News

Published: 10 April 2023

From March 24th to 26th, 2023, the new DMV STGT racing series started for the first time at the Hockenheimring

The racing driver Ellis Spiezia (USA) started for the Pfister-Racing Team with the starting number 007 in the CUPRA Leon TCR racing car. In a race weekend characterized by different weather conditions, Spiezia was able to make his debut in the 350 hp TCR racing car in an outstanding manner and achieved 5th and 6th place in his classification class, in which racing cars with significantly more powerful engines compete in some cases. After the race weekend, Ellis Spiezia made the following statement:

"An awesome first weekend in the toughest conditions I´ve ever driven. Proud to have kept in on track without any traction control or ABS like the porsche boys"

Team boss Andreas Pfister: "The race weekend at the Hockenheimring was quite successful for us as a debut in the DMV STGT. Our CUPRA racing car worked perfectly and Ellis Spiezia was able to get used to the racing car better from lap to lap and also let the adverse weather conditions help her Don't get frustrated. We're already looking forward to the Circuit Zolder, where we'll definitely be able to annoy some Porsche racing cars with much more powerful engines!"

The next race weekend of the DMV STGT starts from April 28th to 30th, 2023 at the Circuit Zolder (BEL)

You can find more information about the racing driver Ellis Spiezia on the homepage: https://www.ellysium.co/ as well on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ellysium_racing/

Pictures: Pfister-Racing GmbH

Published: 05 April 2023

Veteran Dirk Ehlebracht achieves double PRTC victory at the Hockenheimring

Hockenheimring. This year’s opening weekend of the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) season took place at the Hockenheimring in Baden-Württemberg from 24-26/03/2023. Many visitors made their way to the racing circuit to take in the atmosphere of the vast program of the DMV racing weekend. You could also follow the races on screen thanks to a brilliant live-stream with commentary.

Once more, the PRTC was true to the series motto “real cars, real racing” with a vast starting field where plenty of touring car action could be found.  

“We started 2023’s season with a great deal of motivation, also with thanks to the excellent support from our official series partners TOYO TIRES, CARAMBA CHEMIE, RAVENOL, SONIC EQUIPMENT and ACV (Automobil-Club Verkehr). We saw veterans of the sport and gentleman drivers as well as rookies and enthusiastic youngsters at the Hockenheimring. This appealing mix will bring us a great deal of excitement, of that I am sure. And all this at affordable costs for the drivers!” explained series organizer Andreas Pfister before the start of the racing weekend.

Marcalis Shinaul (USA) had his debut at the Hockenheimring in PRTC class 1 in the CUPRA Ibiza racing car

The drivers were accompanied by changing spring weather conditions over the entire weekend

The constantly changing weather added another little bit of excitement. Intermittent rain showers with the racing circuit then drying off again when the sun came out really put the drivers to the test. But in any case, the drivers had the right tires on their cars for these conditions:

the Semi-Slick Proxes R888R from TOYO TIRES offers the ideal grip in both dry and wet track conditions.

A surprise during a rainy qualifying session: Marco Chianese gets first pole position

After the first free training session in which the drivers were able to get used to the racing circuit, the qualifying session started to determine the starting line-up, which could only be released during the second attempt.

In wet and slippery track conditions, Marco Chianese (ITA, Würzburg) had an excellent round with a time of 2:38:877 which secured him his first pole position, just ahead of Raphael Rennhofer (AUT, Niederneukirchen).

Next in line was Marco Bedrich (GER, Cottbus) and Dirk Ehlebracht (GER, Oberursel) who made up the second row of the starting line-up.

The best starting position in class 1 was secured by youngster Florian Bek (GER, Blaustein), ahead of Marcalis Shinaul (USA, Ansbach).

