NEWS

09 March, Monday

Verstappen to compete in the 24h Nürburgring – special ticket offer planned for Oranje fans

Max Verstappen will compete in the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring for the first time in 2026. The Dutchman, who has long since secured his place in motorsport history with four Formula 1 world championship titles between 2021 and 2024, is thus taking on what is probably the greatest challenge in international endurance racing: the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The prominent newcomer to the starting...
Verstappen to compete in the 24h Nürburgring – special ticket offer planned for Oranje fans

09.03.2026

Max Verstappen will compete in the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring for the first time in 2026. The Dutchman, who has long since secured his place in motorsport history with four Formula 1 world championship titles between 2021 and 2024, is thus taking on what is probably the greatest challenge in international endurance racing: the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The prominent newcomer to the starting grid will compete in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 for Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing alongside Lucas Auer (AUT), Jules Gounon (FRA) and Daniel Juncadella (ESP). Verstappen has been preparing specifically for this since last year and has been systematically working on the necessary requirements for a start – including appearances on the Nordschleife and intensive preparation in SimRacing. The 24h Nürburgring is also rolling out the red carpet for fans of the champion, who is a national hero in his home country: a special ticket offer is being planned for them, with exclusive offers to be announced shortly. The Dutchman has been a proven Nordschleife enthusiast for years. In addition to his real-life driving experience in the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS), he has also gained extensive knowledge of the track and multi-class racing through SimRacing as part of the digital NLS. ‘“The Nürburgring is a special place. There is no other race track like it,“ says Verstappen, who also wants to compete in NLS2 before the 24-hour race. “The 24h Nürburgring has been on my wish list for a long time, so I’m very excited that we can now make it happen. Last year, I obtained my DMSB licence for the Nordschleife and was able to participate in NLS9, where we won. This preparation is very valuable, as we learned a lot that we can incorporate into this year’s programme. With Dani, Jules and Lucas, we have a strong line-up and are receiving great support from Red Bull and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. Now it’s a matter of making the right preparations before the events so that we can get the most out of ourselves in the races.” Consistent preparation for the 24-hour raceFor the organisers, Verstappen is first and foremost one thing: a participant like any other who, regardless of his name and reputation, had to prove his suitability for the most challenging race track in the world. Walter Hornung, race director of the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, emphasises: “We are delighted that Max Verstappen is competing in the 24h Nürburgring. Like all the other starters across the various vehicle classes, he has fallen under the spell of this special race track. The fact that he is taking his start seriously and approaching it in an incredibly professional manner is already evident from his intensive preparation. He went through the normal qualification process without any special treatment, prepared himself with drives on the Nordschleife, completed the mandatory e-learning and familiarised himself intensively with the track with countless SimRacing laps. As organisers, we are just as excited as countless fans around the globe to see how well he will manage the transition from Formula 1 racing cars to this year’s particularly competitive GT3 class on the world’s toughest race track. The Nordschleife is the ultimate challenge in motorsport – and Max is taking it on!” Starting in a Mercedes-AMG GT3Verstappen will compete in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 in his first ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring race. The vehicle is one of two cars in the Mercedes-AMG performance line-up. The two GT3s fielded by Winward Racing will compete as Mercedes-AMG Team RAVENOL and under the Verstappen banner. The sister car with start number #80 also has an extremely strong line-up with Maro Engel (GER), Maxime Martin (BEL), Fabian Schiller and Luca Stolz (both GER). Four-time Formula 1 champion Verstappen has excellent teammates at his side in Auer, Gounon and Juncadella, who also come from the Mercedes-AMG performance squad. The #3 on the start number holder corresponds to his current Formula 1 start number in the Oracle Red Bull Racing team. The two GT3s thus form the spearhead of the Mercedes-AMG line-up, which will be complemented by AMG customer sports teams. Secure your event or VIP ticket now!

