The 2024 Sports Prototype Cup (SPC) returned to Zandvoort for rounds eight and nine, sharing the grid with the Dutch Supercar Challenge at the iconic Trophy of the Dunes event. Revolution was hoping to achieve a hat trick of overall wins in the Trophy of the Dunes, following victories in 2022 and 2023, but was denied the top spot after losing out to the eventual winner, who benefitted from pitting under a Virtual Safety Car (VSC).
This weekend brought a thrilling contrast to the season opener at the home of the Dutch Grand Prix. Instead of the sprint triple-header format seen in April, the event featured two one-hour endurance races, with the SPC grid merging with the Supercar Challenge. This created a strong 23-car grid of GT's and prototypes.
The weekend kicked off with a standout performance from 2016 Radical SR1 Cup champion James Taylor, who secured SPC pole position (3rd overall) in his debut outing in the new Revolution 500 EVO. Taylor, making his fourth appearance in the Cup, edged out Open class leaders Eddie van Dam and Mitchell van Dijk, both driving Radicals. Meanwhile, Ron Fletcher, fresh from a victory at Spa, made his Zandvoort debut in his brand-new Revolution 500 EVO, flying in from the USA, where he competes in the Revolution North America Cup.
Perfect racing conditions greeted the 23-car grid, with clear skies and cool autumn weather setting the stage for race one. Taylor's teammate, 2019 Sports Prototype Cup champion James Abbott, took an early lead, battling with the powerful BMW M6 GT3s of the Supercar Challenge. Meanwhile, Fletcher and van Dijk fought fiercely for position just behind them.
At the halfway point, Taylor took over the lead car and maintained a comfortable gap. However, in the closing laps, drama struck as Taylor was forced into a late splash-and-dash pit stop due to fuel concerns. Fletcher capitalised on the situation, showing remarkable consistency and claiming his second SPC win of the year, crossing the line just two seconds ahead of the recovering Taylor. Greaham Hofmans and Luuk van Wijngaarden completed the SPC podium in their Radical.
Race Two Brings Intense Battle for Victory
In race two, Taylor once again set the pace, building a commanding lead that seemed strong enough to secure the overall win in the prestigious Trophy of the Dunes. After handing the car over to Abbott during the pit stops, it looked like overall victory was within reach. However, a well-timed Virtual Safety Car worked in Fletcher's favour, allowing him to pit without losing significant time.
With 20 minutes left, Fletcher held a 15-second lead, but Abbott was closing in rapidly, gaining over two seconds per lap. What followed was a thrilling battle for the SPC lead, with Fletcher defending fiercely. Ultimately, Abbott made a decisive move through the fast Hunserug corners, securing the SPC win, though finishing second overall, narrowly missing out on the Trophy of the Dunes title due to the timing of the Virtual Safety Car.
The Sports Prototype Cup now moves to Assen on October 26-27, where the Open and Light classes will face off in two one-hour races, welcoming a variety of prototype models from LMP cars to Bikesports. Fans can look forward to more intense racing action as the season comes to a conclusion.
