From the Speed Academy to the “Cathedral of Speed”

Full speed ahead to Assen: The BMW M2 Cup protagonists feel invigorated and optimally prepared for the fifth race weekend and they have good reason to do so. An extensive training camp at the Lohne-based Speed Academy was on the timetable before the guest appearance in the Netherlands.

“We’ve made it our goal to train all drivers in different fields. So that later on they have the best chances of asserting themselves in professional motorsport”, says tolimit founder Hans-Bernd Kamps, who can look back at a long successful talent-development programme. Drivers such as the threefold DTM champion René Rast, the subsequent Formula 1 driver Nico Hülkenberg or Formula E driver Pascal Wehrlein learned important basics within the Speed Academy framework – just like BMW works drivers Philipp Eng, Marco Wittmann, Timo Glock and Nick Yelloly.

Michael Woller knows which basics are involved: “It starts with us showing the participants what an efficient training programme looks like. Other topics include nutrition, track data analysis and simulator training. They receive a comprehensive training that goes far beyond simply whirling a race car round in circles”, states the Academy Principal.
After the four-day event at Project 1 Drivetime’s location in Lohne, Lower Saxony, the journey continues to Assen, a good 200 kilometres away.

There at the tradition-steeped circuit, the youngsters have the opportunity to practice what they have learned. Three local heroes, among others, will be on the grid: Colin Caresani, Maxime Oosten – both of whom have already competed in the BMW M2 Cup – and Leonard Hoogenboom.

The TT Circuit Assen will host the penultimate race weekend of the season from 17 to 19 September. The championship is closely contested, with many drivers still hoping to win the title. Thus, the one-make trophy promises two exciting rounds in the Netherlands.