Marco Chianese (ITA) taking his first pole position with an excellent lap time, ahead of Raphael Rennhofer

The first race brings a dry spell and a turbulent initial phase

After the starting positions were determined in the qualifying session, the drivers were all dealt a new hand before the first race on Saturday evening. The racing circuit had time to dry off completely, and the drivers had completely different conditions to contend with yet again.

The race was started with a rolling “Indianapolis start,” where the racing cars approach the starting lights in a two-by-two formation.

Ehlebracht in first place: a confident victory in race 1

After the starting lights announced the start of the race, Marco Chianese failed to capitalize on his good position and had a bad start in the sprint to the first curve. Another racer, however, who did certainly manage to throw the weight of his experience to his advantage was Dirk Ehlebracht. He sprinted from fourth position directly to the front, and took the lead directly after the first curve with a courageous brake maneuver.

He was also able to reinforce this lead straight away thanks to his strong lap times and managed to achieve a respectable distance from the competition, which lost a few meters on the racing circuit due to various points where two or even three drivers were battling it out between themselves.

A perfect start to the season for Dirk Ehlebracht from Oberursel with a total of 20 points

After a few skirmishes, Marco Bedrich was able to assert himself as Ehlebracht’s chaser in his CHEVROLET Cruze Eurocup racing car 1.8 LT V4, securing himself second place. He was followed by David Stein (GER, Usingen) and Marco Chianese by just a few seconds.

In class 1 of the CUPRA Ibiza racing car, Florian Bek let nothing get in his way and placed well ahead of Marcalis Shinaul, and was even able to battle for the positions with a few “Chevy racing cars.”

Dirk Ehlebracht confidently took home his first victory of the season, ahead of Marco Bedrich and David Stein, whose third place secured him a PRTC podium position for the first time. Marco Chianese had to be content with fourth place, ahead of Raphael Rennhofer who rounded off the top 5.

The other point positions went to Hasan Blitz (GER, Germering) ahead of Lars Stubanus (GER, Gernsbach), Dominik Amthor (GER, Munich) and Benjamin Koslowski (USA, Atlanta) ,who all enjoyed their PRTC debut with their first racing weekend.

A rainy battle in the second race

The weather conditions were all over the place again for the second race on Sunday. The heavens opened once more over the Hockenheimring and made for a rainy race, really putting the drivers to the test also in terms of the difficult visibility caused by the spray.

This time, Ehlebracht took advantage of his excellent starting position and maintained his lead in front of Marco Bedrich, who put real pressure on him over the course of the race and coped well with the slippery track conditions.

From left to right: Marco Bedrich, Dirk Ehlebracht and Raphael Rennhofer on the podium after race 2

But Ehlebracht, an old hand, made no mistakes and gave his chaser Bedrich no opportunity to pass him. Raphael Rennhofer also displayed his excellent driving skills: The 16-year-old Austrian achieved the fastest lap time with 2:41:800 on the clock, which meant that he also made it to the podium.

4th place went to Marco Chianese once more, ahead of David Stein who was able to round off the top 5 positions this time. In class 1, Florian Bek also took home a safe victory in the second race.

After the first battle at the famous Hockenheimring, the “PRTC heroes” don’t have very long to relax, because the next races will take place from 28-30/04/2023 at Circuit Zolder (BEL), which has been included as a PRTC season venue for the first time ever, which means that none of the drivers will have any experience-based advantage there.

Pictures: Pfister-Racing GmbH

Published: 12 January 2023

Marcalis Shinaul with debut in the Pfister-Racing Tourenwagen-Challenge (PRTC) 2023

Ansbach. Another talent will make its debut in the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) in the 2023 season. The 29-year-old racing driver from Ansbach (Bavaria) took part in the track day with a racing driver license course at the Salzburgring in September 2022. After successfully completing the course, he really "tasted blood" and now wants to prove his talent in the PRTC in a CUPRA Ibiza V1 Cup racing car.

