Summarize

Volkswagen Motorsport’s Jonathan Mogotsi heads back elated at the experience, if disappointed by the results of his Nürburgring 24-hour race debut at the legendary circuit over the past weekend. Jonathan’s team qualified their Max Krause Racing Volkswagen third in class on the Golf GTI’s 50th birthday, but the car was slowed and eventually stopped due to engine trouble.

“I am sad to report that my first Nürburgring 24-hour ended with those dreaded three letters, D, N and F,” Jonathan rued. “We had a tough time getting the car going, and when we finally did, my stint ended with an engine failure. Sometimes motor racing is just like that, I guess.”

As he always does, Jonathan remembered the plus side: “There are so many positives to take home,” he admitted. “The entire weekend was just an absolutely incredible experience. From my first time driving the Nordschleife at night as it bucketed down, to witnessing the wild scenes in the spectator areas as we raced past and the joy of qualifying third in such a competitive class. All such special memories.”

The reality however bites hard. “Honestly, this one hurts.” Jonathan summed it up. “Our entire team gave it absolutely everything, so huge thanks to my co-drivers Timo, Otto, and Fabian, it was a pleasure sharing the car with them. And of course, huge thanks to my incredible team, Max Kruse Racing, to Volkswagen Motorsport and all our partners. 

“Most importantly, we must say a special word of thanks to the few fans who made it all the way here this weekend, and to everyone back home for all the virtual support. Unfortunately our luck was unreal this weekend, so this one will take a bit to get over. But that’s just racing…”