24 Hours of Zuidhaven

24 Hours of Zuidhaven

Venue	Zuidhaven International Circuit
Location	Zuidhaven, Orioni
Corporate sponsor	Onotech
First race	1994
Last race	2024
Duration	24 Hours
Circuit information
Length	3.703 km (2.301 mi)
Turns	13

The 24 Hours of Zuidhaven is a yearly sports car and touring car endurance race held at the Zuidhaven International Circuit in Orioni. The race was first held in 1994, and has run every year except for 2008. The winner of the race is the car that covers the greatest distance in 24 hours. This differs from fixed-distance races, where the winner is determined by the fastest time. For this reason, the racing teams must balance two factors. The car must reach high speeds, while also running for 24 hours without failure.

The winning teams in each category of the 1000 km of Zuidhaven also earn an automatic invitation to the 24 Hours of Zuidhaven. The top three teams from the KAP World Grand Prix also receive a free invitation to the event.

Since its inception in 1994, the 24 Hours of Zuidhaven has grown in prominence and prestige, attracting top racing teams and manufacturers from around the world. The race's history is marked by thrilling battles for the lead, dramatic weather conditions, and numerous records being set and broken. The event was not held in 2008 due to economic reasons but has continued uninterrupted since 2009.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the 24 Hours of Zuidhaven is to test the durability, reliability, and efficiency of sports cars and touring cars in a demanding endurance race. The event also serves as a showcase for manufacturers to display their automotive technology and racing prowess. The race attracts attention from motorsports enthusiasts and automotive industry professionals alike, promoting technological advancements and innovations within the automotive sector.

Race

Cars

The race features a diverse range of vehicles, divided into various classes based on engine size, weight, and other performance-related factors. This allows for fair competition between different types of cars, while still encouraging innovation and development within each class. Manufacturers often use the 24 Hours of Zuidhaven as a testing ground for new technologies and designs, which may eventually be implemented in their production vehicles.

Drivers

Competing in the 24 Hours of Zuidhaven requires a team of skilled drivers who can maintain high levels of concentration and consistency for extended periods of time. Driver line-ups typically consist of three to four drivers per car, who rotate through driving stints during the race. The teams must strike a balance between aggressive driving for maximum speed and a more conservative approach to conserve fuel, tires, and mechanical components.

Circuit

The Zuidhaven International Circuit is a 3.703 km (2.301 mi) track with a combination of 13 fast and slow turns, chicanes, and straightaways, presenting a challenging course for drivers and cars alike. The varied layout requires a strong focus on technical driving skills and vehicle setup to achieve the best balance between speed and endurance. The circuit's demanding nature has contributed to its reputation as a true test of both driver and machine.

History

1994-2003

The first decade of the 24 Hours of Zuidhaven saw a rapid rise in the race's popularity and attracted a growing number of renowned teams and drivers. The inaugural race in 1994 was won by Team Phoenix Racing, driving a !Porsche 911 GT2. The victory marked the beginning of an era of intense competition and innovation.

In 1996, the race was dominated by Scuderia !Ferrari, with their !Ferrari F40 taking the overall victory. This marked the first win for the !Italian manufacturer, which would go on to achieve multiple victories in the coming years.

The turn of the millennium saw the emergence of a new dominant force, as !Audi Sport Team !Joest clinched the overall victory in 2000 with their revolutionary !Audi R8. This marked the beginning of a winning streak for !Audi, which would continue into the next decade.

2004-2013

The second decade of the 24 Hours of Zuidhaven was characterized by fierce competition among top manufacturers and the introduction of advanced technologies in the race cars. !Audi continued its dominance with four consecutive victories from 2004 to 2007, solidifying its status as a powerhouse in endurance racing.

The race was not held in 2008 due to economic reasons, but it returned in 2009 with renewed vigor. That year, Team !Peugeot Total secured victory with their !Peugeot 908 HDi FAP, ending !Audi's winning streak and marking the beginning of a new era of competition.

In 2012, !Toyota Gazoo Racing entered the fray with their hybrid-powered !Toyota TS030, capturing the overall victory and setting the stage for a new era of hybrid technology in endurance racing.