Maximum Action and Smoking Tires: The Nürburgring Drift Cup 2026 Promises New Superlatives 

08.03.2026

The engines are roaring, the tires are smoking, and adrenaline levels are rising: The Nürburgring Drift Cup 2026 by Skylimit Events is ready for takeoff, promising a season with massive fan interest. Featuring a high-caliber international starting field characterized by spectacular side-by-side battles and precise tandem drifting, spectators, drivers, and teams can expect a world-class year. The drift pilots will give their all on technically demanding high-speed layouts to hit the clipping points perfectly and claim the prestigious title.  The 2026 season focuses on the sporting challenge and the quality of the drift action. The combination of intense competition, international top drivers, and the unique flair of the Nordschleife makes the Nürburgring Drift Cup one of the most popular championships in the European drifting world.  Three Rounds of Pure Passion: The 2026 Calendar The championship will be contested in three intensive rounds that demand everything from the drivers. Fans can follow the heats live on-site or via the YouTube livestream.  ● Round 1: April 24 to 26 ● Round 2: July 31 to August 2 ● Round 3: September 4 to 6  The three main rounds of the 2026 season promise gripping action and pure adrenaline. The first round takes place from April 24 to 26, followed by the second round from July 31 to August 2. The season finale will be the third round from September 4 to 6, where the championship titles will be awarded.  A special highlight marks May 15: On the eve of the legendary 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, the Falken Drift Show transforms the racetrack into a madhouse of speed and style – an absolute must for every motorsport fan, guaranteeing breathtaking drift displays and spectacular maneuvers.  International Spectacle and Big Names at 180 kph The season opener in April is already setting new standards. Through cooperation with the European "Drift Kings" series, an impressive field is expected – in 2025, there were already over 80 pilots from 19 nations. One thing is certain: the 2025 champions plan to defend their titles in the new season – registration is now open.  The races are held on the iconic Müllenbachschleife. While the first two rounds utilize the classic layout with speeds of up to 180 kph in the "Schumacher S" and tight drifts through "Little Monaco", a special challenge awaits in the finale: a unique layout challenges the stars of the drift scene at 170 kph with precise gear changes from fifth down to second gear – pure vehicle control at the limit.  During the finale of the third round, drivers start on the section between the Ford Curve and the Goodyear Hairpin. Vehicles reach up to 170 kph before entering the hairpin after two "flicks" and a "big entry." At the end of the hairpin, there is a pivot point, meaning vehicles must shift from fifth to fourth gear in the Goodyear Hairpin, drop to second gear for the hairpin, and then accelerate back to fourth gear without losing the drift angle.  Opportunities for Pros and Newcomers To provide a stage for both established top pilots and up-and-coming talent, the field is divided into two categories:  ● PRO: The premier class for experienced pilots and high-performance bolides. ● CLUB: The ideal platform for vehicles with limited tire width and drivers looking to gain valuable competitive experience. (If the Drift Kings are present, PRO2 is the equivalent of CLUB.)  Additionally, the series promotes driver development through integrated Driftschool units on Fridays, as well as monthly test days in Zolder (Belgium) and Meppen (Germany).  The Format: Thrills in an Elimination System Excitement is guaranteed until the last second. Following Saturday's qualifying, the top 32 drivers in each class compete in head-to-head "Battles" on Sunday. In this knockout system, drivers must set the ideal line as the "Leader" and follow the opponent with maximum pressure as the "Chaser."  A jury decides victory or defeat based on four criteria: speed, line choice, drift angle, and individual style. High speed is crucial, just as in classic motorsport, but drivers must adhere to the jury's specified ideal line to achieve high scores. The Chaser must not only stay on the Leader's heels but also impress with aggressive driving.  In addition to podium finishes, special prizes such as "Best Chase Run" or "Most Exciting Driver" are awarded. The 2026 season will be more than just a championship – it is a test of precision, courage, and pure passion for motorsport.  Words From the Top Drivers PRO Champion Archie Hamer:  "2025 was a blast! We had many tense, mad moments but ended up taking the win with a clean sweep in the last round. I can’t thank all the organizers enough – the championship was well-run all year long, and I don't have one complaint. You don’t want to miss this year, as it’s going to be even more heated than last."  CLUB Champion Jack Gregory: "We started 2025 with the view of just having a go. It was our first ever attempt at competitive drifting, although we had been doing the highest level of UK drift demos. Archie Harmer, my team mate, persuaded me to come and have a go at round 1 in hope we got invited into the 24hr race demos. We did not expect to walk away from round 1 as the man to beat. It was a super surreal moment for us, and we certainly didn't envisage going on to win the championship, but it was worth it. The fans and new faces we met along the way, I will never forget." CLUB Champion Jack Gregory: "Andy [Jaenen] and his team are awesome, including the trackside team. They deserve a massive pat on the back! The championship is run like clockwork, and it's great to see. Myself and my team loved every moment of it, and it's moments we all cherish very close to our hearts. Our highlight was certainly round 1. We had no stress at all. We felt like the underdogs, so we had a lot of fun with it. I can't say the same for round 2 or 3, having a massive target on my back. Overall, the experience has been great. I would recommend the championship to everyone and anyone. The teams, the drivers, the staff are all such great people."  PRO Vice-Champion Denise Ritzmann: "For me, the Drift Cup is like coming home to a second family. I've been driving in the Drift Cup since its inception and wouldn't want to miss it. Familiar, perfect organization, and they always come up with something new, like different layouts. Benni as the announcer is also funny, and the spectators are included. Spectators should come because they will be welcomed into a giant family themselves. I look forward to having my second family back with me in April."  Expertise at the Judging Tower: The Jury of Legends Special attention is paid this year to the professional evaluation of the runs. We are pleased to present a jury that is unsurpassed in experience: ● Martin Reinsch (GER): A veteran of the German drift scene and a pioneer from the very beginning, he brings invaluable knowledge of technology and line choice. ● Jo Lammens (BEL): The first Belgian Drift Champion from 2006 accompanies the entire championship and will decide victory or defeat with his trained eye for precision. ● Mike Procureur (BEL): The head behind the "Drift Kings" championship reinforces the jury team exclusively in Round 1, underscoring the international significance of the event. ● The third jury seat for Rounds 2 and 3 will be announced at a later date.

