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Touring car action par excellence at the PRTC season opener at the
Motorsportarena Oschersleben
Oschersleben. The Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) started its new season on Germany’s northernmost race track, the Motorsportarena Oschersleben, on May 7 to 9, 2021. The 3.696 km long race track in the Magdeburger Börde has been a permanent fixture on the racing calendar for a long time.
The PRTC opened the season with a large starting field: ten racing drivers fought for points and trophies in the CHEVROLET Cruze Eurocup 1,8 LT V4 Cup racing car in the highly competitive division A, class 2, as well as one racing driver in the CUPRA Ibiza V1 Cup racing car in the division A, class 1.
"We are already very satisfied with the current starting field, but can promise that one or two more touring cars will be added in the next races," said organizer Andreas Pfister with a twinkle in his eye.
Real cars, real racing: that’s the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) motto
All racing cars are equipped with standard tires from TOYO TIRES, with the semi-slick Proxes R888R, which in combination with the central fielding of racing cars by Pfister-Racing GmbH ensures a high level of equal opportunities at affordable costs.
The winner of the 2021 Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge will receive a free test drive in the 350 hp TCR racing car.
Björn Dietrich takes outstanding opening win despite handicap
After the first test laps in the free practice session, which was still held under damp and cold weather conditions, the qualifying session afterwards to determine the starting grid was already really intense.
Björn Dietrich (GER, Wittenberg) secured pole position ahead of Tim Schestag (GER, Walldorf) and Robin Renz (GER, Filderstadt). But as soon as the rolling “Indianapolis” start to Race 1 got underway, the pole-sitter experienced a moment of shock when his hood came loose and blocked his view of the race track.
But Dietrich was not going to let this stop him: he boldly kept his foot down, took advantage of his competitors’ moment of uncertainty and was able to “shake off” the open hood in the first lap, and maintained his lead in the race quite sensationally.
Hood? A luxury product for Björn Dietrich!
After these brilliant first few laps the competition started to chase Dietrich, but without success, with him bringing home an unchallenged victory!
There were a number of bumps in the battle for the other positions, which threw Robin Renz back to fourth position due to a spin. The other places on the podium were taken by a strong Tim Schestag in front of Roman Holzner (GER, Munich).
How close the field is this season was shown by the other wheel-to-wheel battles by David Stein (GER, Usingen) as well as Marco Bedrich (GER, Cottbus) and Mathias Gaiser (GER, Oberursel), who crossed the finish line within a few seconds of each other.
The successful drivers in the first race: f.l.t.r. Tim Schestag, Björn Dietrich and Roman Holzner
An equally great debut in touring car racing was delivered by racing driver Noah-Gabriel Vogler (GER, Ranstadt), who is just 16 years old. He steered his CUPRA Ibiza V1 Cup racing car flawlessly around the track and even managed to battle duels with the more powerful CHEVROLET Cruze Eurocup 1,8 LT V4 racing cars.
In the adrenaline-fueled first race, Patrick Huber (GER, Stuttgart) scored the final championship point ahead of Dirk Ehlebracht (GER, Oberursel) and Thomas Eckert (GER, Nuremberg), both of whom were struggling with technical problems on their racing cars.
The result of the first race was doubly important, as it also counted as the starting grid for the second race on Sunday.
In the meantime, the racers were able to compete in dry and hot conditions. The weather in Saxony-Anhalt had improved noticeably and the conditions on Sunday were perfect with bright sunshine and an outside temperature of up to 25 degrees Celsius.
Sheer suspense in the second race: Robin Renz secures a sensational win!
Anyone who thought that the first race would be unrivaled in terms of excitement was mistaken. Race two had every touring car fan’s heart racing with countless wheel-to-wheel battles.
The racing drivers had a tussle right at the start in the first S-curve: Tim Schestag got off to a good start and positioned himself cleverly to take the lead from Björn Dietrich, who wasn’t impressed at all, resulting in them promptly both bumping into each other in the second bend, forcing Schestag into a spin.