“We are happy to welcome another talent in the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) with Marcalis Shinaul. Marcalis earned his first spurs at the track day and racing driver license course at the Salzburgring. He was able to successfully complete the license course, which enables him to enter the PRTC. We wish you every success from now on!” says series organizer Andreas Pfister.

Andreas Pfister (l.) and Marcalis Shinaul (r.) with the racing-licence-certificate at Salzburgring

Racing driver Marcalis Shinaul is already looking forward to the coming racing season:

“As this is my rookie season, I hope to learn and grow as a driver as soon as possible. I just want to show what I'm capable of behind the wheel and do my best!"

Pictures: Pfister-Racing GmbH

Published: 29 November 2022

Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) announces race dates for 2023 –

 latest information on the PRTC at the Essen Motor Show

Obersfeld. “In every crisis there is an opportunity, and that includes motor racing. The interest in affordable touring car motor racing is even higher than ever, and we are pleased to be able to offer a contemporary, exciting and affordable product with the Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC),” explains organizer Andreas Pfister. “This season, 21 drivers have already competed in 3 racing classes from 3 nations, and even more participants are expected next year. All the detailed information on the new season is also available at our booth in hall 8 at Essen Motor Show from December 3 to 11, 2022.”

The Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) enables affordable circuit motor racing to take place in Germany and its neighboring countries. Talented newcomers from the world of carting as well as from driver evaluation programs and racing driver license courses all participate in the Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge. And they are joined by ambitious newcomers and gentleman drivers.

Considerable attention is paid to the professional marketing of the racing drivers and the sporting events in order to increase the attractiveness of touring car motor racing and to put the drivers and series partners in the limelight in a targeted way.

The winner of the Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge (Division A, Class 2) will receive a free test opportunity in the TCR racing car.

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real cars, real racing: that’s the Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge!

appealing mix of ambitious youngsters and “gentlemen drivers”

Exciting touring car motor racing with genuine races is therefore guaranteed. The mix of ambitious youngsters from the world of carting as well as experienced “gentleman drivers” promises exciting wheel-to-wheel duels and genuine touring car motor racing on cool racing circuits.

Provisional racing calendar for 2023*

*subject to approval of DMSB **Guest race

Eligible to start in the Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) are touring cars according to FIA/DMSB Group H regulations in 4 different racing classes:

Class 1 – CUPRA Ibiza V1 Cup / Central fielding with rotating system

Class 2 – CHEVROLET Cruze Eurocup 1.8 LT V4 / Central fielding with rotating system

Class 3 – CUPRA Leon MKII DSG, SKODA Octavia Cup DSG or similar

Class 4 – CUPRA Leon TCR or similar

The class winners win honorary awards and other high-quality prizes. Opportunities for entry are available as part of the ACV Touring Car Driver Evaluation and by attending 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 ACV Touring Car Driver Evaluation is available at www.pfister-racing.eu and www.pr-tourenwagenchallenge.eu – you are also welcome to contact us by telephone on +49(0)9350 / 90 900 59

Published: 20 September 2022

The best banked corner conquerors at Eurospeedway Lausitz:

two action-packed PRTC victories for Tim Schestag, finishing just ahead of Robin Renz

Eurospeedway Lausitz. The modern Lausitzring near Berlin (Brandenburg) awaited the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) racers from September 9 to 11, 2022. The racetrack was driven in the long 4.543-kilometer track version on the DMV Racing Weekend. In addition to long straights with close barriers, the track challenged the drivers with a demanding “in-field” as well as a banked corner just before the start-finish straight. In addition, the weather was also to play an important part: changeable conditions awaited the drivers and teams in the Lausitz region.

All races were broadcast in a live stream with commentary on the organizer’s website.

The PRTC was once again dominated by ambitious novices, fast newcomers and talented gentleman drivers, who provided an explosive mix with the ultimate touring car action.

“Real cars, real racing. That’s the motto of our racing series. We offer professionally organized races with appealing touring cars in 4 qualifying categories, at reasonable costs and with good marketing. We are already in the second half of the season and the races are getting even more exciting every time. This is how real touring car motor racing should be!” said organizer Andreas Pfister at the start of the racing weekend.

