SPS automotive performance back on the grid with Heart of Racing at the 24H Dubai

SPS automotive performance is continuing its successful partnership with the US team Heart of Racing in 2024. At the season opener in Dubai, a Mercedes-AMG GT3 will once again compete under the Heart of Racing by SPS entry. The drivers for the event at the Dubai Autodrome will be Ian James (GBR), Gray Newell (USA), Roman de Angelis (CAN) and Mario Farnbacher (GER).

The 24H Dubai has traditionally kicked off the motorsport calendar for many years. In 2024, more than 70 cars will battle for overall and class victories on the almost 5.4 km long desert circuit from January 12 to 14. SPS automotive performance is continuing its successful joint venture with Heart of Racing in the 2024 season and, like last year, will enter a Mercedes-AMG GT3 in the 24H Dubai. Ian James will once again be at the wheel of the blue #27 Mercedes-AMG GT3 as team principal of Heart of Racing. Gray Newell and Roman de Angelis also competed in the last edition of the 24H Dubai for Heart of Racing by SPS. The trio took a good third place in the GT3-AM class at the premiere with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 and won the following 12-hour races in Mugello and Spa-Francorchamps with a commanding class victory. At this year's edition of the 24H Dubai, James, Newell and de Angelis will be supported by Mario Farnbacher. Born in Franconia, he has been active in the American GT scene for many years and can look back on numerous successes in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the Fanatec GT World Challenge America. In 2024, Farnbacher will compete for the Heart of Racing Team in various racing series and make his debut for Heart of Racing by SPS in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 at the Dubai 24 Hours.

As in the past, Heart of Racing raises funds for pediatric research through its motorsport programs. For Seattle Children's Hospital, one of the largest pediatric research facilities in the United States, Heart of Racing has generated significant donations to advance and support research. SPS automotive performance is proud to be part of this charitable project again.

On January 13, 2024, at 13:00 local time (10:00 CET), the first 24-hour race of the year will be opened at the Dubai Autodrome.

Stephan Sohn, team principal SPS automotive performance: "We are very happy to continue our partnership with Heart of Racing in 2024. The 24H Dubai is the first of several projects planned for next year. The 24H Dubai is always a welcome start to the season. I think we have created a good package for the season opener. But the competition is very strong this time with around 30 GT3 cars and the traffic with over 70 cars doesn't make it any easier. But we are optimistic that we can show a good performance in Dubai."