Roman Holzner seized the opportunity and took the lead, but Dietrich was already lurking in Holzner’s slipstream after a few laps, despite losing his front bumper, ready to attack him at the end of the start-finish straight. There was another bump again and this time Holzner sent Dietrich into a spin.
Robin Renz secured a sensational win in just his second touring car race
Robin Renz’s hour had come: he had wisely stayed out of the skirmishes so far and was now directly in Roman Holzner’s slipstream. Holzner tried everything to salvage his victory in the last laps over the finish line, but Renz managed to push past the driver from Munich, thus accomplishing his first touring car victory.
Despite all the skirmishes, Dietrich still managed to make it onto the podium ahead of David Stein, who scored a strong points result. The Top-5 was completed by Dirk Ehlebracht, who managed to move forwards from the very back, ahead of Tim Schestag and Mathias Gaiser. The final championship point went to Marco Bedrich.
The PRTC action will continue in Austria soon, from June 11-13, 2021 at the Salzburgring (AUT)
Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) announces race dates for 2021
Obersfeld. The new Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) racing season has begun, and the racing series has announced its dates for 2021.
“We were able to come up with a great race schedule despite the current challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, and we would like to thank our partners and the organizers here in particular. But a big thanks also goes to the drivers, because our starting field is bigger than ever. This guarantees plenty of touring car action and we are very much looking forward to the start of the season!”, says organizer Andreas Pfister.
2021/05/07-09 Race 1 & 2 Motorsportarena Oschersleben (GER)
2021/05/16 Official test day in Saalfelden (AUT)
2021/06/11-13 Race 3 and 4 Salzburgring (AUT)
2021/06/21 Official test day Spreewaldring (GER)
2021/07/23-25 Race 5 and 6 Automotodr. Grobnik* (CRO)
2021/07/26 Official test day Red Bull Ring (AUT)
2021/09/20 Official test day Salzburgring (AUT)
2021/09/25-26 Race 7 and 8 Eurospeedway Lausitz (GER)
2021/10/01-03 Race 9 & 10 Nürburgring GP circuit (GER)
2021/10/29-30 Race 11 & 12 Motorsportarena Oschersleben (GER)
*Guest race as part of the FIA CEZ (Central European Zone)
The racing series promises pure driving fun: As the touring cars are equipped with identical technology and standard tires, it is not the engineers or mechanics’ abilities that count, but solely the skill and passion of the racing drivers. Young racers and career changers can prove their talent.
At the moment there are still a few chances for last-minute participants to enter – the latest information can always be found on the www.pr-tourenwagenchallenge.eu website.
Pfister Racing Team and TOYO TIRES extend partnership
Willich. After an exciting last year, the Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge will start the new season soon. The dedicated team led by Andreas Pfister will be supported by Toyo Tires again this year.
The successful partnership between Pfister Racing and Toyo Tires has already existed since 2015 and will continue this year. Toyo Tires will therefore continue to equip the Pfister Racing touring cars as the exclusive tire supplier and provide media support for the races. Making it clear that the successful collaboration can also withstand difficult times and guarantees an exciting season.
"Pfister Racing is a strong partner for us who shares our passion for motor racing. We are delighted to have a long relationship based on trust with a racing series that enables ambitious drivers to take part in professional racing," said Mike Rignall, Marketing Manager Europe at Toyo Tires, explaining the tire manufacturer's commitment.
Racing driver Nico Schönberg (GER) at the wheel of the TOYO TIRES branded racing car at the Red Bull Ring (AUT)
The Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge takes place over six race weekends with two races and three test days each in Germany, Austria, Croatia and the Czech Republic.
The racing series promises pure driving fun: As the touring cars are equipped with identical technology and standard tires, it is not the engineers or mechanics’ abilities that count, but solely the skill and passion of the racing drivers. Young racers and career changers can prove their talent.
Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge with some innovations
In addition to the familiar Chevrolet class, the racing series will be expanded by three more classes this season: Cupra Ibiza racing cars, Skoda Octavia Cup and Cupra Leon MKII racing cars as well as Cupra Leon TCR racing cars will be competing for victory this year.
