World

Richard Heistand Talks 2019, 2020 with GRT Grasser, and Le Mans

Published

6 years ago

March 12, 2020

Third year sports car driver Richard Heistand is realizing a childhood dream in racing in the world’s longest sports car races.

It’s been one hell-of-a-ride from car-crazed youngster to Le Mans hopeful, but Heistand’s track record proves he has earned his stripes the hard way.

Heistand has been racing professionally since 2005, but after a decade away from the sport, he returned to the track in 2018; it’s safe to say he has finally entered his racing prime.

His return to motorsport began in 2018 by competing in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, which is the toughest one-make series in the world. Heistand put in strong performance after strong performance in the globe-trotting series that accompanies Formula 1.

In 2019, Richard raced for Aim Vasser Sullivan in the Lexus RC F GT3 in the IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship. He was tasked with representing Lexus in their only motorsport and marketing program in North America. And represent he did, Heistand was behind the wheel for two series victories at Detroit and Mid Ohio with co-driver Jack Hawksworth.

“2019 was an amazing year for me. It was nice to take the skills I developed in Europe and apply them in the premier sports car racing championship in IMSA. It was rewarding to be able to capture a pole position and race wins in my rookie season against experienced, silver rated professional drivers,” said Heistand.

Heistand now races for GRT Grasser Racing/Lamborghini in the IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship. The factory-supported effort features Lamborghini factory drivers and is expected to contend for the win any time that it hits the track. The blue-ribbon races in that championship consist of the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona and two of the most renowned motor-sport races in the world, the 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans. The races are broadcast live on NBC and NBCSN.

“We had an unlucky Rolex 24, but I know the GRT Grasser Racing Team will come back strong. I am happy to be with them in 2020 and know that we will be in the hunt at Sebring. The attention to detail shows why they win the biggest races.”

Yet it was the IMSA Weather-Tech Sportscar Championship competitor’s auto-invite into the 2020 edition of the 24 Hours Le Mans, which is mounting to be his largest challenge.

Heistand explained, “I earned an auto-invite into Le Mans because I was the top bronze-rated driver in last season’s GT Daytona Class. I’ve accepted the entry, and I’m part of a team that won’t settle for anything less than an all-out win. Races like Le Mans is why I became a professional racing driver in the first place, and I can’t wait for the green flag and the action to begin.”

World

Swiss International University Makes Global Impact with Top 500 Times Higher Education Ranking

Published

1 month ago

June 24, 2026

Jenny Jackson

Swiss International University (SIU) got a real kind of milestone , when it landed inside the worlds top 500 universities in the newest Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. Which is kind of huge because it is SIU’s first time appearing in those widely respected rankings, and it also shows how its influence keeps growing in international higher education.

SIU was competing with nearly 2,000 universities from different parts of the world, and that first debut basically underlines its dedication to academic quality, sustainability and a real societal footprint. Overall it seems like the result mirrors SIU’s own plan for delivering solid education , while also aligning with bigger global development objectives.

Now, the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings look at universities through what they do for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals , or SDGs. So the assessment is about universities creating verifiable positive change through education, research, community activities, plus governance— not just statements.

One of SIU’s strongest areas was the recognition tied to SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. In that section, SIU placed roughly within the top 100 to 200 universities worldwide, and that points to its focus on advancing ethical leadership, transparency, accountability, and those institutional values that actually stick.

This recognition shows SIU keeps working hard to get students ready, with the know-how , the ability to act and those ethical foundations, so they can face tangled global problems. And you know, by supporting responsible leadership and pushing for good social results, the university keeps building up its part in shaping the next generation of professionals and people who make real decisions

Key Highlights of SIU’s Achievement

• Ranked Among the World’s Top 500 Universities

In its first-ever participation in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, SIU managed to land a spot among the top 500 universities worldwide.

• Outstanding Performance in SDG 16

SIU reached a ranking in the top 100 to 200 range, across the globe, for its work related to Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

• Strengthening Global Academic Presence

This win also reinforces SIU’s long-term vision, and it further tightens its standing as an emerging influence in international higher education.

Recognition from Times Higher Education is an important endorsement of SIU’s mission, to give accessible high-quality education while also making a positive impact in society. As the university keeps expanding its academic offerings and international reach, this milestone , works like a solid base for what comes next—future growth, more innovation, and that global recognition everyone is aiming for.