In the 2026 season, the Haupt Racing Team will once again field three Ford Mustang GT3s in the ADAC GT Masters. The Drees-based team will compete in the six race weekends with striking liveries and set out to defend its title.
- Three Ford Mustang GT3s from HRT in the ADAC GT Masters
- Striking designs for the title defense mission
The Haupt Racing Team (HRT) is once again banking on the sheer power of the Mustang for the 2026 ADAC GT Masters season and is unveiling three unique vehicle designs for its Ford Mustang GT3s. The Drees-based team, the reigning drivers’ and team champions, is entering the season with a strong lineup to defend its titles.
The #1 Ford Mustang GT3, which will be shared by Max Reis (GER) and Emil Gjerdrum (NOR), stands out with its elegant combination of dark blue and gold. Max Reis has been part of the HRT lineup since 2024 and has continued to develop his skills. Over the past two seasons in the ADAC GT Masters, the young up-and-coming talent has drawn attention with pole positions and podium finishes. In addition to his appearances in the ADAC GT Masters, Reis will also compete in several races in the GT World Challenge Europe for the first time. Emil Gjerdrum rounds out the driver lineup as a talented young driver with international experience. He has already demonstrated his talent in various series and brings a lot of potential to the team. Together, Reis and Gjerdrum aim to regularly compete for top positions.
The #2 sister car driven by Niklas Kalus (GER) and Kiano Blum (AUT) features a striking, bold red livery. Team partner Gustav Scharnau will continue his campaign in the ADAC GT Masters in this car. The specialist in adhesive tapes and fasteners for the automotive industry will be represented with its logo on the #2 Ford Mustang GT3. Niklas Kalus established himself last season as a consistent and fast GT3 driver. With podium finishes and impressive qualifying performances, he has already proven his potential. Kiano Blum will be competing in his first season with HRT and has already shown strong performances alongside Kalus in the GT Winter Series. The 18-year-old Austrian has already been accepted into the Ford Racing driver roster as a development driver and is considered a promising talent. Following successful campaigns in the Porsche Carrera Cup, the move to GT3 racing represents the next step in his career. Together, Kalus and Blum form a balanced combination of experience and development potential.
The third Ford Mustang GT3, bearing start number #74, will be raced by Max Cuccarese (ITA) and Alain Valente (SUI) and features a striking black-and-red livery. Clean lines and bold contrasts give the car an uncompromising look. Max Cuccarese comes from a background in formula racing. His move to GT3 marks an important step in his development, as he aims to prove his speed in a new environment. Alain Valente is one of the most experienced drivers on the HRT roster. The Swiss driver has extensive GT3 experience and is familiar with the team from his involvement in 2023 and 2024. With his experience, he plays a key role within the driver pairing and is expected to provide targeted support to Cuccarese. Together, the duo aims to quickly establish themselves in the ADAC GT Masters.
Despite their different color schemes, all three cars follow a consistent design philosophy. Striking lines and the iconic Mustang design ensure a modern and instantly recognizable look. The three cars also reflect the team’s strategic direction. HRT deliberately relies on a mix of experienced drivers and up-and-coming talent to ensure long-term success and to continue promoting young talent through its “Road to DTM” initiative. This year, HRT became the first team to realize this concept with Finn Wiebelhaus. As the ADAC GT Masters champion and 2025 “Road-to-DTM” winner, Wiebelhaus will compete in the DTM next season. At the same time, HRT is a partner team of Motorsport Team Germany this year. The non-profit junior driver development project of the DMSB and the ADAC Stiftung Sport supports young talent in up to ten motorsport disciplines. HRT’s kart team is an essential component of this project. With the Ford Mustang GT3 and the new EVO Performance Package, HRT is banking on a competitive overall concept. The three designs convey visual diversity and underscore the team’s commitment to making a strong impression both on and off the track.
Ulrich Fritz, Chief Executive Officer Haupt Racing Team: “We’re very well positioned with our lineup for the 2026 ADAC GT Masters. We have a balanced mix of experienced drivers and young talents who complement each other perfectly. Our goal is to consistently compete for top positions and to continue our work with young talent. At the same time, the three designs showcase what HRT stands for: a clear identity and maximum performance.”
