In addition to being one of the best-known drivers in the ADAC GT4 Germany, Jan Philipp Springob has also got what it takes away from the racetrack. The Aston Martin driver explains why he has felt at home in the series since 2019.
Young, fast and one of the most popular figures in the ADAC GT4 Germany paddock: Jan Philipp Springob (Olpe) might be one of the big players in the ADAC GT4 series, but he is also one of the most successful drivers. The 25-year-old demonstrated that in the season-opener at the Red Bull Ring. Together with Philipp Gogollok (20/Bad Homburg, both COSY Racing by ESM), he won Sunday’s race in the Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT4 and is now in third place in the standings.
“Triumphing in Sunday’s race is reason enough to be delighted with that race weekend. Nonetheless, it was annoying that we had some bad luck on Saturday. That meant that we dropped right back, losing out on what almost felt like a guaranteed podium finish,” says Springob with the Red Bull Ring in mind. His Aston Martin threw up an error message that required a complete restart for the car, ensuring that tenth place was the best finish that could be achieved. However, Springob is aiming to secure the next podium with his team-mate Gogollok at the Norisring race weekend in early July.
Every aspect of Jan Philipp Springob’s life revolves around cars. He started out in karting slalom at the age of six and was twelve years old when he switched to the kart circuit. He enjoyed success there, winning the ADAC Kart Masters in 2017 and 2018, prompting his inclusion in the ADAC Stiftung Sport for two years from 2019 onwards. “It was this support that made it possible for me to compete in GT4 racing,” explains Springob. He finished his debut season in second place in the Junior standings. The Westphalian driver then chose to compete in the DTM Trophy in 2020. Since 2021, he has been racing regularly again in the ADAC GT4 Germany.
“I earn my living in motorsport. Everything depends on sponsorship. In my opinion, the ADAC GT4 Germany is the best package in the world by some distance, in terms of what it costs and what you get in return. We are racing on the DTM platform, we appear on TV and our races are ultra exciting. That is reflected in my sponsors,” explains Springob. “And apart from that, racing in this series is just so much fun.”
Springob performs in the cockpit and also has what it takes away from the racetrack. He is currently studying for his bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering. He also works as an instructor for a range of manufacturers, focusing on market launches for new models, or training courses for dealers and customers.
Springob’s Aston Martin also adds a dash of colour to the ADAC GT4 Germany grid. His car is adorned with the striking figure of a hacker, a nod to his main sponsor from the internet security industry. “I am a member of the same business network as the managers at COSY Systeme and we have regular morning meetings. On one occasion, we had a chat about sponsoring,” reveals Springob. “One week later, I was just drinking my 6am coffee when the confirmation came through. That enabled us to compete in the ADAC GT4 Germany last year and we have a really good driving duo again for this season.”
Springob feels right at home in the ADAC GT4 Germany. “My original objective was to earn a living in motorsport. I have achieved that now, which makes me really happy. Of course, you always want to progress to bigger and better things. I would love nothing more than to race in the DTM someday,” says Springob. “That’s what we are working towards – maybe it will work out in the next few years.”
