Steller Motorsport’s Debut at the Spa 24 Hours: A Behind-the-Scenes Report
Steller Motorsport made its debut in the prestigious Spa 24 Hours with a Corvette Z06 GT3.R, marking a significant return for the American brand after a 14-year hiatus from the race. This report provides an in-depth look at preparations leading up to the event, revealing the challenges faced by the team and insights from key personnel.
Team Preparations and Logistics
Ewan Wane, reporting for DSC, followed Steller’s journey from their headquarters near Silverstone to the circuit at Spa-Francorchamps over a series of days leading to the race weekend. His presence allowed for an inside view of the logistics involved in participating in one of motorsport’s hallmark endurance races.
June 21: The team’s preparation kicked off with loading their Corvette Z06 GT3.R, highlighting the meticulous planning that goes into transporting such valuable machinery. Wane, despite his initial nerves behind the wheel, contributed to the logistics as the convoy departed for Belgium.
June 22: A delayed crossing through Dover pushed the arrival at Spa to the early hours of June 23, emphasizing the challenges of international motor racing logistics. Upon arrival, the team set about organizing their paddock space in a densely packed environment filled with hospitality units and racing paraphernalia.
Set-Up and Technical Insights
June 23-24: Setup was in full swing, involving intricate tasks such as arranging catering services for over 100 attendees, alongside garage organization. The Steller Garage, though tight, was equipped with advanced technical setups for monitoring car performance and pit activities.
On June 24, key meetings were held, led by Team Manager Max Daymond. “The logistics of the whole thing are huge, especially when you start bringing catering into it,” he stated, indicating the complexities of managing a larger team for the event.
Practice sessions for a unique technical pit stop, involving a mandatory brake change, occurred, revealing the team’s preparation for the unusual requirements of the 24-hour race format.
The Challenge of the Parade
June 25: Steller participated in the parade through Spa town, drawing significant crowds. However, logistical challenges emerged, particularly with managing the car’s return to the circuit after the event. A technical issue briefly stalled the Corvette on its return route, showcasing the unpredictable nature of race week.
As the race weekend unfolded, the team’s dedication to detail and preparation became apparent. They faced the inherent unpredictability of endurance racing with an adaptable mindset and strong camaraderie among crew members.
The first wave of track action is slated for tomorrow’s report, promising to continue the excitement of Steller Motorsport’s inaugural Spa 24 Hours experience.
