BOSTON (August 22, 2018) – Following a win at the Bathurst 12 Hour and a competitive showing at the most recent 24 Hours of Spa, Black Swan Racing and No. 54 Porsche 911 GT3 R will head to this weekend’s Suzuka 10 Hours in Japan ready to take on the next round of International GT Challenge (IGTC) competition. With long-time pairing Tim Pappas and Jeroen Bleekemolen once again joined by Marc Miller, the trio are ready to take on a very strong field in the series’ Pro-Am category.
 
“It’s going to be a tough event, but one we’re all really looking forward to,” stated Black Swan Racing team owner and driver Tim Pappas. “Suzuka is one of the most infamous circuits in the world, notoriously very fast and very demanding, but also one of the most historic events we could be a part of. The heat and humidity we faced in Spa was definitely a challenge, but it’s said Japan this time of year will be even more difficult. As one of the shorter events of the year it will be critical for us to be perfect, but we’re confident in our ability to not only find speed but make the right strategic calls.”
 
As a 3.6-mile, 18-turn course, the demands of Suzuka are unlike any other on the IGTC calendar. With a near endless series of flowing, switchback corners, Suzuka is famous for not only its challenge for drivers but also high speeds. Returning with Porsche, it’s always an unknown just how the unique characteristics of the GT3 R will fair, but optimism remains high.
 
For Jeroen Bleekemolen, despite his years of experience in sportscar, Suzuka presents a new challenge.
 
“I’ve actually never been to Suzuka, but it’s one of those circuits every driver wants to do,” stated Bleekemolen. “It’s tough to say how we’ll run, but it should be a really fun circuit in the Porsche, and with a little luck on our side I believe we can show well.”
 
For Marc Miller, another event to add to his bucket list is one he’s greatful.
 
"I have always been a very big fan of the Japanese auto and motorsport culture, not to mention cuisine, so this will be an amazing event to be a part of on a personal level,” stated Miller. “The three of us have never been there so I spent a considerable amount of time preparing on the simulator and studying video. It is supposed to be hot and possibly rainy so each lap we make will be important. I feel, however, that we will be in contention for a solid finish when it comes down to it."
 
Returning with the Porsche 911 GT3 R, the No. 54 crew arrived this week prepared to take on the heat and humidity, with Sunday’s 10-hour placing a unique challenge of speed against endurance.
 
Practice begins this Friday, August 24, with the race taking place on Sunday, August 26. With the difference in time zones, in U.S. terms the race will actually start at 10PM ET on Saturday, August 25.