Reigning GTX Teams’ champion RD Signs – Siauliai racing team secured its first GT3 class podium in the 24H SERIES this past weekend at Misano, having overcome alternator issues to do so. 

The Lithuanian team transitioned from GTX to GT3 for the 2024 season with its new Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO. Gearbox failure at Spa-Francorchamps though (despite the #69 Lamborghini leading GT3-PRO/AM at half-distance) meant RD Signs’ 5th in-class at the season opener at Mugello was RD Signs’ best GT3 result heading into this past weekend’s Hankook 12H MISANO.

A consistent run in qualifying by reigning GTX Drivers’ champions Audrius Butkevicius, Nicola Michelon and Paulius Paskevicius, competing for the first time with Tim Müller, meant the #69 Lamborghini started the race 9th overall (4th in GT3-AM), and continued running top five in-class across the opening stages. Indeed, a collision between fellow GT3-AM contenders Land Motorsport and Haas RT, plus a separate on-track incident for overall leader Herberth Motorsport meant RD Signs was running 4th overall and 2nd in GT3-AM at half-distance. 

A discharging battery though, caused by a snapped alternator belt, ultimately cost RD Signs 50 minutes in the pits during the eighth hour, dropping the #69 Lamborghini team back to 13th overall and 5th in GT3-AM. Ironically, terminal fuel pump issues for polesitter PTT by Schnitzelalm Racing and engine failure for the recovering Haas RT helped bring RD Signs back into the overall top 10 and on the GT3-AM podium once again heading into the penultimate hour of the race. Brutal bad luck for long-time GT3-AM leader Hofor Racing meanwhile eventually elevated RD Signs to 8th overall and 2nd in GT3-AM, just two laps behind beneficiary class winner Land Motorsport.

The result marks RD Signs’ first podium in the 24H SERIES since its GTX victory at last year’s Hankook 12H ESTORIL.

“Our first podium in GT3 class showed that as a team we can really be consistent and competitive!” RD Signs explained on social media post-race. “We are especially grateful to our technical team and Speed Factory Racing Team and Xtra Engineering for strategic solutions!

“Despite a technical failure (broken alternator belt) which "costed" about 20 laps of the race, we kept a steady pace and cool mind. Sending our best wishes to all our supporters and, of course, thanks to our partners and sponsors!”

RD Signs – Siauliai racing team will look to sign off its 2024 season with a similarly strong result at the Hankook 24H BARCELONA on 13-14-15 January. The Lithuanian team is also in discussions about a return to the 24H SERIES in 2025.