Local hero Marco Bedrich (GER) from Cottbus made it onto the podium at his home race

All the racing cars are equipped with standard tires from TOYO TIRES, with the semi-slick Proxes R888R or RS1 Slick Proxes, which in combination with the central fielding and “rotating system” on the CHEVROLET and CUPRA racing cars (class 1 and 2) from Pfister-Racing GmbH, allow for a competitive race at affordable costs.

The winner of the 2022 Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) in class 2 will receive a free test drive in the 350 hp TCR racing car.

Robin Renz takes pole position and makes his ambitions clear

On Friday, the drivers were able to get to grips with the track and conditions during the free test sessions. The track was regularly wet again due to gathering showers, which resulted in worse gripping conditions. However, with the Proxes R888R semi-slick tires from the manufacturer TOYO TIRES, the race cars were ideally equipped for these conditions.

The racers had to show their hand for the first time in the qualifying session to determine the starting grid for race 1 on Saturday morning: Robin Renz (GER, Stuttgart) was able to continue his strong form and set the best time for class 2 on the still cold asphalt with a lap time of 2:23:626. Rookie Simon de Mori (AUT, Hörbranz) also made it into the first row of the grid, just a few thousandths of a second behind. Behind them, there was another strong starting row with Tim Schestag (GER, Walldorf) and Marco Bedrich (GER, Cottbus).

Thomas Eckert (GER, Nuremberg) made it to 5th place on the grid ahead of Dirk Ehlebracht (GER, Oberursel).

Tim Schestag (GER, Walldorf) VS. Robin Renz (GER, Stuttgart) was the duel for both races

After qualifying, the drivers only had a short breather, because the first race was already about to start. The track conditions had improved in the meantime and the racetrack had dried completely.

After the start Robin Renz took the lead first. Second placed driver de Mori, on the other hand, did not fare well – he had to drop a few positions. Tim Schestag took immediate advantage of this to catch up directly with the leader.

Behind them, Marco Bedrich was also a winner at the start, but had to earn his third place with tough battles against Dirk Ehlebracht and then also Simon de Mori.

Another local hero from Berlin got along better and better in his touring car: Martin Held (GER) had his CUPRA Ibiza racing car under control and even managed to overtake some faster race cars.

A good weekend for Simon de Mori: notching up 3rd place and 5th place!

After the first few laps, both the leaders and the midfield began to get a lay of the land: Renz was put under more and more pressure from Schestag and Ehlebracht had to use all his experience to stay within striking distance of Bedrich.

Then a sensation in the fight for victory: Schestag once again slid into the slipstream of Renz and pulled onto the inside line. Renz wanted to prevent this and also steered to the right, leading to a collision. Robin Renz had to take a spin in the grass, but impressively managed to get back on the track ahead of the third-placed driver.

Tim Schestag then left no stone unturned despite minor injuries to his racing car and added another victory crossing the finish line ahead of Renz. 3rd place went to a happy Marco Bedrich in front of his home crowd ahead of Dirk Ehlebracht, who just missed the podium.

The other placings were achieved by Simon de Mori ahead of David Stein (GER, Usingen) and Thomas Eckert as well as Claus Gramlich (GER, Frankfurt).

The result of the first race was also the starting grid for race two, which was also started on Saturday.

The Pfister-Racing team mechanics now had a short time window to get the racing cars fit again for the second race and to rectify the consequences of the collision.

Marginal 0.124 seconds decide the victory in race 2!

Anyone who thought the first race already had a close outcome was once again proven wrong. At the end of the second race, 0.124 seconds were to make the difference between victory and defeat.

Tim Schestag and Robin Renz delivered touring car motor racing at its best. Both raced the laps in their own league and showed great slipstream duels.

Another great weekend for the Pfister-Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC): real cars, real racing!