Arrive stress-free, enjoy together: 24-hour camping for “Family & Friends”

06.03.2026

For camping enthusiasts who want to enjoy the 24h Nürburgring in a relaxed atmosphere, there is once again a special offer: In the C3 camping area, you can conveniently reserve a 10 x 5 meter plot in advance – including all the on-site benefits. Similar to a seating plan for a concert, you can choose exactly where you want to watch the 24-hour race in close proximity to the Goodyear curve when you book. In addition to the electricity included in the price, which is provided via distribution cabinets, there are water supply points in the vicinity and a shower and toilet unit within walking distance. Furthermore, arrival and departure are possible at any time from Wednesday to Sunday. Anyone who wants to leave the site in their car or motorhome in between can do so without any problems and without losing their reservation. The area is particularly suitable for families: for example, the parking space can be occupied as early as Friday, the consistently observed quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. ensure peaceful nights, and the specially equipped DSK shuttle bus stop provides free transportation to the paddock or the Nordschleife. ℹ️ The bus stop will be located near the camping area. The reservation fee of €100 for Wednesday to Sunday applies to a maximum of eight people and is in addition to the usual camping and ticket costs. These, in turn, only have to be paid for the days you are actually on site.   Info: The “Family & Friends Camping” pitches are already sold out.

Nürburgring Circuit Challenge 2026 season: RCN just before the start of the season

