LEUSDEN (December 10, 2021) – After the strongest season to date, including the successful premiere of the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup of the current model generation 992, the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux is being lifted to an even higher level for 2022. The KNAF, the national federation for motorsport in the Netherlands, grants the fastest one-make series of the Benelux full status as a Dutch GT championship. This means that the overall champion in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux can also call himself 'Dutch GT champion' from 2022. The appearance and prestige of the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux are further enhanced by this extra designation.
The Porsche competition in the low countries was established in 2013 when it was still known as the 'Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Benelux'. For the 2019 season, the championship was upgraded by Porsche Motorsport from Weissach to the 'Porsche Carrera Cup' and last season the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux was one of only five series worldwide in which the new 992 generation was already being raced. With an output of 375 kW/510 hp, it is the most powerful Porsche in Cup version ever, further strengthening the position of the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux as the fastest one-make series in the region.
In the best tradition of the Porsche one-make series, with which the famous sports car manufacturer from Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen has more than 35 years of experience, the material is equal for all participants in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux. The regulations are unambiguous and their compliance is strictly monitored by expert officials. This not only guarantees equal opportunities for all participants but also means that the driver can make the difference in this class, without any advantages or disadvantages based on technology, vehicle concept or a 'balance of performance'. In this way, talents have optimal opportunities to show their skills. That this approach is effective is apparent from the many drivers who have meanwhile been promoted from the Benelux competition with the Porsche 911 to higher classes and are also achieving good results there.
All these factors played a role in the awarding of the Dutch Championship status by the KNAF, the official body for motorsport in our country. "The good development of the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux has of course not gone unnoticed by us," says Maarten van Wesenbeeck, general manager of the KNAF. “For example, after careful consideration, the board of our motorsport section has decided to grant full Dutch National Championships status to the Pro class of the Porsche Carrera Cup from the 2022 season. The subtitle of the class will be 'Dutch GT Championship' so that whoever wins the title can also call themselves 'Dutch GT Champion’. Naturally, we as KNAF are also very pleased with the many successes that Dutch drivers and teams achieve internationally in the various Porsche competitions. With this official designation, a further impulse can be given.”
Olivier Aerts, series manager of the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux, is naturally also very pleased with this official appreciation. “Of course our reach is wider than just the Netherlands, after all, we are the leading brand cup in the entire Benelux, but the award of the Dutch National Championships status is certainly an important recognition that only further strengthens our position. The Dutch National Championships status gives the champion even more appearance and prestige and can also help Dutch drivers when it comes to matters such as applying for top sport status to be able to combine racing and study. Definitely a positive development in the run-up to the coming season!”