Behind him, Simon de Mori managed to take the position as "best of the rest" in 3rd place, ahead of Dirk Ehlebracht, who narrowly missed the podium again. De Mori, meanwhile, should be quite satisfied with his third podium of the season after two good races at Oschersleben.

In contrast to the first race, Marco Bedrich had to settle for 5th place this time, but nevertheless scored more important points for the championship, ahead of David Stein.

In the lead, Schestag now had to reach deep into his bag of tricks to hold his own in the final meters in an extremely close photo finish ahead of Robin Renz.

After two wins at the Eurospeedway, Schestag once again clearly makes his mark on the Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) with a total of 72 competition points.

After another great weekend of racing with beaming faces among racers and fans, the PRTC is now preparing for another legendary track on the calendar:

The racers will start at the Nürburgring GP circuit from October 14 to 16, 2022 when high tension is a dead cert!

Published: 28 July 2022

Heated Austrian battle at the Salzburgring offers pure PRTC action in three qualifying classes

Salzburgring. The Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) has already heralded the halfway point of the season with races 5 & 6 at Austria’s Salzburgring. Touring car drivers competed in the “XLR8” (accelerate) race weekend with a strong supporting program at the ADAC Racing Weekend from June 17 to 19, 2022. In addition to the motorsport duels on the 4.255 km long traditional racetrack, the fans were offered a constant stream of highlights: The “Flying Bulls” were at the start as well as a special “Sim Racing Gaming Zone” and test drives with ultra-modern electric karts on site in the paddock.

All races were broadcast in a live stream with commentary on the organizer’s website.

The PRTC was once again dominated by ambitious novices, fast newcomers, talented gentleman drivers and motivated guest starters as “local heroes” who provided an explosive mix with the ultimate touring car action.

“Real cars, real racing. That’s the motto of our racing series. We offer professionally organized races with appealing touring cars in 4 qualifying categories, at reasonable costs and with good marketing. This concept is becoming increasingly popular, and we have been pleased with the great response. Last but not least, our racers put on a terrific show for the spectators. We provide the ultimate touring car action!” stated organizer Andreas Pfister at the beginning of the racing weekend.

15-year-old racing driver Raphael Rennhofer (AUT, Vienna) celebrated a successful debut in his touring car

All the racing cars are equipped with standard tires from TOYO TIRES, with the semi-slick Proxes R888R or RS1 Slick Proxes, which in combination with the central fielding and “rotating system” on the CHEVROLET and CUPRA racing cars (class 1 and 2) from Pfister-Racing GmbH, allow for a competitive race at affordable costs.

The winner of the 2022 Pfister Racing Touring Car Challenge (PRTC) in class 2 will receive a free test drive in the 350 hp TCR racing car.

Bedrich sets the first mark with pole position for race 1

On Friday, the drivers were able to get to grips with the track and conditions during the free test sessions. The Salzburgring challenges them with fast high-performance passages but also a tight chicane that requires maximum concentration during the braking phase.

The racers had to show their hand for the first time in the qualifying session to determine the starting grid for race 1: Marco Bedrich (GER, Cottbus) was able to continue his improving form and set the best time for class 2 on the Austrian asphalt with a lap time of 1:52:930. Championship leader Tim Schestag (GER, Walldorf) also made it into the first row of the grid. Behind them, Simon de Mori (AUT, Hörbranz) and Raphael Rennhofer (AUT, Vienna) made up a complete starting row in red-white-red.

In the CUPRA class 3 Hinrich Groeneveld (GER, Moosburg) was able to secure a top spot for ATT-Racing with fast lap times, ahead of Patrick Eppich (AUT, St. Lorenzen) who were both at the start in 330 hp CUPRA Leon MKII DSG racing cars.

A strong Saturday for Marco Bedrich: pole position and victory in race 1!