05.03.2026

There is still around a month to go until the Rundstrecken-Challenge Nürburgring (RCN) kicks off the 2026 season. Preparations are largely complete: the dates have been set, the announcement has been made, and over 150 participants have already registered for the popular amateur racing series. Nothing stands in the way of a successful start to the 46th season at the Nürburgring on Saturday, March 28. RCN Series Manager Willi Hillebrand: "We can hardly wait for things to finally get going again after the long winter break. The number of registrations is encouragingly high. Interest in the traditional grassroots racing series remains unbroken. If the weather cooperates and there are no other unforeseeable events, it should be another successful motorsport year for the RCN in the Eifel." The 2026 RCN calendar also includes eight events at the Nürburgring – seven performance tests and one circuit race. The events will be held on three different track variants. Three performance tests (RCN 04, RCN 05, RCN 06) will take place exclusively on the Nürburgring Nordschleife (lap length 20.793 kilometers). The event will cover 15 laps or 311.895 kilometers. The distance is made up of: 2 laps at target time, 10 laps at best time, 2 laps at maximum time (including refueling), and 1 cool-down lap. As part of the ADAC Ravenol 24-hour race, the performance test (RCN 03) will take place on the 24-hour variant (Nürburgring Nordschleife + GP course without AMG Arena) with a lap length of 25.378 kilometers (total distance 355.292 kilometers). The 14 laps are divided as follows: 3 laps at target time, 10 laps at best time, and 1 cool-down lap. The RCN will drive four times on the longer track variant (Nürburgring Nordschleife + GP short connection) with 24.358 kilometers. In the three performance tests (RCN 01, RCN 02, RCN 07), the distance is 16 laps or 389.728 kilometers. There are 3 laps on target time, 12 laps on best time (including refueling in the pit lane, minimum standstill time 10 minutes per vehicle), and 1 cool-down lap. In the “Schwedenkreuz” circuit race (RCN 08) at the end of the season, there is no lap requirement, as the distance is measured by time. This year, the RCN will not be hosting the Youngtimers, but instead the RCN GLP regularity test will be held as part of the event. There are still opportunities to compete in more than 30 classes. Accordingly, a wide variety of vehicles will be on display, from small VW Polos to powerful Porsche 911 GT3 Cups. RCN titles will be awarded in 8 categories. In addition to the RCN champions, title holders will also be sought in the RCN Overall Winner Cup, the RCN Junior Trophy, the RCN team rankings, and the RCN Light. The RCN Ladies Trophy and the RCN Senior Cup are also being advertised. The respective class winners will be honored at the end of the season, and trophies will also be awarded to the winners in the ranking groups. The entry fees for participants were adjusted before the 2026 season to reflect the increased costs. RCN Series Manager Hillebrand: “We calculated carefully and then made the decision to adjust the fees. To our regret, we had to pay tribute to the recent increase in costs for organizing the event.” The 2026 RCN season begins on Saturday, March 28, with the “Bergischer Schmied” performance test, organized by the Bergischer Motor-Club e.V. (BMC) in the ADAC, the oldest club in the ADAC North Rhine-Westphalia. The race will consist of 16 laps on the 24.358-kilometer version of the Nürburgring (Nordschleife plus short GP connection). Test and setup drive ahead of the opening eventBefore the start of the RCN season, a test and setup drive for RCN participants and other interested parties will take place on Friday, March 27. From 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the 24.358-kilometer track variant of the Nürburgring (Nordschleife + GP short connection) will be available for test drives. ➡️ Here you will find an explanation of how the RCN performance tests are structured.

Preview DNLS4: Showdown in the virtual Green Hell: Title decisions at the BILSTEIN 3h race

