Race Report: GT3 Double Sprint Event at Red Bull Ring
Transatlantic Sim Racing (TSR) hosted a thrilling GT3 event at the Red Bull Ring, featuring two short sprint races. The warm and dry conditions set the stage for intense racing action, with a 20-minute sprint race followed by a 40-minute race later in the evening.
Qualifying Highlights
Shae O’Sullivan claimed pole position in the Mercedes AMG GT3 Evo, setting the tone for a competitive day of racing. The front row was rounded out by Xander Huizing in the Ferrari 296 GT3, with Jon Gray in the McLaren 720S GT3 Evo starting from third.
Race 1: Sprint Showdown
The first 20-minute sprint race saw minimal changes at the front of the pack. Shae O’Sullivan led from the start, maintaining his pole position advantage. Xander Huizing and Jon Gray followed closely in second and third, respectively.
Notable starters, Jori Schroer in the AMR V8 Vantage and Valentin Micciche in the Porsche 992 GT3 R, had excellent starts, quickly overtaking Richard Veenema and Ian Paskin. As the race settled, the top three drivers set a blistering pace, pulling away from the rest of the field.
Ian Paskin, in his familiar McLaren 720S GT3, engaged in a fierce battle with Valentin Micciche's Porsche. After several attempts, Paskin executed a perfect pass at Turn 1, showcasing his skill and determination.
Midfield battles were intense, with Phil Clarke and Mike Landreth going wheel-to-wheel. Anthony Smeekes was in the mix before a spin dropped him back.
The top three drivers remained unchanged by the end of the race, with Paskin closing in on Jori Schroer for fourth but falling just short, crossing the line a tenth of a second behind.
Race 1 Top 3:
- Shae O’Sullivan - Mercedes AMG GT3 Evo
- Xander Huizing - Ferrari 296 GT3
- Jon Gray - McLaren 720S GT3 Evo
Race 2: Evening Sprint
As the sun began to set, the 40-minute race began with cooler temperatures. The grid positions mirrored Race 1, with the top four pulling away early. Shae O’Sullivan, Xander Huizing, and Jon Gray once again set the pace, distancing themselves from Ian Paskin in fourth.
Valentin Micciche faced issues at the start, dropping down the order but impressively carved his way through the field as the race progressed. The midfield was tightly contested, featuring battles between Mike Landreth, Jori Schroer, Valentin Micciche, and Phil Clarke. Clarke, stepping into the AMR V8 Vantage at the last minute, delivered a commendable performance.
Despite fewer close battles in the longer race, the field was tightly packed, with many cars separated by just a second or two. Consistency and speed were crucial as even minor errors could prove costly.
Jon Gray made a strong bid to overtake Xander Huizing but struggled with the McLaren’s additional Balance of Performance (BOP) weight, particularly affecting braking performance. As in Race 1, the top three drivers remained unchanged, with O’Sullivan taking another victory.
Race 2 Top 3:
- Shae O’Sullivan - Mercedes AMG GT3 Evo
- Xander Huizing - Ferrari 296 GT3
- Jon Gray - McLaren 720S GT3 Evo
Conclusion
The Red Bull Ring provided an excellent backdrop for a spectacular evening of racing. Shae O’Sullivan's dominance in both races, Xander Huizing's consistent performance, and Jon Gray's relentless pursuit highlighted the event. Midfield battles added to the excitement, showcasing the track's ability to produce close and competitive racing.
This double sprint event at the Red Bull Ring displayed the best of GT3 racing, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the Transatlantic Sim Racing series.
Full Stream - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgHsbwa8YCg
Full Race Results - https://www.thesimgrid.com/championships/8985/standings