HTC Dutch GT4 & GT4 Cup

After its two successful initial years the HTC Dutch GT4 Championship will be out in 2011 to reaffirm its status as the premier class in Dutch racing. Bringing a packed field of gorgeous cars and top level drivers excitement is guaranteed. On several occasions in 2011 the HTC Dutch GT4 will join forces with the GT4 Cup, the European GT4 championship. At the Zolder Superleague event the HTC Dutch GT4 will race alongside the GT4 Cup, the combined starting grid will surely offer the fans exciting races!

As promoter of the HTC Dutch GT4, Circuit Park Zandvoort reached a milestone at Easter 2009 by bringing the internationally acclaimed GT4 concept to The Netherlands. Illustrious cars and thrilling races are the key elements in making GT4 racing a real crowdpleaser.

It was important for Dutch racing to have a multi brand series in its portfolio. Since 2009 Circuit Park Zandvoort works in close relationship with SRO (Stéphane Ratel Organisation), the international governing body for GT series, to make GT4 racing part of the Dutch Power Pack. The SRO is experienced in organizing GT series throughout Europe and an invaluable help in the realisation and organizing of the HTC Dutch GT4 series.

 

After the international success of the GT3 category the SRO decided to start the GT4 class in 2007 at an European level. The class is open for sporty production cars with a lower power-to-weight ratio than GT3 racers. The first year saw cars like the Aston Martin N24, BMW Z4 Coupé, Ford Mustang FR500 GT4, Maserati Trofeo, Lotus Exige, Nissan 350Z and Porsche Cayman racing throughout Europe. The cars were closely matched and the fans were treated on many thrilling battles. In 2008 the GT4 class was brought to the British and Belgian GT championships. More international expansion was achieved in 2009 with national championships like the Dutch GT4 series.

The race weekends of the HTC Dutch GT4 follow the concept of its European counterpart. This means there are three GT4 races each event; the feature race of 50 minutes with mandatory pitstop to allow a driver change for cars raced by duos and another two 25 minute sprint races.

Competitors in the HTC Dutch GT4 series are to compete in 20 races. The podium finishers often are driving for three different marques, a prove of the exciting, level playing field. In 2011 the premier division of Dutch racing will not only put the quickest drivers in the spotlight, in the 'Legend Cup' drivers 45 years of age and above and those with special permission will have their own set of trophies to fight for.

The third season of the Dutch GT4 will see eight events instead of the usual seven. Half of the events will be in collaboration with the European GT4 Cup. In total no less than 23 races are scheduled at tracks like Zandvoort, Zolder, Spa-Francorchamps and Assen. At Zolder in Belgium the HTC Dutch GT4 will share the starting grid with the GT4 Cup at the Zolder Superleague event.

Last year Phil Bastiaans drove his Porsche 997 GT4 to the HTC Dutch GT4 title. In 2011 Bastiaans is determined to defend his crown together with a fast team mate. Team boss Paul van Splunteren has signed Dutch ace and former Formula 1 driver Jan Lammers as second driver for the championship car. However, the opposition is not resting either. They will do everything in their power to keep Phil Bastiaans from winning the title a second year in a row.

More info can be found at www.gt-4.nl