Toyo Tires is a strong partner and equips all racing cars with Toyo Tires Semi-Slicks Proxes R888R.
Drivers and spectators can look forward to a number of technical upgrades to the tried and tested Chevrolet Cruze Eurocup racing car: a further reduction in weight, new gearboxes with better transmission ratios and the new "Shift Light", which shows drivers the correct gearshift speed.
To ensure that spectators do not miss any of the races, regardless of the regulations in force, all races will be streamed live for the first time this year. This guarantees exciting weekends.
Further information can be found at www.toyo.deand www.pfister-racing.eu
About Toyo Tires
Toyo Tire & Rubber Company was founded in 1945 in Osaka, Japan. In 1975, the manufacturer opened its European headquarters in Germany.
In 2019, the company changed its name to Toyo Tire Corporation to reflect its focus on making exceptional tires.
The product range includes winter, summer and all-season tires for motor vehicles as well as van tires and special off-road products. Toyo Tire Corporation is the twelfth largest tire manufacturer in the world.
Photos: Pfister-Racing GmbH
Thrilling touring car races at Oschersleben: Björn Dietrich (GER) takes double victory in the PRTC
Motorsportarena Oschersleben. Rounds 9 & 10 of the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) were held at Germany’s northernmost race track, the Motorsportarena Oschersleben, on October 31 and November 1, 2020. The 3,667 kilometer long modern race track was driven in motorcycle style and the touring car racers had to consistently master the twisty track to achieve fast lap times.
The weather conditions on this race day were changeable as typical for fall: At the beginning of the day, drizzle caused slippery conditions on the track, which then dried off by the second race.
In the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC), meanwhile, 10 racing drivers went into battle in the CHEVROLET Cruze 1.8 LT V3 Eurocup and CUPRA Ibiza V1 Cup racing cars. The motto of the racing series, “real cars, real racing”, was plain to see on the racing circuit, with superb touring car action.
Mathias Gaiser (GER) once again proved to be a consistent points collector in the PRTC
Dirk Biermann grabs opportunity for his touring car debut
At this Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge race weekend, one driver also grabbed the opportunity for his touring car debut: Dirk Biermann (GER, Brilon) obtained his National A class racing license on a course in July of this year, and was now using his chance to make his touring car debut in the CUPRA Ibiza V1 Cup racing car on the circuit.
Action-packed races and gripping touring car duels
Even after the free practice session it was clear that the starting field had now moved even closer together. All the drivers coped with the wet and slippery race track right away and achieved good lap times.
The pole position for the first race, however, was snatched up by Björn Dietrich (GER, Wittenberg) and Roman Holzner (GER, Munich), despite the strong competition from Dennis Bröker (GER, Bad Salzuflen), who managed to complete a great lap.
The first race was to be a turbulent one though, and was even stopped before the end by the red flag, which gave the PRTC racers "only" half the points. But first things first: Dennis Bröker didn't really get off to a good start at the front at first and had to surrender his position to Björn Dietrich straight away. Sandro Ritz (GER, Künzell) also had a bad start, but then fought a brilliant catch-up battle to get into second place!
It was not made easy for him: but Björn Dietrich (GER, Wittenberg) won both races
Sven Grossmann (GER, Forstfeld), Roman Holzner, Aaron Morf (GER, Hohentengen) and Dennis Bröker battled for the championship point places. After spinning his racing car after the "Shell-S" curve, Dennis Bröker could not manage to avoid the obstacle that suddenly appeared, and seriously damaged the front end of his racing car. Bröker was then checked for safety in the Medical Center, but gave the all-clear himself shortly after.
The incident resulted in a red flag and Björn Dietrich was considered the winner, ahead of a strong Sandro Ritz and Sven Grossmann, who joined him on the podium.
Aaron Morf gained more championship points ahead of Roman Holzner as well as Mathias Gaiser (GER, Oberursel), Dirk Biermann, Patrick Huber (GER, Stuttgart) and Sebastian Rheinwald (GER, Aschaffenburg).
