Catsburg Looking “Long Term” With Corvette

2023 is shaping up to be a memorable year for Corvette Racing factory driver Nicky Catsburg.

This year, the Dutchman has been driving a variety of GT machinery around the world. However, it’s in the FIA WEC where he has generated the most headlines, with multiple standout performances in the opening races of the season.

Along with Ben Keating and Nico Varrone, he has two wins and a second-place finish under his belt already. A first-class victory at Le Mans next month and a GTE Am title look more than achievable.

There is a further storyline emerging here too. The 35-year-old is settling into his role at Corvette Racing in the FIA WEC, and as a result, is planning to stick with the GM brand in the long term.

Catsburg has become known for his versatility, competing for multiple brands and teams in GT and touring car racing each season. As an example, he has starts in a Mercedes AMG GT3, Ferrari 296 GT3, BMW M4 GT3 Corvette C8.R GTE and BMW Z4 GT3 (in a historic racing outing) this season already.

It may therefore come as somewhat of a surprise to hear that he may become focused on just one manufacturer soon. But he’s at the point of his career where he is having to make big decisions about his future and his prospects at Corvette going forward suit him and his goals.

“I do believe that this is one of the last years I will be doing much outside of Corvette,” he told DSC. “I feel like I would like to be with Corvette in the long term.”

I do believe that this is one of the last years I will be doing much outside of Corvette

Corvette is going through somewhat of a transition. As the end of the GTE era closes in, it is shifting its focus to a new customer GT3 programme with the forthcoming ZO6 GT3.R, which is set to be up and running in time for the Rolex 24 Hours in 2024.

For Catsburg, it presents him with a huge opportunity. His skill set as a driver and experience driving an array of GT3 machinery are infinitely valuable to a brand like Corvette, which is entering the customer GT3 arena for the first time.

“Next year there will be a GT3 car racing everywhere, so I will not be competing against them,” he admitted. “They have a lot of work to do, but they are on time with everything.

“The car has already had a lot of track time, but it will still be a challenge to get a big customer programme going. It’s a big step in terms of support. It will come with challenges, but if anyone can do it, it’s these guys.”

His decision to stick with Corvette comes after he parted ways with BMW at the end of last year following an 11-year stint on its factory roster. Catsburg wanted to continue competing with the Bavarian brand, but its insistence on exclusivity going forward clashed with his role at Corvette.

“BMW wanted me to continue, I would have loved to continue, but they wanted me to commit more to BMW,” Catsburg explained. “I’ve always been doing lots of things and I was already committed to Corvette. Our ways parted. I fought hard to be part of the N24 line-up, but they wanted to make a statement.”

As a result, for the Nürburgring 24 Hours this year, he has had to look beyond BMW for a drive and has ended up in a Frikadelli Racing Ferrari instead. This weekend, he forms part of the team’s new-look 296 GT3 programme alongside Cadillac factory driver Earl Bamber, ex-VLN lap record holder David Pittard and Frikadelli regular Felipe Laser.

“The deal came together because I wasn’t with BMW anymore,” he revealed. “The car in the Frikadelli livery looks amazing. It’s awesome to drive for a local superstar team.

“I truly believe that I could have at least done a Nordschleife programme with BMW, it would have been good for everyone because I know the team and the car and my teammates know me. I didn’t understand why I couldn’t, but it is what it is. We have a good relationship still though, and doors are not closed.

“But, it meant another door opened to Frikadelli, with an amazing line-up and a brand new car. I love the chance to try a new car, work out where it’s good. It’s going to be tough to fight for the win.

I love the chance to try a new car, work out where it’s good

“We will find out soon if the car is fast and reliable enough!”

Once Corvette Racing’s Z06 GT3.R programme gets underway next year and customer teams begin to get their hands on the car, Catsburg hopes to be busy.

For him, focusing on GT racing in the ZO6 is the priority. There are obviously links between Corvette and Cadillac, which has an LMDh programme, but competing in the top class isn’t something he is pushing for.

Instead, he wants to carve out a career with Corvette in the GT ranks that lasts, like Oliver Gavin, Jan Magnussen, Tommy Milner, Ron Fellows and Antonio Garcia.

“I’ve never had aspirations for LMDh,” he admitted when asked if potential opportunities with Cadillac in GTP and Hypercar are on the cards. “I have done LMP2 a little bit. I feel like I can do it. But do I see myself there? I am not sure…

“I have never been focused on one thing. If they ever wanted me to be in GTP I am sure they would want me to be ultra-focused on just that. I am always looking at what is best for me and my career, and I wouldn’t necessarily say that a programme like that would be the best. Many drivers just want to be in the highest profile races, but I’m not sure that’s what’s always best.

Many drivers just want to be in the highest profile races, but I’m not sure that’s what’s always best

“I cannot deny that winning Le Mans or Daytona would be incredible,” he continued. “If I got the chance, I can’t tell you I would say ‘no’, but I haven’t pushed hard for it. I haven’t been knocking on doors for an LMDh drive. I know a lot of drivers that are doing it, and it’s really tough, the cars aren’t easy to drive and more speed doesn’t necessarily mean more fun. I know that some of them aren’t having much fun right now.

“My goal was to become full-time at Corvette. If you look at the drivers from Corvette’s past, like Antonio Garcia, he’s the goal, what a career. That’s what I am here for.

“My first year with Corvette was pretty rough. I don’t think I fit the profile for them that year, I made mistakes and was inconsistent. It took time to understand their philosophy. So I am so grateful that they have given me this chance, to work my way up.

“Does this all mean I won’t get the chance to win Le Mans overall? Maybe, but I’m happy with that.”

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