Swiss watch manufacturer Blancpain, since 2011 title sponsor of the most important GT Series on the motorsport planet, will expand its collaboration with the SRO Motorsports Group by lending its name to the Blancpain Sports Club – which unites the Blancpain GT Sports Club and the Blancpain Ultracar Sports Club.
When, in 2011, Swiss watch manufacturer Blancpain became the title sponsor of Stephane Ratel’s latest concept – an endurance series for GT3 cars, aimed at professional and amateur drivers alike – the Blancpain Endurance Series quickly became the reference in all matters of GT Racing. With starting grids filled with over 60 cars, representing the most prestigious car brands in the world, and with the best GT drivers in the world at the wheel, the races were soon to be found among the highlights of the international motor racing season.
In 2014 the existing FIA GT Sprint Series evolved into the sprint equivalent of the Blancpain Endurance Series, appropriately named the Blancpain Sprint Series. Both Series were united in the Blancpain GT Series a year later and this season will see a further rapprochement between the endurance and sprint races, creating the same high level of racing during all ten rounds.
2015 also saw the realisation of two new ideas: the Ultracar Sports Club and the GT Sports Club. The latter gave Bronze drivers the opportunity to take on his or her peers during sprint races on challenging circuits, as part of a stylish raceweekend. The Ultracar Sports Club frequently added to the prestige of those meetings, by bringing the most exclusive road cars in the world to their natural habitat: the racetrack. Both concepts perfectly fit the DNA of Blancpain such as passion and innovation, which is why the Swiss brand will now lend its name to both series.
Stephane Ratel (Founder and CEO of SRO Motorsports Group): « We are obviously extremely pleased that Blancpain is extending its collaboration with SRO. The Swiss watch manufacturer has been and still is one of the most loyal partners the SRO Motorsports Group has had in its 20 years of existence and we are happy that the people within Blancpain are willing to support us in our latest projects as well. It is further proof that together we can shape the future of GT racing. »
Marc A. Hayek (President and CEO of Blancpain): « After seven exciting years of collaboration with SRO, during which the name Blancpain has firmly established itself in GT racing, we are pleased to be extending our partnership to the Blancpain Sports Club. These competitions share several key values with Blancpain such as passion and excellence. »
Blancpain Sports Club Calendar
09th-10th April : Misano (IT) – Blancpain GT Sports Club
07th-08th May : Brands Hatch (GBR) – Blancpain GT Sports Club & Blancpain Ultracar Sports Club
25th-26th June : Circuit Paul Ricard (FRA) – Blancpain GT Sports Club & Blancpain Ultracar Sports Club
29th-30th July : Total 24 Hours of Spa (BEL) – Blancpain GT Sports Club
01st-02nd October : Barcelona (ESP) – Blancpain GT Sports Club & Blancpain Ultracar Sports Club
Adelheid Terryn,