The 12-hour sprint race – 992 Endurance Cup by Creventic

Dutch race organizer Creventic is the biggest endurance race organizer in the world. They are the company behind the famous 24h SERIES, hosting races between 6 and 24 hours of duration. Creventic is now transferring the formula of the world’s most successful one-make cup, the Porsche Carrera Cup, to a new format in 2024. While the Cup has captivated millions of fans worldwide with thrilling sprints since 1990, project manager David Vink and his team are taking on the long distance with the Michelin 992 Endurance Cup. On September 7, 2024, the first endurance race exclusively for Porsche 992 GT3 Cup cars will start with the 12 Hours of Spa. Vink explains what spectators can expect when 45 identical Cup Porsches battle it out for victory.

Creventic transfers the successful Porsche Carrera Cup format from sprint to endurance racing

Most motorsport fans are probably familiar with the legendary duels from the Porsche Carrera Cup. For example, the fierce battle between Altfrid Heger and Uwe Alzen in Hockenheim 1993. These close wheel-to-wheel battles are still the trademark of the numerous Porsche Carrera and Super Cups around the world. The fastest one-make cup in the world, as it is often called, has been thrilling spectators at the tracks and on the screens for over 30 years. It’s no surprise, the Cup Porsche is the most popular racing car in the world and an integral part of the Formula 1 and DTM supporting program.

We try to think outside the box and create new things. That’s why we asked ourselves whether the Porsche Cup’s formula for success could be transferred from sprint to endurance races.

David Vink, Creventic

Creventic – the world’s biggest endurance race organizer – noticed that the Cup Porsche in its latest generation was also becoming increasingly popular in the multi-hour races in its own 24H SERIES. This presence gave the Creventic team an idea. David Vink asked himself whether what offers so much action in the sprint format would also work in endurance racing. “There are more Porsche 992 GT3 Cup cars in our endurance races than in other endurance races. There are even fewer at the Nürburgring 24 Hours,” explains the project manager. Since the 2021 Dubai 24h, the Cup Porsche has been a permanent fixture in the 24h Series field. In some cases, close to 30 of these cars have started in the various races around the globe.

The teams were also enthusiastic – the entry list for the 992 Endurance Cup is almost full

Porsche itself “only” offers sprint races for the 992 GT3 Cup, like the Carrera Cup Benelux or Supercup. Nevertheless, the car has already been designed with endurance racing in mind. Its great popularity in endurance series is therefore only logical. “After the initial discussions with the teams, it was clear that there was interest. So we discussed the idea with Porsche Motorsport and were able to get them on board too,” reports 23-year-old Vink proudly.

Almost all grid slots have now been allocated. A total of 50 cars are allowed to take part. “We are currently clarifying the final details and expect to have a full grid within the next few weeks. 41 teams have yet finalized their participation”. Well-known names from the scene are also taking part. For example, the GP Elite Team of six-time Porsche Cup champion Larry ten Voorde will be at the start in Spa. Also, former German footballer Max Kruse’s team will be taking part in the first edition of the 992 Endurance Cup.

The 992 Endurance Cup grid consists of professionals and gentlemen drivers alike

Basically, the list of drivers is a colorful mix. Real professionals share the cars with so-called gentlemen drivers. There are three classes: AM, PRO/AM and PRO. The classification is based on the driver ratings of the FIA and their individual driving time during the race. Depending on the drivers’ personal success, they are either categorized as a bronze, silver, gold or platinum driver. So ambitious amateurs or late starters meet Formula 1 super license holders.

Motivated holders of a racing license can still secure a drive in one of the 50 Porsche 992 GT3 Cup cars.

By the way, interested drivers who have at least a national C license can still secure places on the grid. According to David Vink, there will soon be a marketplace for open cockpits at 992-endurance-cup.com. How much does it cost to take part? For the 12-hour race at Spa, Vink expects the fee to be around 25,000 euros per driver.

Close racing is almost guaranteed: As in the Carrera Cup, all cars are the same

For David Vink, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is the ideal choice for the event. As a 12-year-old, he was allowed to ride shotgun in a 911 for the first time around the Formula 1 circuit at Zandvoort. “The 911 has so much tradition in racing and is unlike any other racing car. When you see a Porsche 992 GT3 Cup driving down a straight, it always stands out from the crowd of GT3 cars”, enthuses Vink.

Due to the very strict regulations, there is 100 per cent equality of opportunity between the teams. There are no technical differences between the cars. You can’t gain a lot in the setup department either, as there’s not a lot to change anyway. “While other racing series try to artificially set a level playing field with a balance of performance, the Endurance Cup is all about the talent of the drivers.” Of course, in these endurance races, tactics also come to play an important role. 

Creventics 992 Endurance Cup offers “hands-on motorsport” like no other racing series

In the Michelin 992 Endurance Cup, spectators can expect what is probably the closest endurance race in the world. Creventic is expecting a real 12-hour sprint race. Especially as the safety car will keep bringing the pack back together if the cars have to be slowed down to eliminate hazards on and around the track. This means that there are always new starting phases. So there will be plenty of action.

In contrast to many other racing series, Creventic offers free access to the starting grid for all ticket-holders at its events. From 9 am, visitors can enter the grid and soak up the special atmosphere before the race starts at 9:45 am. At the Dubai 24h race in 2023, there were up to 12,000 people in the grid at times. “The atmosphere was fantastic. Back then, everyone wanted to see Valentino Rossi”, recalls David Vink. Who knows which prominent racing drivers will appear in the 992 grid. Maybe even ex-Formula 1 drivers will be there?

06.09.2024 Spa 12h – Michelin 992 Endurance Cup by Creventic More

This might be the closest endurance race ever. Creventic will host the world’s first endurance race exclusively for Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars. The inaugural 992 Endurance Cup race will take place at Spa Francorchamps on September 7, 2024.

All the grandstands around the track and the paddock itself are also open to all visitors. Speaking of the paddock: Creventic is planning another real highlight for Porsche fans in Spa! “We are working together with the Porsche Club Francorchamps and are currently expecting more than 500 Porsche road cars in the paddock.” To round things up, there will be a Cars & Coffee in the paddock, as well! Ticket range from 12 euros for Friday only, 20 euros for Saturday only, 25 euros for both days and 32.50 euros for the Saturday Ticket including Cars & Coffee and a parking spot for your Porsche in the paddock.

The most difficult topic for the Carrera Cup teams: pit stops!

A lot had to be organized together with Porsche Motorsport. The spare parts supply was quickly taken care of: “Porsche Motorsport offers incredible support. If something breaks, they are ready with the right spare part in the truck”. However, the teams that had previously only competed in the Carrera Cup had to deal with the issue of pit stops.

While your regular Cup races are run without refueling stops, the drivers at the 12 Hours of Spa will probably pit at least every 60 minutes. This is why the Cup teams do not have their own refueling systems – they are simply not necessary in the Carrera Cup. “We have procured the same refueling rigs that are used in the World Endurance Championship. Of course, this is all new for the teams, but Porsche Motorsport is providing us with exemplary support here too”, summarizes Vink.

For those who can’t make it to the track live, the world’s first Porsche-only endurance race will also be broadcast live on YouTube. Of course, you can find all further details in our event section!

© images: Racing Pixels