Double victory for Dietrich now on the heels of Sven Grossmann
After the first race, which was marked by some paint being shared, Sven Grossmann struck back in the second qualifying session: He secured pole position ahead of Sandro Ritz and Björn Dietrich.
Dietrich also showed his strength in the first race lap with this Grand Prix start and took the lead in front of Grossmann, who stuck directly in Dietrich’s slipstream from then on though and clung to his bumper with fast lap times.
Roman Holzner, Aaron Morf and Sebastian Rheinwald also drove a strong second race. They displayed great motor racing in their three-way battle and fought for the last podium place, which Holzner was just able to win in the end.
Flawless touring car debut: Dirk Biermann in the CUPRA Ibiza V1 Cup racing car
Patrick Huber also managed to achieve better form and found his way into the top 6 ahead of Mathias Gaiser and Dirk Biermann.
Grossmann remained threateningly close in Björn Dietrich’s rear-view mirrors, but Dietrich did not let this opportunity pass him and achieved his second victory of the day. This moves him closer to Sven Grossmann in first place in the overall ranking.
The finals of the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) are scheduled for November 13/14 at Oschersleben, but it remains to be seen whether they will be able to take place due to the current corona pandemic.
Provisional racing calendar for 2020
November 13-14, 2020 Motorsportarena Oschersleben (GER)
Real cars, real racing: that’s what the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) stands for
Eligible to start in the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge are touring cars according to the DMSB Group H regulations, where the focus is on touring cars from the manufacturers CHEVROLET and CUPRA. The classes are determined according to engine capacity.
The class winners win honorary awards and other high-quality prizes. Opportunities for entry are available as part of the ADAC Touring Car Driver Evaluation and through participation in a racing driver license course.
As part of the official test days, it is possible to book experienced instructors in 1:1 Active Coaching sessions in order to prepare quickly and purposefully for joining a race.
Further information on the driver support program of Pfister-Racing GmbH, the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge and the ADAC Touring Car Driver Evaluation is available at www.pfister-racing.eu – you can also contact us by telephone on +49(0)9350 / 90 900 59
Another double victory for Sven Grossmann (GER) at the Motorsportarena Oschersleben –
Björn Dietrich back in the PRTC battle for the title
Motorsportarena Oschersleben. Rounds 7 & 8 of the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) were held at Germany’s northernmost race track, the Motorsportarena Oschersleben, on October 24/25, 2020. The 3,667 kilometer long modern race track was driven in motorcycle style and the touring car racers had to consistently master the twisty track to achieve fast lap times.
The weather remained stable in dry conditions, and temperatures even reached more than 15 degrees in sunshine in Magdeburg Börde.
In the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC), meanwhile, 10 racing drivers went into battle in the CHEVROLET Cruze 1.8 LT V3 Eurocup. The motto of the racing series, “real cars, real racing”, was plain to see on the racing circuit, with superb touring car action.
Sven Grossmann (GER) was once again the man of the race weekend and took two more wins
Sensational touring car debut by Tim Schestag
At this Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge race weekend, one driver also grabbed the opportunity for his touring car debut: With his pole position for the second race, Tim Schestag (GER, Walldorf) delivered a sensational debut with fast lap times. However, he was slowed down in the races by a penalty from the race organizers (Code 60 offense) and a technical problem.
Dennis Bröker with a serious collision during the practice session
For another title contender, though, there was a setback to overcome this race weekend: Dennis Bröker (GER, Bad Salzuflen) already collided with another race car in the practice session and damaged the rim as well as his racing car’s engine mount and gearbox.
A partial repair could in fact be done by the mechanics on site at the race track, but Bröker could only contest the second race with a “wounded” gearbox and at least salvaged 5th place crossing the finish line with 4 championship points.
Roman Holzner (GER, Munich) made it to the podium in both races!
As soon as the first race got underway, Björn Dietrich (GER, Wittenberg) once again proved his brilliantly strong reaction at the start. Dietrich immediately took the lead in the race during the first lap and was able to gain a small advantage over Sven Grossmann (GER, Forstfeld).
But Grossmann did not let up and managed to overtake Dietrich from the slipstream at the end of the home straight, thus snatching the lead of the race, which he also clung onto until the end of the race.
