McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Trio to Enter Total 24 Hours of Spa

The 12C GT3 is the first race car converted from a McLaren road car to make a 24 hour race debut since the McLaren F1 GTR at Le Mans in 1995. As we previously reported, McLaren GT is using the 2011 race season to develop the 12C GT3, with 20 cars due for delivery to privateer teams for GT3 series racing in 2012.

The next challenge the company’s latest contender is to face will take place on July 30-31, when a trio of MP4-12C GT3 race cars will compete at Spa-Francorchamps.

The event in question is Total 24 Hours of Spa, which will see no less than ten drivers pilot the three cars. The McLaren GT driver line-up for the Total 24 Hours of Spa includes CRS Racing Team Principal Andrew Kirkaldy and McLaren Automotive Chief Test driver Chris Goodwin.

“I was very happy with the performance of the 12C GT3 in its debut race at Spa; the 12C GT3 was reliable, fast and easy to drive,” Goodwin stated. “This level of endurance racing is a crucial test for the car technically, and we need the best possible team working with us to ensure we receive intelligent, objective feedback on the 12C GT3 driving experience. We will use this feedback as we continue to develop the car in readiness for customers to go racing next year.”

“We will be taking the opportunity at Spa to work with a future McLaren GT customer, VonRyan Racing. We want to develop close relationships with all our customer race teams and this experience will be valuable in developing our customer support programme for 2012 and beyond,” he added.