Reigning 24H Series SP3 class Champion, Devon Modell, remains with the title-winning Speedworks Motorsport team for a second consecutive year and the 24-year old from Kent intends to initiate his title defence with a victory in the forthcoming Dubai 24 Hours curtain-raiser (14-16 January).
Modell, his gentleman co-driver John Gilbert and Speedworks Motorsport had a relatively straightforward run to last year’s 24H Series Drivers’ and Teams’ crowns, as driver errors were few and far between and mechanical maladies infrequent and minor during the international tour of six of the world’s most prestigious racetracks.
A podium finish in the 2015 edition of the Dubai 24 Hours set in motion a sensational unbroken run of top three results, but Modell shone in other high profile endurance racing categories and most notably scaled the winners’ rostrum in the 2015 Total 24 Hours of Spa in Belgium’s Ardennes Forest.
The burgeoning 24H Series powered by HANKOOK has been officially sanctioned by world motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, and this has sparked more interest from high calibre teams and drivers, with a 100-car entry turning out for the championship’s flagship race and season-opener at the Dubai Autodrome.
But despite facing greater opposition, a bullish Modell will reunite with his Speedworks Motorsport-prepared Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4, which has been lightened and improved with upgraded transmission, and believes he can get his title defence off to the best possible start by taking a win in the Middle East.
“We did very well in last year’s Dubai 24 Hours and I hope the Aston Martin will be even more effective this time around, having had some weight taken out and a new gearbox installed,” said Modell. “The transmission was the weakest part of the car in 2015 and, while I haven’t driven the new box yet, I know Aston Martin Racing wouldn’t have released it if they weren’t completely sure it’s an improvement.
“Considering what John (Gilbert) and I achieved together last season, we can only hope for more this year. First position is the target, but there’s stiff opposition and the SP3 class is possibly the most competitive. You know you’ve done well if you walk away with a result. Having 100 cars on the circuit will make qualifying and staying out of trouble during the race harder; you need a lot of faith in your opponents and I think the quality of the entries suggests driving standards will be relatively high.”
Modell added: “I simply intend to get in the car and drive as quickly as possible. John is going to take a lot of confidence into this season as he’s on a much better footing, being familiar with the whole experience; he handles himself very well, keeps the car clean and laps competitively.”