Dan Harper made his return at NLS7 to the team where he earned his Nordschleife permit six years ago. FK Performance Motorsport stepped up from GT4 to GT3 machinery for the first time and immediately made good use of the BMW factory driver’s experience, finishing third in the SP9 class with the BMW M4 GT3, already having their sights set on the longer term.
To make an appearance at the Nordschleife was something that came out of the blue for the 25‑year‑old driver. “Very last minute, to be honest. I had a free weekend, so it was nice to be able to join them.”
Making a return to FK Performance Motorsport after so long means something special. “It was the team I did my first race with for BMW Motorsport six years ago, which is crazy. So yeah, it’s nice to be back.”
Elaborating further on what has changed since the last time he was with the team, he tells GT REPORT: “Everyone looks a bit older. It’s nice to see some familiar faces, obviously some new faces as well. I think they’ve grown into a very professional team, which is good to see. Obviously when I started we were in the BMW M240i. I don’t think they had a GT3 at that point. So they’ve come a long way. You see their performances in GT Masters and other series. They’re doing a very good job.”
The reason to return now to the team that became overall NLS champion and GT Masters vice‑champion was simple. “It’s FK’s first race with the GT3 on the Nordschleife. I think they just wanted somebody to try and help them get started. I’m here to try and help everybody.”
Making the transition from the BMW M4 GT4 to the GT3 on the Nordschleife, the British driver’s knowledge and experience came to good use for the team and its drivers Pavel Lefterov, Leyton Fourie and Maxime Oosten.
“The setup is very different on the Nordschleife compared to a Grand Prix circuit. Also for the drivers, it’s Maxime and Leyton’s first time in the GT3 on the Nordschleife. They all have a lot of learning. I did a couple of laps just to give them a lap time to look at and to try and chase. Just trying to be a little bit of a mentor to everyone.”
With valuable tips from this year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours podium finisher, the team finished P3 on their SP9 debut after the 6‑hour ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken‑Serie race.
The 2023 British GT champion hopes to see the team at the iconic Nürburgring 24‑hour race. “It’s not confirmed, but I guess that’s what their aim is; to try and do the 24H. I think it makes sense for a German team. I think that’s their goal. Of course, they need to find drivers that are willing to do it. Hopefully they will be our competition next year.”
