Rutronik Expands to Sprint Cup; Appoints Graf as Team Boss

Rutronik Racing will expand its program to include an effort in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Sprint Cup next year, while also appointing former American Le Mans Series champion Klaus Graf as team boss.

The German squad campaigned Porsche machinery in the Endurance Cup this past season, most notably finishing on the podium in the Barcelona finale.

In addition to remaining on the Endurance Cup grid, the team will expand to also incorporate the Sprint Cup season to its program next year.

At the same time, it has opted to name Graf as the new team boss, replacing Fabian Plentz who will remain ‘actively involved in strategic decisions and business relations’ but steps away from the operational side of the racing team to focus on other duties within the Rutronik company.

Graf previously served as Sporting Director with the team. The German is best known for taking back-to-back ALMS titles with Muscle Milk Pickett Racing as a driver in 2012 and 2013.

“I would like to thank Fabian Plentz for his work as team boss and his trust in me to take on this role and lead the team’s fortunes,” said Graf. “He built the team and ultimately prepared it for further tasks.

“We are very satisfied with the expansion of our involvement in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS. The series offers us an ideal platform across Europe to present our partners and sponsors.

“The synergies created by competing in both series, which will have an impact on both the sporting and business development of the team, are beyond doubt.”

Further details about the team’s driver lineup will be released at a later date.