Jake Hill enjoyed a dream debut at the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring 24 Hour Race this past weekend (May 16–17), playing a critical role in guiding Lionspeed GP to an impressive second-place finish in the SP9 Pro-Am class.
Competing in one of the biggest events of his career, the Fewkes Huff Management athlete turned heads at the legendary German circuit as he secured silverware at the first attempt.
Having gained his Grade A permit just weeks before the event, Hill teamed up with 2021 Daytona 24 LMP2 winner Kyle Tilley, team principal and former double class winner at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Patrick Kolb, and former Audi factory driver Max Hofer to pilot a Porsche 911 GT3 R Evo around the infamous 12.9-mile circuit.
After briefly sampling the car during Thursday morning’s qualifying session, the British driver emerged as one of the standout performers later that evening as he climbed the timesheets in darkness and rain around the Nordschleife.
Posting the fastest SP9 Pro-Am time, the 32-year-old also recorded the second-fastest lap overall, with only Porsche factory driver Kévin Estre able to better his effort in the challenging conditions.
Hill continued to impress in the build-up to the race, with his first stint in the 24-hour contest coming under the cover of darkness on Saturday night, where he delivered a composed and consistent performance.
As daylight broke a few hours later, the former British Touring Car Champion returned to the cockpit for a superb double stint. Enjoying a trouble-free run, Hill helped maintain the team’s podium challenge while also setting the car’s fastest lap by almost four seconds.
Such was Hill’s pace that he finished just a couple of seconds shy of the sister Lionspeed GP Porsche entry, which featured a line-up stacked of factory-backed drivers.
After handing the car over for the final time, Hill watched on as Tilley, Kolb and Hofer held firm to bring the car home and secure an outstanding second-place finish in an immensely competitive SP9 Pro-Am field.
Jake Hill:
“I’m absolutely delighted to have come away with a podium at my first Nürburgring 24 Hour Race. It was a truly incredible experience and I’m really proud of how I performed. It’s one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced, but I loved every second of it.
“I have to say a big thank you to my team-mates and the entire Lionspeed GP squad because they were fantastic and incredibly professional. A special thank you also goes to Patrick and Kyle for giving me the opportunity and showing unwavering support. Hopefully we can do it again next year!”
Will Fewkes, Fewkes Huff Management Co-Founder:
“Congratulations to Jake and the entire Lionspeed GP team on an incredible result. The 24 Hour Race is one of the most special events on the calendar, and for Jake to come away with silverware speaks volumes about his talent.
“Anyone who knows Jake understands how fiercely competitive and talented he is, and it was fantastic to see him demonstrate that on the world stage. To be pushing factory drivers — all of whom have years of experience — on his debut says a lot about the direction he’s heading in.”
Rob Huff, Fewkes Huff Management Co-Founder:
“I’d also like to extend my congratulations to Jake and the team. The Nürburgring is no joke, and for Jake to perform in the manner he did was brilliant to see.
“His Saturday night stint was solid and consistent, but when he jumped back in for the double stint on Sunday morning, it was clear he had really become one with the car and the circuit. As debuts go, it was fantastic, and I’m excited to see what comes next.”
