Indian tech-entrepreneur Akshay Gupta finishes on the SP3T podium at the 2025 24 Hours of Nürburgring in the #808 Cupra Leon TCR DSG for Team AsBest Racing.
Introduction
When you think of endurance racing, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s roaring engines, sleepless pit crews, or racers pushing themselves and their machines to the edge for 24 hours straight. But now, add this name to that high-octane image—Akshay Gupta. An Indian tech entrepreneur turned racer, Gupta has just made history by securing a podium finish in the SP3T class at the 2025 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Behind the wheel of Team AsBest Racing’s #808 Cupra Leon TCR DSG, Gupta and his team completed 101 punishing laps of the Green Hell, clocking a total time of 24 hours, 10 minutes, and 42 seconds. Let’s dive into this adrenaline-fueled story of grit, gears, and glory.
Table of Contents
| Sr# | Headings |
|---|---|
| 1 | Akshay Gupta: The Man Behind the Helmet |
| 2 | From Silicon Valley to Nürburgring |
| 3 | Team AsBest Racing: The Underdogs |
| 4 | What is SP3T Class in Nürburgring? |
| 5 | The #808 Cupra Leon TCR DSG: Built for the Ring |
| 6 | Gearbox Gremlins and Midnight Miracles |
| 7 | The Final Lap Drama |
| 8 | A Podium Against All Odds |
| 9 | The Indian Motorsports Revolution |
| 10 | Gupta Joins Elite Indian Company at Nürburgring |
| 11 | Factory Giants Felt the Heat |
| 12 | 24 Hours, 101 Laps, One Dream |
| 13 | Why This Matters to Indian Racing Fans |
| 14 | What’s Next for Akshay Gupta? |
| 15 | The Rise of Privateer Teams in Endurance Racing |
1. Akshay Gupta: The Man Behind the Helmet
Who is Akshay Gupta? To many, he’s a successful tech entrepreneur with a sharp mind for innovation. But beneath that calm, calculated surface is a racer’s heart. Gupta’s racing journey started out as a weekend hobby but soon snowballed into something much more serious. And in 2025, it took him to the grueling Nürburgring 24—one of the world’s most difficult and revered motorsport events.
2. From Silicon Valley to Nürburgring
Think of it like switching from coding a flawless algorithm to surviving a storm in a race car at 200 km/h. Gupta’s transition from tech entrepreneur to endurance racer wasn’t overnight. It was a passion-driven evolution. He spent years in karting, amateur GT racing, and international endurance events, refining his craft and learning the racecraft required for something as colossal as the Nürburgring.
3. Team AsBest Racing: The Underdogs
Let’s be honest—Team AsBest Racing wasn’t expected to shake up the leaderboard. They didn’t have the massive factory budgets or a line of engineers on standby. But what they did have? A relentless drive, intelligent strategy, and a car prepared to punch above its weight. Their SP3T podium finish proved that raw determination still matters in motorsport.
4. What is SP3T Class in Nürburgring?
The SP3T class is for turbocharged production-based touring cars under 2.0 liters. It’s often home to TCR-spec cars like the Cupra Leon. While not the fastest class, SP3T races are tightly contested, often producing thrilling battles that last all 24 hours. Gupta and his crew weren’t just racing the clock—they were battling seasoned pros lap after lap.
5. The #808 Cupra Leon TCR DSG: Built for the Ring
Their machine of choice, the Cupra Leon TCR DSG, is no ordinary hatchback. With a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and a DSG (dual-clutch) gearbox, it’s a finely-tuned missile for the Green Hell. Agile, quick, and relentless—like a jungle cat stalking its prey. Despite a few technical hiccups, it held strong over 101 laps, refusing to bow to the brutal demands of the circuit.
6. Gearbox Gremlins and Midnight Miracles
No 24-hour race is without drama, and Gupta’s run was no different. Midway through the night, gearbox issues nearly ended their chances. Imagine a marathon runner twisting an ankle at mile 13. But thanks to quick-thinking mechanics and conservative driving stints, the team held their ground. Sometimes, survival is the real victory.
