Report on Steller Motorsport’s Debut at Spa 24 Hours
Spa-Francorchamps, June 26-30, 2025 – Steller Motorsport made its highly anticipated debut at the Spa 24 Hours, fielding a Corvette Z06 GT3.R amid challenging conditions and competition.
Race Week Overview
Thursday, June 26: Steller’s preparations escalated as rain disrupted Free Practice, limiting the initial setup time for drivers Matisse Lismont, Daniel Ali, Olivier Hart, and Lorcan Hanafin. With inclement weather forcing an early end to practice, the team focused on gathering feedback and optimizing car performance, despite only limited track time.
Practice Report: Amidst rainy intervals, the team averaged just two track limit warnings. Pre-Qualifying saw challenges with traffic and a red flag, disrupting their strategy significantly.
Qualifying Recap: Steller qualified 11th in the Silver Cup, hindered by red flags during Q1. Lismont showcased potential, setting competitive sector times but struggling with traffic and changing weather. The session highlighted the need for effective communication and teamwork going into the race.
Night Practice: Despite delays in qualifying, Steller effectively utilized the Night Practice to acclimatize to the conditions, critical for the 24-hour race ahead.
Race Day Highlights
Saturday, June 28: The race commenced under record temperature conditions exceeding 46°C. Hanafin started for Steller, navigating an intense first stint that witnessed a chaotic opening lap.
Pit Strategy: Essential pit stops were executed flawlessly, allowing the team to gain track position. An early Full Course Yellow prompted strategic calls that ultimately benefitted Steller, placing the #24 Corvette in a competitive position.
Mid-Race Performance: By the six-hour mark, the team secured third place in the Silver Cup. Remarkably, they led the overall standings at one point, a highlight in their debut weekend, showcasing both speed and reliability.
Post-Race Review
Sunday, June 29: As the race approached its conclusion, Steller’s #24 Corvette remained in contention despite sustaining minor damage. The focus shifted to finishing strongly and capitalizing on competitor misfortunes.
Hanafin completed the final stint, crossing the finish line in eighth within the Silver Cup and 40th overall. Steller Motorsport demonstrated resilience and a commendable performance against more established teams.
Conclusion
Steller Motorsport concluded its first 24-hour event with strong potential for future races, proving their adaptability in a fiercely competitive environment. Post-race, the focus has already turned to improvements for next year, emphasizing a long-term commitment to success.
Team Principal Gary Blackham summarized the achievement: "We have proven ourselves capable, and this is just the beginning for Steller Motorsport.” The team’s journey is a testament to preparation and determination against the giants of GT racing, rekindling Corvette’s legacy in endurance racing after a 14-year absence from the Spa circuit.