As usual, there was exciting touring car racing to watch behind them: Roman Holzner (GER, Munich) fought the youngster Sandro Ritz (GER, Künzell) for the remaining podium place. In the end, Holzner nosed ahead and scored another 6 championship points.
The three-way battle between Aaron Morf (GER, Hohentengen), Tim Schestag and Dirk Ehlebracht (GER, Oberursel) was abruptly interrupted due to a “Code 60 phase” occurring: Schestag and Ehlebracht received a time penalty from the race organizers, which enabled Aaron Morf to finish in 5th place. Mathias Gaiser (GER, Oberursel) and Patrick Huber (GER, Stuttgart) won the other placings with points.
Björn Dietrich back in the PRTC battle for the title
In the second race, Sven Grossmann added another confident victory to his account with a faultless drive. German-French Grossmann therefore leads the PRTC overall ranking with 65 points.
But after a pitch-black race weekend at Eurospeedway-Lausitz, Björn Dietrich was now able to get back into the battle for the title with two second places. Anyone who knows Dietrich knows that he will fight for this chance of the title to the very last meter.
Rising form: The only 16-year-old youngster Sandro Ritz is getting along better and better in touring cars
In the second race at nightfall the racers also had to struggle with limited visibility and the search for the new right braking points.
Dietrich and Holzner fought an almost epic duel for 2nd place, which Dietrich won in the end after some paint was shared.
The youngster Sandro Ritz was able to confirm his rising form once again with fourth place, crossing the finish line consistently and without any mistakes again. Dennis Bröker and Aaron Morf followed behind him.
The other rankings were taken by Dirk Ehlebracht, Mathias Gaiser and Patrick Huber. Tim Schestag had to already park his “Chevy” on the first lap.
Things are now really hotting up in the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC): The next championship races are scheduled to be held at Oschersleben on October 31 and November 1.
Provisional racing calendar for 2020
October 31-November 1, 2020 Motorsportarena Oschersleben (GER)
November 13-14, 2020 Motorsportarena Oschersleben (GER)
Real cars, real racing: that’s what the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) stands for
Eligible to start in the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge are touring cars according to the DMSB Group H regulations, where the focus is on touring cars from the manufacturers CHEVROLET and CUPRA. The classes are determined according to engine capacity.
The class winners win honorary awards and other high-quality prizes. Opportunities for entry are available as part of the ADAC Touring Car Driver Evaluation and through participation in a racing driver license course.
As part of the official test days, it is possible to book experienced instructors in 1:1 Active Coaching sessions in order to prepare quickly and purposefully for joining a race.
Further information on the driver support program of Pfister-Racing GmbH, the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge and the ADAC Touring Car Driver Evaluation is available at www.pfister-racing.eu – you can also contact us by telephone on +49(0)9350 / 90 900 59
Sven Grossmann (GER) leaps to the top of the PRTC leaderboard – action-packed races at the Eurospeedway Lausitz
Eurospeedway. The ultra-modern race track in the heart of Brandenburg was the venue of this season’s fifth and sixth races in the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC). On October 10-11, 2020, the 4.3 km long race track, which even includes a steep curve, once again offered real touring car motor racing.
The racers were welcomed onto the race track in cold but dry weather conditions, and the first test and set-up drives took place on Saturday.
This Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) saw a new record number on the starting grid with 12 drivers going into battle in the CHEVROLET Cruze 1.8 LT V3 Eurocup and CUPRA Ibiza V1 Cup racing cars. The motto of the racing series, “real cars, real racing”, was plain to see on the racing circuit, with superb touring car action.
Sebastian Rheinwald (l.) made his debut in the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC)
Newcomers take their chance in a touring car cockpit
Two drivers made their touring-car debut in this race weekend with Sebastian Rheinwald (GER, Aschaffenburg) and Sebastian Reeh (GER, Herrenberg). Both drivers made good use of this opportunity, as both Sebastian Rheinwald and Sebastian Reeh were able to achieve their first championship points with successful finishes.
