Harper qualifies for 24-hour marathon

Harper qualifies for 24-hour marathon

12 May 2021

ANNAHILT racing driver Daniel Harper is confident that his BMW junior team can achieve a high finish in next month’s Nürburgring 24-hour race in Germany. 

The 20 year-old hotshot battled for the top ten once again during a qualifying event for the big race at the weekend.

After some promising performances during the opening two races of the Nürburgring Endurance Series last month, Harper remained focused as he prepared to team up with regular team-mates Max Hesse, Neil Verhagen and BMW factory driver Augusto Farfus.

“Overall, I’m very happy with how the weekend went,” said Harper.  “It was important to have a clean race and maximise our track time ahead of the 24 hours and we did exactly that, whilst also being able to showcase again the potential we have in the BMW junior team”.

With a mechanical issue costing them track time during warm-up on Saturday morning, Harper’s first opportunity to drive their BMW M6 GT3 came during free practice. 

A couple of laps around the 15-mile Nordschleife circuit was a good confidence builder heading into a pair of qualifying sessions.

Building up their pace across the two outings, the team comfortably secured a place within the final top 30 shootout.

The positive run continued in that session too as they lapped as the fastest BMW on track to take seventh on the grid for the six-hour race.

“We’ve showed in the shootout and the race that we have the pace to be fighting for top positions in the 24 hour race,” said Harper.

“Having Augusto (Farfus) back alongside us was fantastic and once again his input and advice was invaluable for me as I continue to improve in the GT3 car,” said Harper. 

Whilst traffic cost him time at points through the stint, Harper lapped with impressive speed and consistency throughout his time in the car.

This ensured they remained in the mix for the top ten as he swapped places with Hesse.

Unfortunately, some small problems in the closing portion of the race ultimately cost them a top ten finish. 

“While we ended up finishing lower than our pace deserved, we still have lots of positives to take away and will come back stronger as a team,” said Harper. 

His team-mates brought the car to the chequered flag for a 16th place finish in the 29 car class.

“I’m happy with the lap times I posted and felt I pieced together a consistent and competitive stint in the race”.

Harper now turns his focus to the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, one of the most prestigious twice round-the-clock events in world motorsport, which he will  be contesting for a second time.