Malaysian team, Viper Niza Racing scores first Overall Podium at 12 Hours of Nürburgring

Malaysia’s Viper Niza Racing Team secured its first overall podium in the Michelin 24H Series after finishing third in GT3 at the 12 Hours of Nürburgring on July 5.

The #65 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, driven by Douglas Khoo, Dominic Ang and Melvin Moh, also finished second in the GT3-AM class. The result marked the team’s best finish since joining the series last year.

Viper Niza started the event 11th in GT3 and fifth in GT3-AM before moving up the order through a combination of consistent pace, pit strategy and several Code 60 periods.

The team completed the opening six-hour leg on Saturday in third overall and first in GT3-AM after benefiting from the timing of a red flag caused by a crash involving the #921 Mühlner Motorsport entry.

Ang began the second half of the race on Sunday and briefly moved the car into the overall lead after 172 laps. Viper Niza later settled into second position, where Ang remained for almost two hours.

With 22 minutes remaining, the team called Ang in for fuel and fresh tyres. That stop temporarily dropped the Mercedes behind the Up2Race Porsche, the Continental Racing by Simpson Motorsport Audi and the Proton Competition Porsche.

The Audi and Proton Competition entries subsequently stopped for full service, while Up2Race driver F. Grosse took only additional fuel. The shorter stop allowed the Porsche to rejoin just ahead of Ang.

The final 11 minutes developed into a direct fight for second place. Ang had fresher tyres, but was unable to pass Grosse and crossed the finish line 0.4 seconds behind the Porsche.

Viper Niza therefore finished third overall, one lap behind the winning GetSpeed Team JR286 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, while also taking second in GT3-AM.

The media release states that the team completed 300 laps in the detailed race account, although its summary section lists 320 laps.

“This was the first time getting on the podium for the overall finish and that in itself is a big reason for us to celebrate,” said team principal and lead driver Douglas Khoo.

“Second overall was within grasp and the team mapped out a fantastic strategy over the weekend, but most importantly we stayed out of trouble, stayed in contention and ran the best race yet since joining the series last year.”

The result keeps Viper Niza third in the GT3-AM standings with 116 points, eight behind Hofor Racing and 14 behind championship leader GetSpeed Team JR286. The Malaysian team is also sixth in the overall GT3 standings with 76 points.

The final round of the Michelin 24H Series, the 24 Hours of Barcelona, is scheduled for September 18-20.