KRC Secures BMW Star Verhagen for Suzuka 1000km
Team KRC announces the addition of BMW M Motorsport factory driver Neil Verhagen for the upcoming 49th edition of the Suzuka 1000km, set to further bolster their competitive edge in the GT World Challenge Asia.
Verhagen joins the established duo of Tony Ruan Cunfan and Maxime Oosten in the #89 BMW M4 GT3 EVO. Currently, Ruan and Oosten lead the Silver Cup standings and rank fifth overall in the Drivers’ Championship with four races remaining in the season.
The young American is fresh off an impressive victory in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Road America. Last year, he finished as runner-up in the GT World Challenge America Pro-Am class and secured a class win at the 2020 Nürburgring 24 Hours as a key member of the BMW Junior Team. Verhagen, along with teammates Dan Harper and Max Hesse, transitioned to full BMW M works drivers in 2023, enhancing the team’s formidable presence.
KRC made its full-time debut in the GT World Challenge Asia last year, following a noteworthy performance at the FIA GT World Cup in Macau, where Augusto Farfus piloted the #89 BMW to a second-place finish.
With KRC’s history in both single-seater and GT racing, including prior involvement in Japan’s national circuits, the Suzanne 1000km promises to be a pivotal event for the team. An updated entry list is anticipated next week, hinting at potential expansions to the provisional 30-car grid.
This strategic strengthening of the lineup underscores KRC’s commitment to excellence as they aim for an impactful performance in one of Asia’s premier endurance events.
