Konrad Confirms Blancpain GT Plans, NAEC Effort

Photo: Jamey Price/Lamborghini

Konrad Motorsport is set to compete in the entire Blancpain GT Series with at least one new Lamborghini Huracan GT3, with the German squad also evaluating a potential expanded effort in America.

The German squad, which makes its return to full-time endurance racing in more than a decade, has purchased two new Huracan GT3s, and is currently renting a third, ex-Grasser Racing Team chassis for its ambitious dual 24-hour race program in January.

Konrad told Sportscar365 that driver lineups have yet to be finalized but they could field up two two cars full-time in both the Blancpain Sprint and Endurance Cups, with a final decision to be made by the beginning of February.

“It’s up to Rolf Ineichen,” Konrad told Sportscar365 on the decision for the second car. “He also wants to run [Porsche Carrera Cup Germany] again. So I must see my schedule to see what clashes there may be with Blancpain Sprint/Endurance or we to go [ADAC] GT Masters.

“So we will normally go, both Sprint and Endurance. When there’s clashes with Carrera Cup, we will move to GT Masters. We’re working on it, so let’s see.”

Konrad could also potentially expand its involvement in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship to beyond its previously confirmed single-car entry for the Tequila Patron North American Endurance Cup.

The team has two Lamborghinis entered for next weekend’s Rolex 24 at Daytona and could again enter the second car for the Twelve Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans, due to increased customer interest.

However, he’s ruled out undertaking a full-season campaign unless they’re able to assemble a competitive Pro-Am lineup.

“This is a money situation,” Konrad said. “I don’t have a sponsor for the full season and don’t want to take the risk of going race-by-race with pay drivers.

“What I did in the past, with the GT1 Saleen in American Le Mans Series, I had the budget for the full season and we went.

“We go to win. When you go with pay drivers, you cannot go for the win. That I don’t like.”

The longtime Porsche entrant has praised the level of support from both Lamborghini and Squadra Corse for the new GT3 venture.

“It’s been very good,” Konrad said. “I’m also surprised the small crew of Lamborghini can do this good of a job immediately.

“Sure, there’s some parts coming late but they’re here when we need it. They’re working very hard and are giving us a lot of good support at the moment.”

The team is coming off a strong showing in last weekend’s Hankook 24 Hours of Dubai, although suffered engine failure in the final 30 minutes of the race while running third overall.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John