Björn Dietrich has the worst luck over the race weekend
There was already a lot to do during the first free practice session on Sunday: While Nico Schönberg (GER, Chemnitz) did have fast lap times right from the first go, he missed the right turning point and touched the tire stacks with his racing car, which already caused quite a bit of repair work for the team.
The mechanics were also kept on their toes with a gearbox change for Roman Holzner (GER, Munich), and the team managed to repair Holzner’s CHEVROLET Cruze Eurocup 1.8 LT V3 Cup racing car by the second qualifying session despite great time pressure. Björn Dietrich (GER, Leipzig) was less lucky. After fighting hard for the lead with a sensational start in the first race, an electrical defect paralyzed Dietrich’s racing car. He spent the rest of the day watching from the track side as the other drivers collected more important championships points.
Aaron Morf (GER, Hohentengen) currently occupies 4th place in the PRTC overall ranking
Meanwhile, his big competitor Sven Grossmann (GER, Forstfeld), who started from pole position, was confidently leading the first race. Grossmann took his second victory of the season with incredible speed and without any mistakes.
On the other podium places were two new drivers, Dirk Ehlebracht (GER, Oberursel) and Sandro Ritz (GER, Künzell), who made it onto the podium for the first time. Ehlebracht made people sit up and take notice with fast lap times and is now getting to grips better and better with the CHEVROLET Cruze Eurocup 1.8 LT V3 Cup racing car. Sandro Ritz also had cause to celebrate: The only 16-year-old youngster was able to pick up his first touring car trophy!
Dennis Bröker (GER, Bad Salzuflen) had to settle for 4th place, followed by Mathias Gaiser (GER, Oberursel) and Aaron Morf (GER, Hohentengen). Patrick Huber (GER, Stuttgart) also took some championship points home with him in 7th place.
Grossmann remains untouchable in second race
In the second qualifying session of the day the cards were reshuffled again: Sven Grossmann once again reached the pole position but Dennis Bröker highlighted just how ambitious he is with the second starting position.
Third place on the grid was achieved by Roman Holzner, who was able to immediately find the right pace on the track despite the training deficit.
Mathias Gaiser (GER) proves to be a busy points collector over the course of the season
As soon as the standing Grand Prix start got underway, Grossmann took the lead in front of Bröker. Behind him, Roman Holzner and Sandro Ritz dueled for third place. Ritz skillfully used Holzner’s slipstream on the long straights to maintain his chances for third place.
After a strong starting phase Dirk Ehlebracht had to pull back during the race and only managed 7th place, because he had been caught by a flat tire on the rear left.
In a leading position, Sven Grossmann did not let this opportunity pass him and took his second victory of the day ahead of Bröker. Roman Holzner defended his third place in front of the youngster Sandro Ritz thereby earning a place on the podium for the first time.
Mathias Gaiser, Aaron Morf and Patrick Huber were also able to finish in championship point places again. Sebastian Reeh also achieved another great result in his CUPRA Ibiza V1 Cup racing car, he not only scored points but also steadily reduced his lap times.
Provisional racing calendar for 2020
October 24-25, 2020 Motorsportarena Oschersleben (GER)
October 31-November 1, 2020 Motorsportarena Oschersleben (GER)
November 13-14, 2020 Motorsportarena Oschersleben (GER)
Sven Grossmann (GER) is the new PRTC leader after his double victory
Eligible to start in the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge are touring cars according to the DMSB Group H regulations, where the focus is on touring cars from the manufacturers CHEVROLET and CUPRA. The classes are determined according to engine capacity.
The class winners win honorary awards and other high-quality prizes. Opportunities for entry are available as part of the ADAC Touring Car Driver Evaluation and through participation in a racing driver license course.
As part of the official test days, it is possible to book experienced instructors in 1:1 Active Coaching sessions in order to prepare quickly and purposefully for joining a race.
Further information on the driver support program of Pfister-Racing GmbH, the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge and the ADAC Touring Car Driver Evaluation is available at www.pfister-racing.eu – you can also contact us by telephone on +49(0)9350 / 90 900 59
