With the new KTM X-BOW GTX and KTM X-BOW GT2 models, KTM Sportcar GmbH offers a wide range of activity for gentleman drivers, semi-professionals and amateurs in various racing series, from the NLS ("Nürburgring Endurance Series", formerly VLN) to the Creventic 24 H Series or the GT2 European Series. At the same time, the KTM X-BOW GT4 continues to represent the perfect platform for committed young drivers to gain a foothold in national and international motorsport. KTM Sportcar GmbH is taking advantage of these ideal conditions to support a total of four young drivers who excelled expectations in the previous year. In the 2021 motorsport season they will race together with the teams from razoon - more than racing and Teichmann Racing respectively and their assignments will be divided between the ADAC GT4 Germany, the GTC Race and the NLS.
The most extensive programme is to be covered by razoon - more than racing. Team boss Dominik Olbert, who has already gained experience in the past with entries in the GT4 European Series, will be using his KTM X-BOW GT4 in the ADAC GT4 Germany as well as in the GTC Race for a total of three young drivers: "In the ADAC GT4 Germany we will be starting with Leo Pichler and Leon Wassertheurer, in the GTC Race we will be racing with Rick Bouthoorn. Thanks to our partners and sponsors, and thanks to the cooperation with the series organisers and KTM Sportcar GmbH, we want to offer the boys an optimal stage to recommend themselves for higher tasks. The job will be neither here nor there particularly easy, because the competition is extremely strong in both series. But we are well prepared after some good testing and are already looking forward to the first ADAC GT4 Germany race in Oschersleben on 15 and 16 May 2021!"
The two drivers in the ADAC GT4 Germany: 19-year-old Austrian Leo Pichler, who caused a sensation last year with a surprise victory in the X-BOW CUP EUROPE, and 19-year-old German Leon Wassertheurer, who claimed the runner-up title in his second X-BOW CUP EUROPE season in 2020. Leo Pichler on his rapid rise to international motorsport: "Our tests went very well, plus I've already driven two races this year in a TCR car to get into the swing of things, where I managed to take a class win. Of course, the ADAC GT4 Germany will be an insanely difficult task and a big challenge, but my objective is still clear - I want to be in the top three of the Junior classification." His teammate Leon Wassertheurer agrees: "I am convinced that we start the season well prepared. Of course, a steep learning curve will be necessary, but we will do everything to get the maximum out of it and to achieve one or the other respectable success."
In the GTC Race, on the other hand, the youngest of the bunch will be attacking, although he was also the most successful last year: Dutchman Rick Bouthoorn, who is only 17 years old, will enter the newly created GT4 class within the GTC Race as X-BOW CUP EUROPE Champion. On a total of five weekends, up-and-coming drivers in GT4 racing cars are given the chance to take win a participation in a GT3 car in the ADAC GT Masters in 2022. Bouthoorn is accordingly motivated: "I completed my first season in motor racing last year, before that I had only raced in karts. That worked out quite well, but I had to fight hard for the title in the X-BOW CUP EUROPE, my competitors were strong. This year will be no different, the entry list in the GTC Race shows that the competition will be fierce. But I'm not going to let that put me off, I'm going to go full throttle immediately and try to be at the front." The KTM X-BOW GT4 will also be entered there by razoon - more than racing, team boss Dominik Olbert would even have room for a second driver there: "The schedule of the GTC Race would allow for a second driver, this one would also have every chance of winning a GT3 season in 2022. We would be happy if we could get another young driver to join us in the GTC Race."
Last but not least, another youngster will compete in the NLS ("Nürburgring Endurance Series", formerly VLN) on a KTM X-BOW GT4: Tamino Bergmeier will complete the first races on the Permit B KTM X-BOW GT4 at Teichmann Racing and, after obtaining Permit A, will contest the entire NLS season. Only the 24-hour race will be skipped by last year's fourth-placed finisher in the X-BOW CUP EUROPE: "For me, the step into the NLS is an absolute dream. The Nürburgring Nordschleife is the most beautiful and difficult race track in the world and after my debut season I would then like to tackle the legendary 24-hour race in 2022." Team boss Michael Teichmann is delighted with the KTM youngster: "Promoting young talent is particularly important in difficult times and we are delighted to be able to do our bit together with KTM Sportcar GmbH."