2014-2023

Fireworks at the 24 Hours in 2014.

The third decade of the 24 Hours of Zuidhaven continued to showcase cutting-edge technology and intense rivalries among the world's top racing teams. In 2015, !Porsche Team returned to the top step of the podium with their !Porsche 919 Hybrid, setting a new standard for hybrid performance in endurance racing.

The race saw multiple winners throughout this period, with !Audi, !Toyota, and !Porsche all claiming victories. In 2019, Aston Martin Racing captured their first overall win with the !Aston Martin Valkyrie, demonstrating the prowess of their new hyper-car.

In 2023, the 24 Hours of Zuidhaven celebrated its 30th anniversary with a thrilling race that was eventually won by !Mercedes-AMG Team HRT, driving the !Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. The victory highlighted the continued evolution of automotive technology and the enduring appeal of endurance racing.

Throughout its history, the 24 Hours of Zuidhaven has been a showcase for innovation, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence. The race continues to captivate fans around the world and serves as a proving ground for the automotive industry's latest advancements.

Innovations

Aerodynamics

Throughout the years, teams have consistently pushed the boundaries of aerodynamic efficiency in their quest for victory. Innovations in this area have led to significant improvements in downforce, reduced drag, and more efficient cooling systems. The lessons learned from racing have often found their way into production cars, enhancing their performance and fuel efficiency.

Engines

The 24 Hours of Zuidhaven has also seen considerable advancements in engine technology. Manufacturers have developed engines that are more powerful, fuel-efficient, and reliable under extreme conditions. Innovations in turbocharging, hybrid systems, and alternative fuels have been tested and refined in the crucible of endurance racing.

Brakes

Brake technology has also improved over time, with teams developing more effective and durable braking systems to handle the high-speed, high-stress conditions of the race. Advancements in materials, cooling, and brake-by-wire systems have contributed to better performance and increased safety.

Accidents

As with any motorsport event, the 24 Hours of Zuidhaven has seen its share of accidents and incidents. The race organizers and the participating teams prioritize driver safety and have implemented numerous measures to reduce the risk of accidents. Improved car designs, enhanced safety features, and stricter regulations have all contributed to a reduction in the number and severity of accidents over the years.

One notable example of a racing accident occurred during a nighttime portion of the 24 Hours of Zuidhaven race. Two cars, representing Team !Lunar Racing and !North Star Motorsports, collided at high speed in one of the circuit's most challenging turns. Debris scattered across the track, and both cars came to a halt, their drivers momentarily stunned by the impact.

Race officials and marshals responded quickly to the incident, waving yellow flags to alert other drivers to the danger and dispatching the safety car to control the pace of the race. Marshals, easily identifiable by their bright orange overalls, rushed to the scene of the accident carrying fire extinguishers and other emergency equipment.

Upon arriving at the accident site, marshals and medical staff were relieved to find that the safety measures implemented by race organizers had been effective in protecting the drivers. The advanced crash structures and energy-absorbing materials of the cars had minimized the impact on the drivers. Additionally, the use of helmets and HANS (Head and Neck Support) devices had prevented serious head or neck injuries.

The marshals and medical staff worked quickly to clear the track of debris and ensure the safe extraction of the drivers from their vehicles. Drivers were checked for any injuries and provided immediate care as necessary. Thanks to the rapid response of race personnel and the strict safety measures in place, the severity of the accident was minimized, and the race continued with minimal disruption.

The Zuidhaven International Circuit's history of accidents has demonstrated the effectiveness of safety measures and the importance of a swift response from race officials and marshals. The circuit continues to prioritize driver safety, constantly seeking to improve safety standards and protect participants in the high-stakes world of endurance racing.

Coverage

The 24 Hours of Zuidhaven has gained significant media attention, with live broadcasts and comprehensive coverage from various networks around the world. Fans can also follow the race through live-streaming, social media updates, and dedicated websites. This extensive coverage has helped the event grow in popularity and reach a broader audience, while also providing valuable exposure for the participating teams and sponsors.