Outzen leaving the DTC for sportscars

Former Chevrolet driver, Michael Outzen, has just confirmed that he will leave the Danish Touringcar Championship for now, and instead drive an Audi R8 LMS for Phoenix Racing in the ADAC GT Masters. Outzen came third in the 2008 DTC championship, and has been negotiating with both DTC and sportscar teams for a 2009 deal. Outzen debuted with an Aston Martin Vantage V8 GT2 in the Le Mans Series last year.

“The whole deal came through as late as yesterday, but obviously it has been very much a work in progress for the last few months. As you know, it is hard to find sponsors these days. But this is the best thing that could happen to me,” Outzen explains.

Phoenix Racing is active in both the DTM series for Audi, as well as the ADAC GT Masters with the newly launched Audi R8 LMS. “Phoenix is really an experienced team, and I am really looking forward to getting started. Of course I am aware of their DTM engagement with Audi, so this is very much a dream come true.”

“We will start testing either at the end of March, or the start of April. I am looking forward to see the car in the flesh; I have only seen it on pictures. It is a very balanced and fast car, which Audi Sport has built.”

“I will work hard to be both physically and mentally prepared. Because Phoenix is a top team, and they will expect me to excel from the word go.”

“I am still working on a project concerning the DTC, but I will be missing two races, due to the ADAC GT Masters racing calendar. And obviously only a few teams are willing to accept this. But I would love to come home to Denmark, and race in the DTC.”

“It’s a great series, and I have the highest regard for the Danish racing public. So my plan so far is to race a few guest races, not least to show of my Danish sponsors, who have made all this possible.“

“I am really looking forward to this, as I mentioned I have only seen the R8 LMS on pictures. So I am a very happy guy!”

The first ADAC GT Masters race will be held on April 13th.