From Viper's Roar to Beetle's Buzz: This Race Team’s Wild New Nürburgring Challenge
Imagine trading in the thunderous roar of a Dodge Viper for the cheerful buzz of a VW Beetle. Sounds crazy? Well, that's exactly what the German race team White Angel for Fly & Help has done. Known for their iconic Dodge Viper Competition Coupe GT3, they've taken a left turn straight into the unexpected.
For years, the team’s Viper, lovingly known as the White Angel Viper, circled the infamous Nürburgring (also known as the Green Hell) and became a fan favorite. Competing in the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, they'd earned a beloved spot in the racing community. Sadly, the Viper’s production halt led to a cruel end; components became scarce, leaving the team no choice but to detach the beloved car from its racing duties.
You could almost hear the global automotive community sigh when Viper’s last lap at the 50th anniversary of the 24-hour race was confirmed. Bernd Albrecht, the team boss, revealed the struggle of waiting years for parts - a control unit from Australia, transmission parts that took ages, or a rear window specially ordered. The car hadn’t just aged; finding vital components had become an unmanageable scavenger hunt.
But giving up wasn’t on the team's menu. Enter the White Angel Beetle RSR. A month after retiring the Viper, the team was already immersed in the construction of a Volkswagen Beetle Cup Car, transforming it with a TCR-based turbocharged 2.0-liter engine capable of churning out 370 horsepower. The Beetle's transformation didn’t stop at the engine bay. This wasn’t your grandmother's bonnet ornament; this car received a thorough aerodynamic makeover, including beefed-up fenders and a show-stopping rear wing. It might still be front-wheel-drive for now, but an all-wheel-drive system is on the horizon, making for a tantalizingly unpredictable future.
This weekend marks the Beetle’s debut on Nürburgring’s North Loop, carrying forward the legacy of its predecessor with the same number 13. Competing in the SP 3T Class amongst 127 entrants from 23 classes, the newly christened Beetle will test its mettle in the grueling race, ensuring its presence is felt.
Beneath the adrenaline rush of racing, there’s a heartwarming mission. White Angel for Fly & Help proudly supports the Fly & Help Foundation, which aims to enhance global education. Thanks to the organization’s tremendous fundraising of over 37 million Euros, they’ve constructed more than 800 schools in developing countries, making education a reality for thousands of children. Racing serves a larger purpose here; it’s a vessel for change and hope.
Whether the Beetle conquers its maiden voyage or falters, this re-energized drive symbolizes more than just the mechanics of racing but signifies a commitment to a hopeful future. The White Angel Beetle isn’t just about roaring speeds and sleek designs but advancing a mission to make the world a better place - one race at a time.