This is sort of absolutely killer. Above is an Aston Martin V12 Vantage running the Nurburgring 24 Hour. The engine is production stock while the only mods are a stiffer suspension, roll cage, strippo interior, slicks and a fire suppression system. This particular car came in first in class (SP8) and 21st overall, besting competition like a Lexus LF-A (which was running close until it caught fire), Audi RS4 and Lexus IS-F. So, good on Aston Martin. But that’s not what makes this win special. One of the V12’s drivers does. Jump.

This guy. Dr. Ulrich Bez, sixty-six years old, was one of the four drivers that secured the Nurburgring victory. Two things you should know — outside of Le Mans, some consider the Nurburgring 24 Hour to be the most grueling enduro of them all. Two, Dr. Bez is the German-born CEO of Aston Martin. Talk about standing behind your product. I mean, Alan Mulally giving up his Lexus for a Lincoln is one thing, but this is a whole other level. Says Doc Bez:

I have said before that for me this race is the ultimate endurance test so for our new car to win the class on its debut and for our customer teams to perform so well amongst such respected competition is the perfect result for Aston Martin.

Making this win all the more improbable is the fact that another member of the team is journalist Richard Meaden. And I always thought those that can’t drive, write. [Source: The Motor Report]