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Audi Sport to End Factory-Supported GT3 Programs

Automobile company, sport outfit, Audi Sport customer racing will shutter its factory-supported GT3 activities and eliminate its works driver pool at the end of the year as part of a major restructuring from the German manufacturer.

Confirmed in a memo sent to its customer teams on Tuesday, Audi Sport customer racing is set to end its ‘strategic operations’ while also halting new sales of its GT2, GT3, GT4 and TCR models “after Q1 2024.”

The homologations of these cars, which are still available for order, will be extended by at least one cycle, with on-site customer support service set to continue for the foreseeable future.

Speaking with Sportscar365, Head of Audi Sport customer racing Chris Reinke explained that a decision from the board was made on Monday, with Audi Sport managing director Rolf Michl deciding to inform its partners and customers today of the developments.

“In short notice, we had the possibility today, all day, to first talk to the employees, the drivers, to the team bosses to our satellite [offices] overseas, and so on, to share our plans,” Reinke said.

“On top of that we sent out [a memo] to our clients to explain what’s going on, because at the end, it’s a transformation of our main business scope.

“But as it’s the most important out of my perspective, it is the confirmation of Audi Sport customer racing’s future.

“All of the cars which are in the hands of customers, we will provide engineering support, we will re-homologate. We have an engineering team who will bug fix, if bugs come up and all that.

“We will continue to give 100 percent support to all those cars in the hands of customers, also for the future. It’s not the end of Audi Sport customer racing.”

Reinke said its strategic programs in Fanatec GT World Challenge and DTM will continue through the end of this year prior to a refocusing entirely on customer racing beginning in 2024.

Among the factory drivers affected in Audi Sport’s 14-driver pool are Christopher Mies, Frederic Vervisch, Christopher Haase, Markus Winkelhock, Mattia Drudi, Ricardo Feller and Patric Niederhauser.

A number of others, including Rene Rast, Kelvin van der Linde, Dries Vanthoor and Robin Frijns, had departed the German manufacturer prior to this year.

“We have informed [them] today that we won’t have the possibility to run them in the pro environment, which is the base of the lineup today,” Reinke said.

“We will now get into one-by-one dialogue and see how we can support and depart with the best manner and see how we can respectfully find a solution for each single one of them.”

Reinke said the reason behind the restructuring was two-fold, directly influenced by the end of production for the R8 road car as well as Audi’s newly announced venture into Formula 1 beginning in 2026.

With Audi Sport’s strategic operations mostly focused on the European market, following its earlier withdrawal from Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli, Reinke said the changes will not have a significant impact on customers in other regions.

He indicated that the Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II, for example, could theoretically be eligible to race until 2032, per the FIA’s rule that allows cars to be homologated for up to eight years after the end of its road car production.

Additionally, Audi’s customer support network will remain unchanged.

“Audi Sport customer racing will be out there,” Reinke said. “It will be the same people, the same staff.

“They will continue on the customer management side, the race track engineers, the spare part trucks, the complete parts logistics will be run, as before unchanged, out of Neuburg.”

Reinke said a total of 600 cars have been sold to approximately 200 operators worldwide, which he foresees to be largely unaffected.

“If I look into Australia, into China, into the U.S., they have now guaranteed support, which we never put into question, but if they have the desire for a confirmation, now they have it,” he said.

“The far majority run independent efforts and will have all of the possibilities from our end to keep running independent [programs] also for the future.”

Future Projects Undecided at Audi Sport Customer Racing

Reinke added that Audi has not ruled out future projects in the sports car racing world, although none have been decided as of now.

“From my perspective, there are quite a few very interesting projects at the moment up in the air for decision,” he said. “It’s my absolute hope that we get those decided very soon. But as long as they’re not decided, they’re not to be communicated.

“I really hope, also to keep the team together at Audi Sport customer racing, that we can use the potential and capability and talent within our operation for future projects.”

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Marketing & Sponsorship

Lagos Sports Commission DG, Gaslink Commission Newly Refurbished Elegbata Sports Centre

Lagos State Sports scores another milestone in the public/private partnership with the recently commissioned Elegbata Sports Centre, Elegbata on Lagos Island.

Director General Lekan Fatodu led top management staff of the Lagos State Sports Commission to the Elegbata Sports Centre for the brief commissioning of the sports centre.

Also on hand was the Managing Director, Gas Distribution Axxela, Kehinde Alabi who also came along with some staff of the company.

Sports Marketing International reports that Gaslink refurbished the playing turf, perimeter fence, spectator gallery stand, and improved the overall aesthetic of the sports centre.

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Niger Delta Sports Festival: Akwa Ibom ready to host – Gov Umoh Eno

 

The maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival has received a major boost with the assurance by the Akwa Ibom State Government of its readiness to host.

