Jefferies ready for NLS series
MOTOR racing star Axcil Jefferies is ready for action ahead of the start of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) revs off behind closed doors in Germany this weekend. It is the event that ends lockdown on motorsport in Germany and the first race for the Zimbabwean sensation since the coronavirus pandemic brought all sporting activities to a halt three months ago.
Jefferies, who competes for the Konrad Motorsport team, will be driving a Lamborghini GT3 EVO.
“I will be doing the NLS series in Germany with Konrad Motorsport in a Lamborghini GT3 EVO (this weekend). We did the official practice a week ago and we are more or less ready to go. Unfortunately for the first race no spectators will be allowed,” the 26-year-old driver told NewsDay from Germany.
“In reality, targets haven’t changed. We still have the same goal as always. It’s going to be tough couple of months with back-to-back races but we are looking forward to the challenge,” Jefferies added.
While he is excited to be racing again after enduring the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, Jefferies understands that it’s not business as usual with a lot of restrictions in place to safeguard lives.
“It’s obviously nice to get back to normality. It is a little bit weird having to constantly wear a mask and keep distance within the team among other things though. However, I hope all of that passes soon,” he said.
Jefferies bemoaned the impact of the coronavirus on motorsport.
“Of course safety precautions have been put in place. However, the biggest impact I would say has been how it has hit all the teams and series financially like in most industries,” he said.
The Zimbabwean revealed he kept himself in shape during the lockdown period.
“To be honest during the lockdown, all of us drivers were using our simulators almost every day to keep our eye in. So when we finally got the chance to get back in the car, didn't take long at all to get back on pace,” Jefferies said.
The NLS series is set to hold about five races without spectators until end August.