Porsche Sprint Challenge Southern Europe 2025 kicks off this weekend in Portimão

• Strength in quality and quantity on the grid 

• Third edition promises spectacle on all fronts  

Zonhoven, January 16, 2025. The wait is nearly over: this weekend marks the beginning of the third edition of the Porsche Sprint Challenge Southern Europe at the stunning Portimão circuit in the Algarve. With close to fifty Porsches competing across the Sport Division and Club Division, this edition highlights the continued growth and appeal of the competition. Not only does the starting grid boast impressive numbers, but the level of talent has also risen significantly, with elite teams and well-known drivers from across Europe taking part.  

First introduced in 2023, the Porsche Sprint Challenge Southern Europe has quickly become a staple in the motorsport calendar during the winter season.  

“The concept remains consistent with the inaugural season,” says Series Manager Lars Plato. “Our aim is to provide drivers and teams with a top-tier opportunity to stay active during the off-season while preparing for upcoming competitions like the Porsche Carrera Cups worldwide and the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Beyond that, the Challenge has evolved into a standalone sporting objective for many competitors in both the Sport and Club Divisions. This year, we’re elevating the experience further with premium hospitality and expanded global TV coverage.”  

The competition format remains unchanged, offering participants ample track time. Across test days, training sessions, and races, drivers will enjoy roughly nine hours of track action, culminating in two thrilling thirty-minute races. The event is divided into two categories:  

• Sport Division: Featuring Pro drivers and emerging talents competing in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup – Type 992.  

• Club Division: Targeted at entrepreneurial racers vying for overall victory in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup – Type 992. This division also includes a fiercely contested class for the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, attracting both young talents and gentleman drivers.  

Clash of Champions  

A previous release detailed the exceptional lineup for the Sport Division. Defending champion Ariel Levi (Team GP Elite) is joined by Flynt Schuring (CLRT), Chester Kieffer (CLRT), Joshua Stanton (Proton Huber Racing), Charl Michel Visser (Target Competition), and Sacha Norden (Proton Huber Racing). Adding to the excitement, Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux champion Dirk Schouten (Team Laptime Performance), along with promising talents like Nick Ho and Mees Muller (PG Motorsport), and Felix Neuhofer (Team Neuhofer Rennsport), will also contend for victory.  

“In Portimão, we’ll witness 27 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup – Type 992 cars battling in the opening races of the Sport Division,” Plato explains. “The depth and caliber of the field are extraordinary. The PRO drivers will face tough competition not only from each other but also from Rookies, while the PRO-AM class is set to deliver intense rivalries. What excites me most is the global representation, with drivers hailing from the US, Argentina, Brazil, and beyond. The Porsche Sprint Challenge Southern Europe is firmly establishing itself as a premier event in Porsche racing circles.”  

A Bollywood icon on the grid  

The Club Division will feature 22 participants, ensuring tight competition. One standout entry is Indian film superstar Ajith Kumar, racing for RedAnt Racing under Ajith Kumar Racing. Kumar, a household name in India, the world’s most populous country, is sure to attract significant attention to the event.  

Further previews of both the Sport and Club Divisions are available in prior press releases: 

• https://www.sprintchallengesoutherneurope.com/post/sport-division-shines-in-the-porsche-sprint-challenge-southern-europe-2025   

• https://www.sprintchallengesoutherneurope.com/post/the-pillars-of-the-2024-edition-form-the-basis-for-an-intense-third-season-of-the-club-division-as-p   

Follow live: https://www.youtube.com/@SprintChallengeSE