The State Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umoh Eno, gave the assurance on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission led by the Managing Director, Dr Sam Ogbuku, accompanied Executive Director, Sector Directors, and the Project Consultants, Dunamis Icon, to brief the Governor on the objectives for instituting the multi sports competition and plans for its successful realisation.

Thanking the NDDC for initiating the festival and choosing Akwa Ibom State as host of the maiden edition, Gov Enoh said the visit by the NDDC shows it’s seriousness on the project.

“We thank you for the privilege to host. Your visit shows your seriousness, and there is no way we will reject it.

“The festival will promote the unity in our diversity and also help the local economy through the various commercial activities, from patronage of hotels, food, transportation and other things involved.

“We will set up a small committee to work with you to deliver the event. We look forward to welcoming the Niger Delta, and together, we will have a good time.”

On the availability of required sports facilities, the governor expressed pleasure that successive administrations in the state have contributed to the stock.

“These facilities have come through the combination of works done by each administration. The Godswill Akpabio Stadium done by our present Senate President has stood the test of time, and it also takes great efforts to maintain and sustain it.”

L-R: MD of NDDC, Dr Sam Ogbuku; Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umoh Eno; NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai; and Exective Director, Corporate Services, Hon Ifedayo Abegunde

 

Earlier in his address, the NDDC Managing Director said the key objectives of the initiative is to foster regional integration, project the identity of the region as a leader in Nigerian sports, and support the partner the states in the discovery and harnessing of talents for the attainment of gainful sporting careers and national excellence in international competitions.

“The Niger Delta is a leading sports hub in Nigeria. The region has produced great sports legends, but when we do not do something to sustain that, there will be a decline.

“We have done very well in our interventions on roads, bridges, education, health, the provision of infrastructure in various other sectors, and as we mark the 25th anniversary of the NDDC, we are starting with intervention in sports.

“We have had a meeting with the commissioners for sports of the nine states, and they are excited and confirmed their participation in the festival.”

“We chose Akwa Ibom after having confirmed that the state has the facilities for competition in the featured sports and we would only need to do a few touches on some of them, with the Godswill as the main venue.”

Rhe NDDC entourage included Sir Victor Antai, Executive Director, Projects; Hon Ifedayo Abegunde, Executive Director, Corporate Services; Apostle Edikan Nkono, Akwa Ibom representative on the board of the NDDC; Directors of various operational departments; Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, Chairman of Dunamis Icon Limited, and other officers of the company.

The Niger Delta Sports Festival is scheduled for April 1 to 8, 2025, with Uyo as the host city.

The activities would start with state trials and selection process, which the organisers say would begin from the local government areas and across the 85 federal constituencies in the region.

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Marketing & Sponsorship

BetKing Gears Up for Its 7th Anniversary with Exciting Giveaways for Customers Across Nigeria

BetKing Gears Up for Its 7th Anniversary with Exciting Giveaways for Customers Across Nigeria

Seven years ago, a new chapter in Nigeria’s gaming industry began with the launch of BetKing. Built on a foundation of innovation and excellence, it has since risen to the top, transforming sports, virtual and casino gaming, creating opportunities for countless winners across the country.

As BetKing approaches its 7th anniversary on February 22, 2025, the journey has been nothing short of remarkable. What started as an ambition to provide a premium betting experience has evolved into a brand that champions empowerment, community development, and business growth. To mark the occasion, BetKing is giving back to the players who have been part of this incredible journey, offering exciting rewards worth over 50 million naira, including cash prizes, free bets, iPhones, PS5 consoles, and more throughout February 2025.

Nengi Akinola, Head of Marketing, BetKing, shares the excitement surrounding the anniversary celebrations: “BetKing is all about giving back to our customers, and our 7th anniversary is the perfect time to do just that. We are rolling out an exciting reward campaign, where players will have the opportunity to win fantastic prizes simply by engaging with our platform. From free bets to the latest smartphones and gaming consoles, we’re making it more rewarding than ever to bet with the best betting site in Nigeria.”

“Over the past seven years, BetKing has not only redefined sports betting in Nigeria but has also built a legacy of impact, innovation, and empowerment. Our journey has been fueled by the unwavering support of our customers, agents, and business partners. She added.

This anniversary reflects past successes and an opportunity to reward players who have made BetKing the best betting site in Nigeria. The brand’s commitment to its customers is evident in the scale of its reward campaign.

As one of the best betting apps in the market, BetKing continues to set the pace for a user-friendly, secure, and rewarding gaming experience. As the company looks ahead, the commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction remains stronger than ever.

The anniversary rewards campaign runs from February 1st to 28th, 2025, and players can participate by placing bets via the BetKing website or mobile app for a chance to win.

For more details on how to join the celebration, visit www.betking.com. Here’s to seven years of winning, and many more to come.

 

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