STI NBR CHALLENGE

The SUBARU/STI team competed in the 51st Nürburgring 24-Hour Race from May 18 to 21 with a new race car based on the WRX S4 model. This challenge marked the team’s 16th attempt since 2008.

The SUBARU WRX NBR CHALLENGE 2023 featured a newly developed 2.4L direct-injection turbo engine and competed in the SP4T class for turbocharged cars between 2.0L and 2.6L. Carrying car number 114—the same as last year when the team was forced to retire—the team aimed for a class victory.

In qualifying on May 19, the team achieved its target of breaking the 9-minute barrier, securing the SP4T class pole position and 85th overall for the start of the 24-hour race. Starting driver Takuto Iguchi, known for his excellent fuel efficiency management, took the first stint.
The opening laps were incident-free despite fierce battles among the lead group, and all classes enjoyed a clean first hour. While many cars pitted for refueling after the formation lap plus seven laps, the SUBARU/STI team extended its stint and pitted at around 5:20 PM after the eighth lap. Starting from 85th, the team climbed to 46th overall before handing over to Carlo van Dam, Tim Schrick, and Hideki Yamauchi in succession.
Although the SUBARU WRX continued to lap strongly despite radio issues and an alternator problem, disaster struck at 5:37 AM—14 hours into the race—when a suspension failure caused the car to hit the guardrail, resulting in severe damage.

After 4.5 hours of repairs, including suspension and engine replacement, the SUBARU WRX returned to the race just after 11:00 AM in 101st position. From there, the team mounted a relentless comeback without further major issues.

At 16:07 on Sunday, May 21, the checkered flag waved for the 51st ADAC Nürburgring 24-Hour Race, which attracted 235,000 spectators. Despite spending 4.5 hours in the pits for repairs, car #114, the SUBARU WRX NBR CHALLENGE, completed 114 laps (approximately 2,893 km) to finish 77th overall and 2nd in the SP4T class.

Comment from Team Director Hideharu Tatsumi:
“We entered the race with a new engine and a new car, but faced many challenges and unfortunately were unable to deliver the result Subaru fans expected. This experience truly reminded me how demanding the Nürburgring race is. Still, I am deeply grateful to the drivers, mechanics, and engineers who gave their utmost effort under difficult circumstances and ultimately brought the car to the checkered flag.”