Akshay Gupta, a prominent figure in Indian motorsport, triumphs over obstacles to secure an impressive win at Nürburgring.
Akshay Gupta, a talented Indian racer, clinched an impressive triumph at the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie by emerging victorious in the VT2-F category during the seventh round of this esteemed event. Teaming up with co-driver Alex Schneider, Gupta piloted the #492 Hyundai i30N race car for Mertens Motorsport, not only capturing a class victory but also achieving a commendable 46th position out of 121 participants overall.
Gupta, aged 31, achieved a significant accomplishment with this win, overcoming a series of obstacles in the season such as mechanical issues, accidents, and a broken rib in the fifth event. Despite facing these difficulties, Gupta demonstrated remarkable perseverance by securing second place in the grueling 6-hour endurance race of the sixth round and clinching a top position in the most recent round.
The Nürburgring track posed a formidable challenge with its wet conditions, but the duo showcased exceptional driving prowess. Schneider took the lead in the initial two hours, then Gupta seamlessly took over, delivering a flawless performance in a two-hour double stint. Gradually widening the gap with the runner-up, Gupta ultimately secured victory with a substantial margin of 1 minute and 41 seconds.
Gupta expressed his elation about the victory, emphasizing the team’s arduous journey to achieve it. He praised Alex for being an exceptional co-driver and highlighted their diligent efforts in fine-tuning the car setup since Thursday. The team leveraged the wet conditions to their benefit, successfully navigating the challenging tire strategy on a track that alternated between wet and dry sections.
Gupta’s focus is now set on clinching the title of 2024 Vice Champion with only the last round of the championship remaining in November.
