Still and Gogollok triumph at home race – Weekend of contrasts in the Eifel
AVIA W&S Motorsport celebrated an emotional first season victory at the third round of ADAC GT4 Germany at the Nürburgring. Hendrik Still and Philipp Gogollok won Saturday’s race in front of their home crowd, while Sunday’s race ended early due to an accident in turn one. With four Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS entries, the team experienced both highs and lows during an intense race weekend.
Qualifying 1: Strong Starting Position
The weekend began promisingly for AVIA W&S Motorsport. Hendrik Still secured P2 in the first qualifying session with the #1 Porsche, laying the foundation for later success. Tommi Gore (#30) qualified P8, Lachlan Robinson (#31) P11. Luciano Schneider (#32) had to start the first race from the back of the grid due to a penalty from the previous event.
Race 1: Home Victory for Still and Gogollok
The first race became the highlight for the #1 duo. Still took the lead as early as lap two with a spectacular overtaking maneuver on pole-sitter Jay Mo Härtling and never relinquished it. After the driver change, Philipp Gogollok confidently defended the leading position and drove to the team’s first season victory.
„It’s incredible to win here at our home race. Many friends are here and my dad is standing right next to me. I’m super proud,“ beamed Still after the triumph. „I initially thought we wouldn’t have a chance over the distance, but the team worked brilliantly and found the perfect setup.“
Gogollok could hardly believe his luck: „I still don’t know what to say – and can’t quite grasp it yet. The team did an incredible job. I’m so grateful to have had the chance to drive the car with number one on it.“
The other AVIA W&S Porsches had a more challenging day: Gore and Gabbay (#30) finished the race P13, Schneider and Schreyer (#32) P17, while Kristensen and Robinson (#31) retired through no fault of their own.
Qualifying 2: Balanced Performance
The second qualifying session showed the team’s consistency. Gogollok (#1) qualified P7, followed by Gabbay (#30) P8, Schreyer (#32) P9, and Kristensen (#31) P10.
Race 2: Drama at Turn One
Sunday’s race took a dramatic turn when an accident at turn one immediately after the start forced race winners Still and Gogollok as well as Schneider and Schreyer to retire. „The race ended before it really began,“ summarized Schneider’s disappointment. „We were taken out by a competitor at turn one after the start. That’s racing – sometimes you’re just in the wrong place at the wrong time.“
Gore and Gabbay (#30) showed a fighting performance and finished P7. „The start was good, I overtook one car, then the power of the BMWs came and it was very difficult to fight against them,“ reported Gabbay. „Overall, P7 is a very good result for us.“
Kristensen and Robinson (#31) completed the team result with P9. „It was a weekend with great pace but no luck on our side,“ summarized Kristensen. Robinson, who had been ill since Friday, added: „Overall a very difficult weekend. Oskar did a good job at the start, and I was able to bring the car home P9.“
Team Principal Draws Positive Conclusion
Team principal Daniel Schellhaas looked ahead optimistically despite the mixed weekend: „What a weekend of contrasts! Saturday’s first season victory was an absolute highlight, especially for Hendrik in front of his home crowd. Sunday’s drama is unfortunately part of motorsport too. At mid-season, we unfortunately have to acknowledge that we’ve had little racing luck this year in GT4 Germany. In six races, we haven’t brought all four cars to the finish line even once – that shows how much bad luck we’ve had. What’s important, however, is that we’ve proven we have the pace to compete at the front. For that, I must express great thanks to my team, partners, and sponsors! The team is doing an incredible job and everyone is committed to making the difference to our brand colleagues as large as possible. I’m looking forward to the races at the Sachsenring!“
Outlook
Directly from the Nürburgring, the team traveled to the Sachsenring to prepare intensively for next week’s race. With the first season victory in their pocket and important test kilometers completed, AVIA W&S Motorsport looks optimistically toward the upcoming challenges.
„Every weekend is a chance to learn and come back stronger,“ emphasized Schneider. „The work doesn’t stop here, we keep pushing.“ The next ADAC GT4 Germany round takes place from August 22-24 at the Sachsenring.
