For the first time in Nürburgring’s storied history of nearly 100 years, an all-female driver and crew racing team took the track on the weekend of March 23-24, 2019. Commanding the Giti-branded Volkswagen Golf VII GTI TCR #300 car in partnership with WS Racing, the “Girls only” squad was one of Giti’s four participating vehicles in the first VLN race of the season at Nürburgring, titled “65. ADAC Westfalenfahrt”. The all-female team had a very successful debut, overcoming foggy conditions to place second in their SP3T Class, and beat out nearly 80 other vehicles in the overall competition involving all classes. The team also achieved the fastest lap in the SP3T class at 9:21.725.
In addition to this successful VW Golf performance, Giti’s Audi R8 made a highly noted showing, taking second place in the SP8 category and overall placing an impressive #34 out of all 157 vehicles participating. All four Giti Tire vehicles in the race are fitted with GitiCompete GTR1 tires in size 260/650-18, Giti’s highly successful high-speed track racing tire that is produced in both wet and dry pattern versions.
Why an All-Female Team? Introducing “Giti’s Angels”
The Giti All-Female team is special, not only for the three drivers – Jasmin Preisig, Carrie Schreiner, and Ronja Assmann – but also the fact that the vehicle’s entire technical and track crew are women, bringing their motorsports strength and expertise against some of the world’s toughest competition. Led by Team Chief Ellen Lehmann, this is the first time such a team has raced in Nürburgring, and the team will look forward to continue challenging the VLN competition, as well as taking on the main 24 Hours Nürburgring event in June.
Team manager Nicole Willems summed up the feelings from the race. “This was such an emotional moment today. To be honest, the words are missing for the moment. Thanks to the girls for such a great job, and thanks to all our supporters who believed in us and in our project. I think today we were able to prove to everyone that we are real competitive. I am so proud. And now we are celebrating!”
The passion of these trailblazing “Giti’s Angels” goes directly along with Giti Tire’s mission of innovation and inclusiveness, embracing drivers of all types and backgrounds to provide them the best tires for whatever type of their driving style. Giti continuously reaches out to female consumers around the world, from passenger car to truck drivers – which included sponsorship of a “Empowering Our Female Truck Drivers” campaign in 2018. In 2019, Giti will also focus special internal and external campaigns on the “Giti’s Angels” theme to recognize its female employees, drivers, and fans.
Find out more about this “Girls only” team by visiting their Facebook page at The 2019 Giti Motorsports schedule can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/girlsonlyws/.
The Nürburgring “Green Hell” – Truly Testing the Limits of Drivers and Tires
Established in Germany during the 1920’s, Nürburgring (also known as the “Green Hell”) is one of the world’s most famous and notorious racetracks. Known for its extremely challenging track and frequent changes in weather conditions, the track provides the ultimate challenge for drivers. During 2019, it will host nine VLN races and culminate in the 24 Hours Nürburgring race on June 22-24, which routinely draws over 200,000 guests from around the world over the weekend.
To be able to take on this track requires the best drivers, best training, and best tires. Giti Tire is proud to participate in the event for the third straight year, this year bringing a record four vehicles for each of the races.
The 2019 VLN and 24 Hours races at Nürburgring are shown in the schedule below. In addition, Giti Motorsports’ full 2019 schedule can be viewed at http://www.gitiglobal.com/Motorsports/2019.
