Lionspeed GP to Field Porsche GT3 R at Nordschleife

Lionspeed GP has announced plans to compete in this year’s Nürburgring 24 as it embarks on its first campaign without external support.

The German squad, co-founded by Patrick Kolb and Jose Garcia, will field Porsche machinery in both GT3 and GT4 competition after initially making the switch from Audi last year.

Since its founding in 2019, Lionspeed competed in multiple editions of the N24, most notably last year when Kolb shared a Porsche 911 GT3 R with Mathieu Jaminet, Matt Campbell and Patrick Pilet entered under the Lionspeed by Car Collection Motorsport banner.

The team confirmed on Monday that it will operate independently without external support for the first time this season, while also naming Kolb as the first driver for the team’s Nordschleife GT3 program.

Its aim is to compete in the N24 in June, which will form part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge schedule. Further details are yet to be revealed.

“While Lionspeed GP is entering its sixth season of racing, our extensive team is composed of professionals with decades of experience in the racing world,” said Kolb. 

“The dedication and efforts of everyone involved in this exciting project has enabled us to grow and led to many achievements and triumphs.  

“In 2024 we are taking the next step and are excited to expand the team’s efforts in technical and operational realms for European and international competitions.”

Lionspeed’s Nürburgring announcement comes amidst a time of unrest for endurance racing at the Nordschleife, where an ongoing dispute involving the established NLS and the upstart Nürburgring Endurance Series has triggered firm responses from both marshals and teams.

In addition to its GT3 effort, the German squad will also enter a single Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport in the European rounds of the Hankook 24H Series, with Garcia and Daniel Miller set for driving duties.