27.02.2026

The finale of the Digital Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (DNLS) promises maximum excitement this Saturday as the sim racing elite lines up for the BILSTEIN 3h race on the virtual Nordschleife. Over a distance of three hours, the final decisive points of the season will be contested in the iRacing simulation. Fans can follow all the action live, as the race will once again be broadcast via vln.de as well as on the official YouTube channel of the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie. Particular attention will be on the dramatic battle for the overall cross-class championship, where a true nail-biting finale is emerging ahead of the final round. The fight for the DNLS championship title is set up for high drama, with three teams within striking distance at the top. The BMW M2 Racing of BS+COMPETITION (#284) and the Porsche 911 GT3 CUP of EMM Esports (#905) are tied at the top of the standings with 48 points each. Just three points behind, SimRC, fielding the BMW M4 GT4 (#176) with 45 points, is waiting to capitalize on any mistake by the frontrunners. As the leading teams currently have no penalty points and would also be equal in number of wins should they succeed in the finale, a special regulation applies in the event of a tie on points: the championship would then be decided by the lower total number of iRacing incident points accumulated over the entire season. Here, BS+COMPETITION heads into the race as favorite with only 27 incidents, followed by SimRC with 40 and EMM Esports with 55 incidents. Clean driving without track limit violations or collisions will therefore be the decisive factor in determining the champion. Additional spice is added to this duel by the allocation of bonus points: one extra point is awarded for pole position and one for the fastest race lap. This means the tie could already be broken in qualifying, even before the starting lights turn green for the three-hour race. In the top SP9 class, everything points to a direct duel between two BMW teams. BS+COMPETITION leads the standings with 39 points but holds only a narrow advantage over Team Falken Simracing SP9, which remains within striking distance on 37 points. The MAHLE RACING TEAM currently sits third with its Ford Mustang GT3 on 23 points, followed by HRT Esports by Coanda with 20 points. While the front of the field is tightly packed, teams such as SZESE E-Sport and Nürburgring eSports, both on 11 points, are battling for a positive end to the season within the top five of the highly competitive GT3 class. In the Porsche Esports Endurance Trophy Nürburgring (PEETN) class, there is a special feature in the standings to note on Saturday: while the official DNLS table evaluates the team and the car, Manthey, as organizer of the PEETN, also runs additional separate rankings. Alongside the team standings, which EMM Esports (#905) already secured at DNLS3, the focus here is primarily on the drivers. In the PEETN drivers’ standings, Raphael Rennhofer leads with 48 points, followed by Luca Alpert with 36 points. In addition, the AM drivers’ classification organized by Manthey provides a dedicated platform for amateurs, where Jan Winter currently leads with 30 points ahead of George Tyler with 26 points. A similarly commanding picture emerges in the SP10 class for GT4 cars. SimRC leads the field with 45 points after scoring maximum points plus bonus points in two of the three races held so far. Williams F1 Team Gaming follows in second place with 33 points, while Falken Simracing SP10 holds third with 26 points. In the BMW M2 Racing class, the situation mirrors that of the PEETN class: BS+COMPETITION is the benchmark here with 48 points. SCHERER ESPORT M2 CSR sits second with 31 points, followed by Nürburgring eSports with 18 points. This sets the stage clearly for the BILSTEIN 3h race: in almost all classes, it is not only about the race win, but about the prestigious title in one of the toughest online racing series in the world. Click here for the livestream.

The Green Hell awakens in March: Season kickoff from zero to sixty on the Nordschleife

