Subaru campaigning Impreza STI at Nurburgring 24-hour race

Subaru has announced its participation in the 37th ADAC Zurich 24-Hour Race (AKA the 24-Hours of Nurburgring) with a Subaru Technica International-modified Impreza STI. The WRX will be campaigning in the SP3T class (comprised of turbo'd cars with a displacement of 2.0 liters), with Kazuo Shimizu, Toshihiro Yoshida, Naoki Hattori and Koji Matsuda manning the helm during the enduro.

According to Subaru, the team's objective is to "collect data and verify technical know-how" and use the knowledge it gleans from the race to improve the STI's development. The modifications are standard race-car fare, with a stripped interior and safety equipment, along with a number of body stiffening components and a "Flexible Tower Bar."

Subaru's set up a micro-site to track the team's progress and will supposedly have live timing and results when the event gets underway in May. Press release below the fold.

[Source: Subaru via WCF]

PRESS RELEASE

STI, Impreza to contest Nurburgring 24-hour race

This May, SUBARU Tecnica International (STI) heads to the Nurburgring circuit for the "37th ADAC Zurich 24 Hour Race" (24 Hours of the Nurburgring) with an originally tuned version of the Impreza WRX STI aiming for a class victory.

The ADAC Zurich 24-hour race takes place at the course of 25.378km in total, and is the largest endurance event in the world, with more than 200 cars participating, familiarized by European manufacturers who enter every year. STI particularly and practically uses 20.832kms "Nordschleife" (also called "Old Course"), known as intensively severe course, as a proofing ground for STI developed vehicles. STI's objective to participate this event is to collect data and verify technical know-how, and also to learn out of this race for future STI vehicle development. STI's vehicle development is focused on further enhancing the unique ride quality which can be characterized by the theme, "Strength and nimbleness".

The participating car is Impreza WRX STI built and tuned exclusively by STI, adopting "Flexible Tower Bar", along with a variety of original chassis and body stiffener and components. Modifications also include weight-reduction and safety equipment installation.

The car will participate in the SP3T class (for turbo-equipped machines with an engine displacement of 2.0litter). STI will conduct the team management for this race, supervised by Hideharu Tatsumi (STI's General Manager of Vehicle Experiment Division), while racing the car are four highly experienced professional Japanese drivers.
Entrant name : SUBARU TECNICA INTERNATIONAL(STI)
Participating car : SUBARU Impreza WRX STI(GRB type)
Horizontally opposed 4-cylinder EJ20
2.0litter DOHC turbo / SYMMETRICAL AWD
Suspension : Front - strut, rear - double wishbone
Vehicle manufacturer : STI
Team director : Hideharu Tatsumi
(STI General Manager of Vehicle Experiment Division)
Drivers : Kazuo Shimizu, Toshihiro Yoshida
Naoki Hattori, Koji Matsuda


STI NBR CHALLENGE web
www.subaru-sti.co.jp/e/nbr24h2009/