The first race was a standing “Grand Prix” start and the numerous fans at the racetrack, but also the viewers in the live stream were already looking forward to real touring car action again.

Once the starting lights had gone out though, Tim Schestag took advantage of the opportunity to take over the leading position. Behind him, Marco Bedrich, Dirk Ehlebracht (GER, Oberursel) and David Stein (GER, Usingen) engaged in a three-way battle for second position.

Passing through the paddock bend three abreast and then entering the Reiner-S, none of the three racers wanted to give up even a single centimeter, resulting in quite a few collisions, which the chasing pack was able to use to catch up with the front positions.

Sebastian Gödderz (GER, Nürnberg) with a good first touring car race in the CUPRA Ibiza V1 Cup

The losers of the aforementioned collision were David Stein and Dirk Ehlebracht, who both forfeited positions. Mathias Gaiser (GER, Oberursel) was able to move up to third position ahead of Raphael Rennhofer.

Marco Bedrich, however, escaped with a few scratches and managed to get into the leader Tim Schestag’s slipstream.

Another duel then threw the rest of the race into confusion once again: Thomas Eckert (GER, Nuremberg) defended his position against Martin Rennhofer senior (AUT, Vienna) and hit the tire wall in the first chicane, which he pushed onto the track, resulting in a safety car phase to neutralize the race.

At the re-start, Schestag initially remained in the leading position, but was then thrown back by a misunderstanding with David Stein, who was being lapped, which Marco Bedrich took advantage of to take over first place.

Bedrich thus managed to take his third win of the season in a row, ahead of Tim Schestag, who was able to pass Mathias Gaiser again at the end. A great fourth place was achieved by touring car rookie Raphael Rennhofer.

In the CUPRA class, Eppich took a home win as Groeneveld struggled with technical problems on his racing car towards the end of the race.

All the preparations were then already focused on the second qualifying session and race, which was to take place on Sunday in even hotter temperatures of over 35 degrees Celsius. In the meantime, the PRTC racers enjoyed meeting former Formula 1 racer Christian Danner in the paddock during a “Meet & Greet” with the touring car legends.

Dirk Ehlebracht makes an impressive comeback with pole position for race 2

The fans were already feverishly awaiting the rolling Indianapolis start of the second race, which Dirk Ehlebracht impressively secured pole position for ahead of Robin Renz (GER, Stuttgart), which meant that both were able to report back with a strong performance.

Tim Schestag won with the “SONIC-Chevy” in the second race and extended his lead in the standings

Ehlebracht was also able to take the lead at first after the start, but Tim Schestag was able to overtake him already at the end of the first race lap with a spirited maneuver. But just how much Tim Schestag was driving at the limit became apparent just a few moments later when he touched the tire wall in the first chicane.

This allowed the chasers to keep up with the front of the pack, first and foremost Dirk Ehlebracht as well as Robin Renz and Mathias Gaiser. But the suspense was far from over: Another safety car phase caused by Simon de Mori dropping out brought the entire field within a few meters of each other.

So after the restart, a real heart-stopping “neck and neck” finale began. Initially, a three-way battle broke out between Ehlebracht, Renz and Gaiser, which ended with a high-speed spin by Mathias Gaiser in the paddock bend after a bump with Robin Renz.

In the lead, Schestag now had to reach deep into his bag of tricks to hold his own in the final meters in an extremely close photo finish ahead of Robin Renz and Dirk Ehlebracht. The Top 5 was then completed by David Stein and Marco Chianese (ITA, Würzburg), who both delivered a strong race.

Patrick Eppich carried off the victory in the CUPRA class again ahead of Hinrich Groeneveld.

With a sensational show at the Salzburgring, the PRTC is now saying goodbye for the time being until the next races from July 22-24, 2022 at Automotodrom Grobnik (CRO) on the Croatian Mediterranean coast. Once again, there will be no end to the action on this track in line with the motto “real cars, real racing”.

Pictures: Pfister-Racing GmbH