7. The Final Lap Drama
As dawn broke over the Eifel mountains, the #808 car was still running—but barely. Their rivals were pushing hard, factory teams breathing down their necks. But Gupta, driving the final stint, kept his cool. With every corner of the Nordschleife burned into his memory, he guided the car home like a seasoned veteran. The checkered flag wasn’t just a formality—it was a triumph.
8. A Podium Against All Odds
Crossing the finish line wasn’t enough—they finished third in class, securing a coveted SP3T podium. For Gupta, this was more than a trophy. It was a statement. A validation of years of sacrifice, training, and sheer love for racing. He became only the second Indian driver ever to stand on the Nürburgring 24-hour podium.
9. The Indian Motorsports Revolution
Gupta’s success is a signal flare for India’s growing motorsports scene. In a cricket-obsessed nation, stories like his are essential for nurturing new talent and interest in disciplines like endurance racing. He’s not just racing for himself—he’s representing a new wave of Indian motorsport.
10. Gupta Joins Elite Indian Company at Nürburgring
Until now, only one Indian driver had ever stood on the Nürburgring podium. Gupta’s finish puts him in elite company, but also opens the door for many more. His journey proves that with the right mix of talent, tenacity, and teamwork, Indians can compete—and win—on the world stage.
11. Factory Giants Felt the Heat
Teams like FK Performance Motorsport and Bulldog Racing, with their heavily supported BMWs and MINIs, were expected to dominate. But Gupta and AsBest Racing didn’t back down. Lap after lap, they held their own. It was David vs. Goliath—and this time, David brought a turbocharged Cupra.
12. 24 Hours, 101 Laps, One Dream
Every lap was a chapter. Every hour a battle. The 24 Hours of Nürburgring isn’t just a race—it’s a war of attrition. Completing 101 laps in such harsh conditions is a feat. Doing so while earning a podium? That’s legendary.
13. Why This Matters to Indian Racing Fans
We’ve long admired F1 stars from afar, but now we have our own heroes in endurance racing. Gupta’s achievement gives Indian fans someone to root for in the 24-hour racing world. He’s showing us that passion and performance can go hand in hand.
14. What’s Next for Akshay Gupta?
With the Nürburgring success in his rearview mirror, all eyes are on Gupta’s next move. Could we see him at Le Mans? Or perhaps leading a full-season endurance campaign in Europe? Whatever it is, it’s bound to be exciting.
15. The Rise of Privateer Teams in Endurance Racing
Gupta’s podium is also a win for privateer racing. In an era dominated by factory-backed giants, AsBest Racing proved that small teams with big hearts still have a place. Maybe even the top step in the future.
Conclusion
Akshay Gupta’s SP3T podium at the 2025 24 Hours of Nürburgring isn’t just a racing milestone—it’s a cultural shift. It’s about chasing your passion, beating the odds, and inspiring a nation that’s only just beginning to embrace motorsport. Whether you’re a hardcore racing fan or someone just discovering endurance racing, Gupta’s story reminds us of one simple truth—dreams, when fueled by grit and gear oil, can go the distance.
FAQs
1. Who is Akshay Gupta in motorsport?
Akshay Gupta is an Indian tech entrepreneur turned endurance racer, now known for finishing on the SP3T podium at the 2025 Nürburgring 24 Hours.
2. What does SP3T mean in racing?
SP3T is a racing class for turbocharged touring cars under 2.0 liters, typically featuring TCR-spec vehicles.
3. How long is the Nürburgring 24 Hours race?
The race lasts a full 24 hours and takes place on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, one of the most demanding circuits in the world.
4. How many laps did Akshay Gupta complete?
Gupta’s team completed 101 laps with a total time of 24 hours, 10 minutes, and 42 seconds.
5. Has any other Indian driver finished on the Nürburgring podium?
Yes, Akshay Gupta is the second Indian driver to achieve a podium finish at the Nürburgring 24 Hours event.