24.02.2026

In March, the Nordschleife traditionally awakens from its winter hibernation – and this year, it's going from zero to one hundred right away. Starting on Saturday, March 7, the gates to the legendary 20.832 kilometers will reopen for tourist drives. The action continues over the following weekends: in addition to further dates for tourist drivers, there are two races in the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Endurance Series (March 14 and 21). March will be rounded off with a joyful “Ally Pally” atmosphere at Darts am Ring on Saturday, March 28. These are the Nürburgring highlights in March: Season start for tourist drivers | March 7 & 8The starting signal for more than 170 days of tourist driving this year: On Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and 8, the barriers to the Nordschleife will open for the first time in 2026. It is a cherished tradition that numerous tourist drivers and petrolheads meet at the track for this occasion – for the first laps together or the long-awaited reunion among like-minded people. And even after the opening weekend, the fun continues. From the following Sunday (March 15), the Nordschleife will be open almost every day in March. As usual, anyone can take to the Nordschleife or Grand Prix circuit in their own vehicle during tourist drives. Prices remain stable: a lap on the Nordschleife from Friday to Sunday costs €35, as before, and a lap during the week costs €30. A stint (15 minutes) on the Grand Prix circuit costs €35 for motorcyclists and car drivers alike. Important note: A new emergency number applies from this season: +49 (0) 2691 302 9111. Season opener ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Endurance Series | March 14 & 21Two races in seven days and a colorful starting field: The ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) is kicking off the new season at full throttle. Immediately after the season opener on Saturday, March 14, the second race will take place the following weekend (March 21). The second date was set at short notice to take advantage of a gap in the Formula 1 calendar. After all, superstar Max Verstappen is planning to participate in the 24-hour race this year and would potentially like to compete in this NLS race as preparation. He is not alone in this: especially in the first races of the year, the top cars of the major endurance teams are always strongly represented in view of the big highlight of the season. Fans can therefore look forward to a particularly large number of GT cars from Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-AMG. The ticket for €25 (children under 14 free) includes admission to the paddock, the starting grid, and all spectator areas. If you want to treat yourself to an upgrade, first-class catering and the best seats are available with the “RACE&LUNCH” ticket (€190) or the full VIP package (€285) – the latter even includes a guided bus tour of the Nordschleife shortly before the start of the race. Darts am Ring Gala | March 28Ally Pally goes Green Hell: On Saturday, March 28, the ring°arena will once again be transformed into a madhouse of celebrating darts fans. For the fifth time, the world's elite of flying darts will be guests at the “Darts am Ring Gala” in the Eifel. They will be frenetically cheered on by thousands of fans of the sport in the indoor location of the Nürburgring. This year's line-up for the official PDC event is led by former world champion Luke Humphries and reigning vice world champion Gian van Veen. Also taking part are stars such as Nathan Aspinall, Stephen Bunting, and Germany's “Maximiser” Max Hopp, all of whom competed in this year's World Championship. If you still want to be there, you should hurry: only a few tickets are still available for the darts spectacle at the Nürburgring – starting at just €30. These can be purchased online at nuerburgring.de. The Nürburgring highlights in March 2026: 07. & 08. March: Saisonstart Touristenfahrten Nordschleife 14. March: ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie - Race 1  21. March: ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie - Race 2 28. March: RCN / GLP – Run 1 28. March: Darts am Ring Gala

RCN sponsors extend partnership

06.02.2026

Before the start of the Rundstrecken-Challenge Nürburgring (RCN) season in 2026, there was some good news. Two long-standing partners who support the popular sports series have extended their commitment. This means that the future of the popular series in the Eifel region is now a little more secure. H&R remains a partner of the RCNThe Nürburgring Circuit Challenge (RCN) has been working closely with suspension specialist H&R for many years. The trusting cooperation between the popular amateur racing series at the Nürburgring and the suspension specialist from the Sauerland region has now been extended for another year ahead of the 2026 season. The Sauerland-based company is prominently featured on the starting numbers and rear of the RCN competition vehicles. H&R offers sport springs, sport suspensions, wheel spacers, and stabilizers for almost all common production vehicles. In addition to numerous private customers and many teams from the world of motorsport, the automotive industry also relies on the expertise of the company, which has established itself as a competent partner in the field of suspension systems for many years. Sven Gramm, Director of Marketing and Communications: "Motorsport is simply part of H&R. We want to prove our expertise on the racetrack and at the same time appeal to our potential customers on the road. To this end, we not only want to be represented in top-level motorsports, but also support popular sports." RAVENOL extends cooperation with the RCN by 3 yearsRavensberger Schmierstoffvertrieb GmbH has been an official partner of the RCN since the 2017 season. The cooperation has now been extended again for three years in the run-up to the upcoming RCN season. The company from Werther in East Westphalia, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, will continue to advertise with the RAVENOL brand name on all vehicles in the popular grassroots racing series. In addition, the high-quality lubricants will be offered to participants for motorsport use at attractive prices. The racing lubricants and care products have been used for many years in renowned racing series by numerous top national and international teams. Martin Huning, Motorsport Director at RAVENOL: "We look forward to continuing our cooperation with the Rundstrecken-Challenge Nürburgring. RAVENOL has been supporting popular sports for many years. The RCN is a good entry platform for ambitious motorsport enthusiasts, and our company has a special connection to the Nürburgring." RCN Series Manager Willi Hillebrand: “The extension of the partnerships shows once again that the Rundstrecken-Challenge Nürburgring is valued by our long-standing supporters as an attractive grassroots series. This is an important building block for a secure future for the series.”

