After a preparatory phase behind the scenes in 2023, Bas Koeten Racing introduced a new program at the beginning of 2024: Motorsport Techlabs. The focus is on developing crew, drivers, and innovative technologies. Various projects will drive this forward within motorsport. The latest step in this initiative is the collaboration with driver Calvin de Groot, who announced this week that he will participate in the NXT Gen Cup this season, the world’s first 100% electric touring car class. This weekend, the young West Frisian will start in no less than four races during the prestigious DTM event at the Norisring. Three more DTM events will follow later this year: Nürburgring, Sachsenring, and Hockenheim.
Jelle Koeten: “At Bas Koeten Racing, people, ambitions, knowledge, and technology come together. The success of a racing event largely depends on the knowledge, experience, and cooperation between drivers and crew. That’s why talent development has been an integral part of our organization for years. It’s an essential component of our mission to consistently deliver top performances on the track. Moreover, we believe that fostering and supporting talent not only enriches the sport as a whole but also prepares young drivers and crew for a promising future in motorsport or beyond. Our approach works: year after year, we produce champions in various racing classes. We offer a stepping stone to the highest levels of motorsport. Calvin has several years of experience in motorsport, first in the Citroen C1 Cup, then in the Ford Fiesta Sprint Cup, and he is now making a serious step up to the NXT Gen Cup. We will support him in this because we believe in Calvin’s potential and want to drive innovation in motorsport.”
Calvin de Groot (20) is not only active as a driver but also coaches a group of young karting talents and spends considerable hours on the racing simulator. Recently, he became a certified Technical Engineer and has successfully competed in the Dutch Championship Ford Fiesta Sprint Cup over the past year and a half. De Groot: “Last year, I wouldn’t have dared to dream that I would already be making this step to the NXT Gen Cup. This spring, I participated in a collective test day with this 100% electric race car at the Misano circuit, and I was the fastest in 7 out of 8 sessions. Driving this cup car was phenomenal, and the equality in performance will definitely lead to amazing races. For me as a driver, it’s important that I can compete with equal weapons against other drivers. Four DTM events with a total of 12 races provide a great platform to showcase myself.”
Bas Koeten adds: “We will not only support Calvin in the NXT Gen Cup, but he will also join us in spreading our message about technical innovations in motorsport. Calvin is an ambassador of our Motorsport Techlabs program, and he will join us in presentations, lectures, and meetings. The cross-pollination with student projects we are already running, as well as projects we will start from September, is important to us. We will also involve Calvin in several digital concepts we are developing, more on that later. Through Motorsport Techlabs, we offer a unique opportunity to experience the dynamic world of motorsport up close, discover and develop talent, gain hands-on experience, and learn from professionals who have already made their mark.”