The Martin family at the 24 Hours of Spa has a total of no less than five victories. There is of course Jean-Michel who has won four Ardennes victories (79-80-87-92), including two with his brother Philippe (79-80), and of course Maxime, son of Jean-Michel, who won in 2016.
To the delight of those nostalgic for the double clock tower in Spa, Maxime will not only participate in the centenary with WRT but will also support his illustrious father during the historic touring car race as a prelude to the event. The car? A BMW M3 Group A, the model with which Jean-Michel won two of his four Ardennes crowns. Better still, he previously raced in the DTM with the example entered this week.
“It was an opportunity to meet again within the framework of the centenary,” Jean-Michel tells us.Maxime was able to free himself to do this race which counts for nothing, except the pleasure of riding together.” “Pushpapy” will thus abandon his sophisticated M4 GT3 to tame a much more archaic machine.Doing a father-son race remains exceptional and fun.” he specifies.It’s great that BMW and the organizer played along and let me do it. The history is different. I have less experience but above all we will have fun.”
guillementIn the 90s, the 24H was already a sprint with M3s that were both fast and reliable.
Maxime, who became an official BMW driver again a year ago after the Aston Martin hiatus, is naturally a source of pride for Jean-Michel.I’m proud that he gave the family a fifth victory,” he smiled.The Martins are thus co-record holders with Eric van de Poele. I admire that he has had a professional sports career for 15 years. It’s fantastic. We all know the sacrifices and results that it takes to one day be recruited by a factory and especially to stay there. It’s a great success.”
An admiration shared by Maxime.He was able to have a great sporting career while leading a brilliant professional career at the same time, and I admire him. He is a great example,” continues Valentino Rossi’s teammate on the M4 n°46.
Jean-Michel was able to experience the old Spa-Francorchamps, a terrible 14 km circuit. Maxime was not yet born when it closed its doors in 1978, but this piece of history nevertheless attracted his curiosity. “Since I love the big Nürburgring, I would have liked to race on it. I potentially have a soul from the 70s but in the end, the generations are different and we still have exceptional races today.” Jean-Michel, however, is not excited about returning to the 24 Hours in a current GT3. “Just to do a few laps. I don’t have the physique to drive these types of cars anymore. I prefer to leave that to the youngsters and the pros. I stay in the game with historic cars. It’s good that these races exist to keep our passion intact.”
guillementI potentially have the soul of a 70s pilot.
Two of his four victories in Spa have a special flavour for Jean-Michel. “1979 because it was with my brother Philippe. It was a great story because we were driving as a pair in those years. And then 1992 when we won by the skin of our teeth. At the time, the 24 Hours was already a sprint. The M3s were fast, sharp and reliable. Like today’s GT3s.”
After his success in 2016, Maxime will aim for a second crown this weekend. “A victory is already exceptional. I have my chances this year with Vale and Lello (Marciello). We have to see how the race will play out. A lot of rain is forecast. We’ll still have to be there at noon on Sunday and see where it takes us.”
And we bet that a success for Maxime Martin on the centenary of the 24 Hours would be a great symbol.