10,000 visitors at indoor events in January

29.01.2026

Indoor venues at the Nürburgring are currently bustling with activity. In recent weeks, karate and cheerleading athletes, as well as visitors to trade fairs and B2B events, have been coming and going. Around 10,000 visitors flocked to the diverse indoor events in the Eifel region in January alone. While work is in full swing on the race track for the start of the season, the Nürburgring is once again proving its versatility as a year-round venue elsewhere. Indoor sporting events recently attracted thousands to the Ring. Two cheerleading events last weekend made a particular impression: around 7,000 participants and spectators turned the ring°arena into a madhouse on Saturday and Sunday. While 113 teams competed for qualification for the German Championships at the Regional Championships West, the STAGE Events West focused on creativity and entertainment for beginner and show teams. The “International Rhine Shiai” had already provided martial arts flair. More than 1,100 karateka from 26 nations – many from the Benelux countries and France – used the ring°arena as the stage for one of the largest round-robin competitions at the beginning of January. For many years now, athletes have been coming to the Ring during the cold season, underlining the importance of the location for international martial arts. Economic factor and industry meeting place In mid-January, the EUROTOI trade fair attracted around 38 international exhibitors and more than 700 trade visitors to the ring°boulevard. As Europe's most important meeting place for the mobile sanitation industry, the trade fair offered an overview of innovations in the industry across 4,500 square meters. The accompanying backstage tours behind the scenes and into the history of the track, as well as races on the neighboring ring°kartbahn, showed that the Nürburgring is more than just a trade fair location. This created an entertaining overall experience for visitors. A series of other B2B events – exclusive conferences with hundreds of participants and corporate events with several thousand guests – rounded off the event list in recent days. “10,000 event visitors in the first weeks of the year are a strong signal for our indoor locations. It's great to see how the ring°arena and the ring°boulevard are filled with life throughout the year – through top-class sports, specialized trade fairs, and large and small B2B events,” says Nürburgring Managing Director Christian Stephani. 5,000 seats, 4,000 square meters, 1,000 bedsThe fact that the Nürburgring can confidently handle such large numbers of visitors even in winter is due to the special infrastructure on site. The heart of the indoor activities is the ring°boulevard with the integrated ring°arena. With a capacity of up to 5,000 seats, the latter provides a large stage for exciting sports and show events, while the ring°boulevard, with an area of more than 4,000 square meters, offers generous space for trade fairs and exhibitions. All locations are weather-independent and can be combined in a variety of ways thanks to their direct connections. This enables a seamless transition between trade exhibitions, catering areas, and arena shows. This offering is complemented by high-quality accommodation: the Congress Hotel and the Motorsport Hotel, as well as the holiday park with a total of 1,000 beds, are located directly at the Nürburgring. Darts at the Ring – Ally Pally in the EifelThe positive trend of events attracting large audiences is continuing in the spring. The Darts at the Ring Gala on Saturday, March 28, is already shaping up to be a full house. With a top-class line-up led by world champion Luke Humphries and 2026 vice world champion Gian van Veen, the event promises a real Ally Pally atmosphere in the ring°arena. Nathan Aspinall, Stephen Bunting, and local hero Max Hopp will also be traveling to the Nürburgring that evening. Fans of flying darts need to be quick: there are only a few tickets left.

