Factory Audi GT star Christopher Mies is unable to contest the Australian GT Championship due to other racing commitments.
The highly-rated German has been one of the championship’s star attractions driving a Jamec Pem Racing Audi R8 for the last two years, winning the title in 2015.
Among Audi’s elite GT3 drivers, Mies faces a congested schedule this year competing in the Blancpain GT Series and selected races in America’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Due to date clashes the 27-year-old two-time Bathurst 12 Hour winner could only be available for three Australian GT meetings.
Given the circumstances, Mies has reluctantly elected to sit out the upcoming Australian GT campaign.
“The start of the Australian GT is right around the corner and I guess it’s time to let you know that I won’t be there this year to give you a good show,” read a post on his official Facebook page.
“I really enjoyed my past two years in this great championship, competing against so many good Australian drivers.
“My 2017 program is so busy with some more IMSA races on top that it’s impossible to combine those programs.
“The team and I discussed any possibility but we needed to agree that it just make sense if they get a full-time Audi driver to assist them.
“In the end we both wanted to continue our great friendship but sometimes it’s just not the right time.
“Thanks a lot for a great time, including a title win and more importantly I have found lots of new friends.
“I’ll be back one day, when the calendar fits better.
“Good luck to everyone this year, keep your racing spirit.”
Audi Customer Racing Australia is in the process of sourcing another factory Audi driver to replace Mies in the re-shelled #74 entry before next week’s Clipsal 500 opener from March 2-5.
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