| AV Racing by Car Collection made a big splash at the traditional long-distance classic in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium: in the world’s largest GT3 race, the team took first place in the highly competitive Pro-Am class – the German team’s greatest success to date at this season highlight. The recipe for success? A bold, success-hungry line-up with a steep learning curve and a united team performance over 24 demanding hours. With Bo ‘Bob’ Yuan (China), Noam Abramczyk (France), Mathieu Detry (Belgium) and Fabian Duffieux (Belgium), the team relied on four drivers who, in this constellation, were not exactly considered favourites to win. For Abramczyk and Duffieux, it was even their first GT3 race ever, with both getting into the Porsche 911 GT3 R for the first time at the official prologue. Detry had some GT3 experience, but was unfamiliar with the car being used. Yuan, on the other hand, brought expertise from the Asian Le Mans Series, but was also new to Spa. Pole position despite chaos This made the pole position in the class all the more surprising – achieved under difficult, sometimes chaotic conditions in qualifying. Despite a mixed session, numerous interruptions and changeable weather, the quartet managed to finish at the top of the Pro-Am standings at the end of qualifying. 24 hours of total concentration What followed was a highly focused performance throughout the entire 24 hours. Even minor setbacks – contact with another vehicle and a few time penalties for track limits – did not throw the team off their stride. The Porsche proved to be reliable, the pit strategy was spot on, and the drivers remained calm and collected. ‘Everyone was at the front at times and at the back at times – it was a constant change,’ reports team manager Romina Schmidt. ‘Even when we were only in fourth place at one point, everyone continued to work with concentration. The fact that we won in the end is an incredible team success.’ Exciting battle The race was characterised by high intensity. Of the seven cars that originally started in the Pro-Am category, two dropped out early. The remaining teams fought thrilling battles for position over several hours, with constant changes in the lead. It was all the more impressive that the comparatively inexperienced Car Collection quartet was able to prevail in the end – against competitors who were in some cases significantly more experienced. The victory rounds off a remarkable development: second place in 2023, now class victory in 2025. The reward for tireless effort – and an impressive statement in a field of more than 70 GT3 cars. Team manager Romina Schmidt: ‘This weekend overwhelmed us all. We knew our line-up had potential, but no one expected a class victory at this event. The guys surpassed themselves, the team worked extremely hard during the week, especially after the accident in the bronze test. The fact that everything worked out in the end shows how much you can achieve with commitment, passion and clean work. I’m just proud.’ |
