."
