BOSTON (July 2, 2018) – With high hopes to continue where they left at the most recent Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC) race at the Bathurst 12 Hour, Black Swan Racing is proud to announce their 24 Hours of Spa debut during this month’s event, looking to add a third consecutive victory to their series’ record. Taking place at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit in in Stavelot, Belgium, the famed green Porsche 911 GT3 R will take to the track with Black Swan regulars Tim Pappas and Jeroen Bleekemolen, joined by Porsche legend Marc Lieb, as well as American sportscar veteran Marc Miller. In a year that has included debut races at the 24 Hours of Le Mans as well as 12 Hours of Bathurst, Spa will continue an incredible “bucket list” of events in 2018.
 
“The 24 Hours of Spa is an event that every sportscar driver dreams of one day being a part of,” stated Black Swan Racing team owner and driver Tim Pappas. “The circuit is one of the most historic in the world, and as part of the IGTC we hope to continue the momentum we’ve achieved so far. I’m thrilled to have Jeroen back again to continue our history, Marc Lieb was an instrumental part of our race at Bathurst, and Marc Miller will be new to the team but with a strong and reliable endurance record.”

As a four-driver lineup set to conquer the 4.3-mile, 19-turn circuit with nearly six decades of heritage, the amassed experience in the team’s Spa lineup will be unmatched.
 
Jeroen Bleekemolen is one of the most noted drivers on the roster, having been a part of nearly every major success for the team. Beyond his two ALMS championships, Sebring victory, as well as Bathurst win with Black Swan, Jeroen has independently taken victory at Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, Dubai, and multiple sportscar and open wheel series.
 
“Winning at Spa is one of the last remaining milestones in my career,” stated Bleekemolen. “Growing up in the Netherlands, this is one of the closest major races to where I was raised, and it remains unfinished business for me. Our last IGTC race at Bathurst was incredible, and I’m hopeful we can continue that in to Spa.”
 
Part of Black Swan’s Bathurst victory, Marc Lieb joins as a legend of Porsche machinery, and a previous winner at Spa. One of the most noted drivers in the history of the Porsche marque, Lieb also has one overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, three additional class victories, a WEC overall World Championship, two class victories at Bathurst, and multiple GT category championships.
 
 “Of course I am hoping to pick up where we left off at Bathurst,” stated Lieb. “The team at Black Swan is very good and have a great approach to their racing. Spa is unlike any other circuit we go to, and we’ll have to be very patient but also maintain a strong pace, which is a tough combination to achieve. Everyone on the team has a lot of experience and hopefully that will pay off, I’m looking forward to it.”
 
Finally, new to the team, as well as Spa, is American sportscar veteran Marc Miller. A winner in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, Miller joins as one of the most experience endurance specialists in the world. Known for his solid and reliable approach, Marc is a two-time competitor at Le Mans, a winner at Petit Le Mans, and has competed in ever major American endurance race including the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Marc currently competes in the full endurance championship of the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship.
 
“I couldn’t be more appreciative of the opportunity,” stated Miller. “The 24 Hours of Spa is something I couldn’t turn down, and with a lineup like we have, we’re all very optimistic about our chances. Obviously a lot of things can happen in 24 hours, and Spa is a circuit where a lot of things can change, but we’re all very focused. I’m extremely grateful to Tim and everyone at Black Swan Racing for making this a reality.”
 
While the 24-hour race itself will take place on the weekend of July 28 and 29, the first day of testing is in fact right around the corner, with tomorrow, July 3 slated for the event’s official pre-season test.