The 47th edition of the ADAC TOTAL 24h Race at the Nürburgring was simultaneously one of the most spectacular. For Falken, this was its twentieth appearance, an occasion that was fittingly celebrated with over 400 tyre dealers and almost 50 journalists in front of around 230,000 enthusiastic fans.
During qualifying, Falken concentrated on a balanced race setup, foregoing any risky record laps. An 8:16.710 minute lap time qualified Klaus Bachler (A), Jörg Bergmeister (D), Martin Ragginger (A) and Dirk Werner (D) to start in 18th position in the #44 Porsche 911 GT3 R. Peter Dumbreck (GB), Stef Dusseldorp (NL), Alexandre Imperatori (CH) and Jens Klingmann (D) needed 8:23.130 minutes to complete the 25.378 kilometre-long circuit comprising Grand-Prix course and Nordschleife, and started in 31st position in the #33 BMW M6 GT3.
The race began without any incidents for either Falken racing car. But five hours into the race, a defect in the Porsche’s rear wheel – almost certainly caused by debris on the track – necessitated an extended repair break, knocking the 911 back from tenth to sixtieth position. But as the race proceeded, the Porsche quartet amazed onlookers with a methodical race to catch up, elbowing their way back to the Top 15. Unfortunately, however, a spin shortly before the end of the race called for another unscheduled pit stop, resulting ultimately in 21st finishing position.
The BMW M6 GT3 with car number 33 ploughed its way unspectacularly – but constantly – through the field, quickly assuming the role of BMW spearhead. Here, too, the experienced Falken drivers demonstrated their immense skills, bringing the ca. 500 hp bolide safely through a night characterised by numerous incidents and yellow phases, and demanding the very last reserves from drivers and team alike. Once again, the Falken tyres proved themselves to be the key to success, enabling fast and constant lap times.
At the end of the 24-hour race and a total 3,934 kilometres’ driving distance, the M6 GT3 BMW passed the well-earned chequered flag in 6th position.
The Falken race team will now be taking a summer break. The next race will be the fifth run of the VLN Endurance Championship, the 6 Hour ADAC Ruhr Cup Race at the Nürburgring on 03 August 2019.
Garages 
Tyres 
MOTs 
