CoRe SimRacing LMP3 & GT4 Wrap Up IVRA ClubSport Series 2023/2024!
CoRe SimRacing’s journey in the IVRA ClubSport Series 2023/2024 was a fresh test of perseverance and adaptability for their drivers due to advanced race control and safety car features. As they entered the series in an LMP3 and GT4 team after they have prequalified successfully in the Mosport race prior to the season, both CoRe SimRacing squads navigated their way through the six venue calendar. Leading the charge in the LMP3 category was Pascal Stix, Sven Neumann and Maik Paluch, piloting the Ligier JS P320. The AMG GT4 squad consisted of Ronald Großmann, Markus Gunzelmann and Dominik Engel.
The season kicked off at Daytona International Speedway, where the LMP3 team of Sven Neumann and Maik Paluch encountered early struggles in adapting to the demands of the prototype machinery. Despite a great recoviery that saw them on the brink of a top-seven finish, fate dealt a cruel blow as Sven lost control of the car, hurtling into the concrete wall in the closing stages of the race. The GT4 team, also dealing with a very competitive GT4 field was able to get their best result of the overall season, finishing in a good P10 position. Signs of improvement for the LMP3 team emerged at the following round at Road America, with Sven and Pascal delivering a commendable second-place finish, propelled by strategic half-race distance points. The GT4 team finished in P13. Road Atlanta witnessed another strong showing from the LMP3 squad, as Sven and Pascal secured yet another podium finish, and the ability to capitalize on strategic opportunities. On the other hand, the GT4 team had to struggle with penalties and incidents and were only able to end up in P20.
At Indianapolis, despite showcasing commendable pace throughout the race, the teams encountered adversity in the form of penalties, disrupting their progress. One such incident occurred as the LMP3 team entered the tricky pit-entry section, resulting in collision penalty that added to their woes. However, keeping it on focus the Ligier pilots were ultimately crossing the finish line in a hard-fought 4th place. For the GT4 contingent Indianapolis proved to be a challenging outing, too. Hindered by penalties and unfortunate incidents with other car classes the GT4 team ended their race in a 15th place finish.
The penultimate round at VIR approached, the LMP3 team encountered early setbacks, with Maik Paluch falling victim to a spin after being clipped by a competitor in the opening stages of the race. However, the team capitalized on tactical maneuvers once again and rewarded themselves with a good half-race distance points grab to mount a remarkable recovery drive. With Pascal Stix’s calculated approach taking over, the team surged through the field, ultimately clinching a hard-fought second place. Despite narrowly missing out on victory by less than a second, the result of another podium made a possible season LMP3 championship close to reach. The GT4 squad faced their own trials at VIR being difficult due to tough traffic management with faster classes. Ronald, Dominik and Markus kept it safe and found their rhythm amidst the competition to finish in P13 in the end.
As the sun set on the IVRA ClubSport Series at the season finale at Interlagos and with championship standings on the line and as the stakes were high for the LMP3 team, Pascal and Sven took it to the track for the final showdown. As the race entered its closing stages, the LMP3 team’s hopes of victory were dashed as a bold strategy aimed at securing the win fell short. Despite their best endeavors, Pascal and Sven crossed the finish line in a commendable fifth place, marking the end of a challenging campaign at Interlagos. In the GT4 category the trio also fought valiantly to make their mark on the final race of the season. However, their hopes of a good finish were halted by a dramatic collision in the closing stages of the race, relegating them to a tough 16th place.
As the curtain falls on the IVRA ClubSport Series 2023/2024, CoRe SimRacing reflects on a season replete with triumphs and tribulations. In the LMP3 category, Pascal Stix, Sven Neumann, and Maik Paluch secure a 2nd finish overall, capping off a season marked by podium finishes and strategic prowess. Ronald Großmann, Dominik Engel, and Markus Gunzelmann battled tirelessly amidst tough competition in the GT4 category, to only securing a P16 overall in the standings.
Title picture by Hugo Xhrouet | HXH Photography.