Celebrating Excellence: DTM Champions Shine at the Sport Bild Motorsport Awards
At the Sport Bild Motorsport Awards, DTM stars shone brightly. Thomas Preining received the "Golden Racing Shoe" for his outstanding season. DTM legend Ellen Lohr was honored for her 30-year career, and the Schaeffler Innovation Taxi, showcasing cutting-edge tech, won Innovation of the Year.
n a grand showcase of talent and innovation, the Sport Bild Motorsport Awards recently honored outstanding contributors from the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) racing series in Berlin. This prestigious event, a highlight in the motorsport calendar, celebrated the remarkable achievements of DTM champions, with special focus on Austrian ace Thomas Preining, DTM's first female race winner Ellen Lohr, and the pioneering Schaeffler Innovation Taxi.
Thomas Preining: A New Feather in the Cap of the DTM Champion
The Sport Bild Motorsport Awards saw DTM champion Thomas Preining adding another trophy to his cabinet. Preining, who emerged as the top racing driver of the 2023 season, was bestowed with the "Golden Racing Shoe" by the renowned sports magazine Sport Bild. This accolade marks a significant milestone in Preining's already illustrious career in the DTM. Representing Preining at the Axel Springer Journalistenclub in Berlin, ADAC Motorsport Director Thomas Voss accepted the award, underlining Preining's status among the greats in DTM history.
Ellen Lohr: DTM Legend Celebrated for Three Decades of Racing Excellence
Ellen Lohr's legendary status in the DTM universe was further cemented at the Sport Bild Motorsport Awards. Lohr, who holds the distinction of being the only woman to have won a DTM race, was honored with the "Career" award, recognizing her three decades of dedication and success in motorsport. Beyond her DTM accolades, Lohr has also made a name for herself in truck racing and marathon rallies, including the challenging Dakar Rally.
Schaeffler Innovation Taxi: Steering Towards the Future
The Sport Bild Motorsport Awards also highlighted technological advancements in racing, with the Schaeffler Innovation Taxi being named the Innovation of the Year. A key feature of the 2023 DTM season, this 640-hp Audi R8 LMS GT2, piloted by former Formula 1 driver Markus Winkelhock, demonstrates cutting-edge automotive technologies. The Innovation Taxi incorporates a Steer-by-Wire system, eliminating the need for a mechanical steering column and paving the way for autonomous driving. Additionally, its use of E-fuel aligns with the goal of achieving climate-neutral racing. Matthias Zink, CEO of Automotive Technologies at Schaeffler, proudly accepted the award.
The Sport Bild Motorsport Awards not only celebrated individual brilliance in the form of DTM champions like Thomas Preining and Ellen Lohr but also applauded innovative strides in automotive technology, as seen in the Schaeffler Innovation Taxi. These awards underscore the dynamic blend of human skill and technological progress that continues to propel the world of motorsports into an exciting future