ES Motorsport – The Story of GT3 Car Racing in the Baltic States
ES Motorsport – The Story of GT3 Car Racing in the Baltic States
In 2023, ES Motorsport made a groundbreaking entry into the Baltic Touring Car Championship with a major announcement: the introduction of the first GT3-class car in the series. Their bold move paid off, securing the championship title in the 4-hour endurance race and the GT PRO category victory for the 2023 season. This success was followed by another triumph in 2024, with Karolis Stasiukynas behind the wheel. Transitioning from their success in World RX, the team has now firmly established itself in circuit racing across the Baltic States. We sat down with team owner and manager Ernestas Staponkus to hear their story.
Q: Ernestas, tell us how your motorsport journey began.
“I started my racing career in autocross. My coach, Arvydas was the first Lithuanian to compete in the European Autocross Championship. Every year in the early 2000s, I would go to the “Musa Racetrack” in Bauska to watch him and others compete in the European Championship. That’s where I fell in love with motorsports. Autocross became my first discipline because it was what I followed and knew the most about.”
Q: How did you transition into rallycross?
“Some of my colleagues attended a rallycross event in France and came back amazed, calling the cars there ‘rocket ships.’ It was a whole new world for us. In 2003, I saw the European Rallycross Championship in Poland, and by 2007, I competed in my first European RX race in the Super1600 class with a Lada 2108. I even qualified for the semi-final and was running second before a puncture ended my race. Despite using old Russian winter tires and an outdated car, everyone was impressed. I think it was just luck and the stars aligning that day.
In 2013, I bought a factory-built car from a Czech team and raced in the Super1600 class from 2014 to 2017. By 2018, I decided to step back from driving. With a growing family, I couldn’t dedicate the time needed to stay competitive on the track. That’s when I transitioned into managing a team and turning my passion into a business.”
Q: What led you to switch from rallycross to circuit racing?
“Initially, I wanted to stay in rallycross and compete in the Supercar class, which was thriving between 2016 and 2019. But then COVID-19 hit, and the introduction of electric cars created uncertainty around the rules and technology. I had a team and people who needed work, so we decided to pivot to circuit racing.”
Q: How did ES Motorsport acquire its GT3 car?
“We bought a Mercedes-Benz AMG GT3 EVO II and became an official AMG customer racing team. This means we get full support from the Mercedes-Benz factory, including equipment and parts, but we’re responsible for funding it ourselves. AMG doesn’t have its own factory team but supports top private teams with GT3 cars. If a customer team delivers strong results, there’s a chance to become a factory-backed team.
However, being an AMG Customer Racing team means more than just technical support. We are also committed to discovering and developing new racing talents. Drivers who test our car and prove their speed and consistency have a real opportunity to join the AMG factory’s Junior or Pro programs. Our goal is not just to race but to help talented drivers take the next step in their careers.
In the Baltic Touring Car Championship, we’re among the top service providers. As a customer team, we have options to work with factory drivers. For example, Daan Arrow has raced with us in Pärnu and Tor Poznan, offering invaluable expertise. He’s a seasoned driver who also brings clients for coaching and racing experiences.”
Q: What’s the current focus for the team?
“Racing is about enjoyment now. While the BMW 325 CUP has many talented drivers, not everyone has the time or dedication to chase every thousandth of a second. Our 2024 BaTCC GT PRO champion, Karolis Stasiukynas, told me, ‘Ernestas, how did you do that? I didn’t believe in myself, but I raced the whole season and won!’ Some people race for fun, while others invest heavily in fast, expensive cars to compete.
As a team, we offer more than just car rentals. We handle logistics, provide equipment, and offer mechanic and engineering services. Right now, we’re collaborating with Porsche Lietuva to organize testing sessions in Spain this February.”
Q: How do testing days compare to race days?
“From a business perspective, testing days are the most efficient. They require fewer crew members, no new tires, and are generally stress-free. On race days, everything has to be perfect. It’s no secret that we offer one of the most budget-friendly GT3 testing services in Europe. An hour-long session with us costs €4,500. For comparison, teams in Dubai charge €44,000 for a full test day, including new tires and full service. That’s nearly 10 times more!”
Q: Do you have plans to compete in European races?
“Recently, my crew and mechanics supported another car at the Dubai 24H race, which finished fourth. We’re open to racing anywhere—even on the moon—if the client is ready to pay for real service at a real price. However, my focus isn’t on conquering Europe. Competing against teams with decades of experience and knowledge of factory GT cars and tracks would be incredibly challenging.”
With a strong foundation in rallycross and a bold step into circuit racing, ES Motorsport is paving the way for GT3 racing in the Baltic States. As Ernestas emphasizes, the journey is about balancing passion, performance, and practicality while keeping the spirit of motorsports alive.
