Bundesliga footballer Max Kruse has founded Max Kruse Racing to compete in the ADAC TCR Germany series in 2018, with Benjamin Leucter to race a Volkswagen Golf for the team.
Kruse is a forward for the relegation-challenged Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga, and has also played for the German national team on occasion.
Now the 29-year-old will set up a team to compete in TCR, and also offer driver safety training for companies, associations or clubs.
“Professional footballers often drive fast cars without being able to control them in borderline situations,” explained Kruse of his motivation. “With our training programme we want to guide you in responsible driving.”
Kruse and Leuchter have been friends for several years, and 30-year-old Leuchter is also hoping to extend the partnership to promoting junior motorsport in the future.
“Max Kruse Racing brings football and motorsport together, and in both sports the same patterns of action lead to success – you have to work hard on yourself.”
Leuchter himself took part in TCR Germany in 2017, and also competed for WestCoast Racing in the season finale of the TCR International Series in Dubai.