Between secrecy and global appeal

27.01.2026

For decades, the Nürburgring has been the test and development platform of the international automotive industry. As part of the “Test and Development Drives,” manufacturers and suppliers use the Nordschleife to test and refine vehicles and components under real-world extreme conditions – on the most demanding racetrack in the world. In an interview, the Nürburgring CEO's Christian Stephani and Ingo Böder explain how testing, confidentiality, and global visibility come together at the Nürburgring: Many people have heard of the colloquially known “industry pool” at the Nürburgring – but only very few know what actually lies behind it…Ingo Böder: Officially, it is referred to as the “Nürburgring Test and Development Drives” – a collaboration between the Nürburgring and automotive manufacturers and suppliers who specifically test and further develop their vehicles and products here. Over the course of the year, we exclusively make the Nordschleife available for a total of 17 weeks for this purpose. This is not a marketing event, but genuine engineering work. Vehicles are tested, refined, and improved here – from suspension systems to software. You could say that the Nordschleife is the automotive industry’s longest open-air laboratory. Why is the Nürburgring still so important for vehicle development today?Christian Stephani: Because the Nordschleife offers everything a vehicle may encounter in everyday use and at the limit – only more concentrated. Our track provides the ideal foundation: around 21 kilometers, 73 corners, gradients of up to 18 percent, descents of up to 11 percent, varying asphalt surfaces, and changing weather conditions. One kilometer driven on the Nordschleife can place as much stress on a vehicle as up to twenty kilometers on public roads. Weak points are eliminated and potential is uncovered here before a car goes into production and ultimately reaches customers. A product that withstands the Nordschleife will withstand any other road. That is why almost every vehicle – or at least one of its installed components – has been tested on the Nordschleife. This is also where the guiding principle originates: “Everyone praises what has been Nürburgring-tested,” a slogan coined in the early days of our racetrack and still valid today. What do these test and development weeks look like in practice?Ingo Böder: During the test and development weeks, manufacturers arrive at the Nürburgring with their development vehicles and teams. Drivers, engineers, data specialists, and mechatronics technicians work hand in hand here. During this time, a small, highly specialized ecosystem emerges – along with an economic stimulus for the region. Many manufacturers have set up their own bases in the surrounding commercial areas, where vehicles are prepared and analyzed when they are not on track.The central hub of testing activities on the Nordschleife is the building known as “T13” and the operational area in front of this former grandstand, which has given the entire area its name to this day. Technical support, data analysis, setup work, and the start of test runs all converge here. This is where the teams are based who support the development work behind the scenes. That is why we will significantly upgrade this area over the winter. What does the upgrade of the “T13” involve?Christian Stephani: We want to provide an appropriate setting for the work carried out there. After all, a great deal comes together here – shielded from the outside world – from international engineering expertise to the mobility of the future, all of which defines the high-quality products of the automotive and supplier industries. The test and development drives were also one of the reasons why we raised safety to a new level through the complete digitalization of the Nordschleife. For our industry partners, this means greater safety, higher efficiency, and long-term stable conditions for test and development weeks on a track that is partly blind and extremely challenging.Now the “T13” is in focus: following the installation of photovoltaic systems on the former grandstand and the setup of fast-charging stations by our partner AVIA, we are taking the next steps in its further development. In the coming weeks, working conditions on site for company employees will be improved. To this end, the building’s interior will be completely stripped and modernized. In addition, the asphalt in the “T13” area will be renewed, and the external appearance will be adapted to reflect the theme in the future. What will this external appearance look like, and how does it align with the confidential development work carried out there?Ingo Böder: We want it to be visible from the outside what happens here – namely test and development work at the highest level. We tell the story of vehicle development on the Nordschleife, not the manufacturers’ secrets. Everyone knows that development and testing take place here – that is part of the Nürburgring’s DNA. We want to share this story as a sign of appreciation, without touching on trade secrets or violating confidentiality.This will also be reflected in the building’s visual design. Part of this includes a new naming: “Test & Performance Center | T13,” which will be prominently displayed. In doing so, we do justice to the topic without neglecting the historical past – the building’s roots as a former grandstand. The slogan “Everyone praises what has been Nürburgring-tested” will also find its place here. A fascinating balancing act: while the test drives take place behind the scenes, record runs on the Nordschleife are visible worldwide…Christian Stephani: Absolutely – and one is the foundation of the other. On the Nordschleife, you truly discover what your car is capable of. That is why every record lap is backed by intensive development work – often carried out right here during the test and development drives. These provide the basis for later presenting the vehicles on the global stage. A fast lap on the Nordschleife is the most visible quality promise a manufacturer can make. If a car succeeds here, it has proven itself – technically, emotionally, and communicatively. Has the increasingly international nature of communication also changed the test and development drives?Christian Stephani: The members of the test and development drives are more international than ever. In addition to the major German and European brands, manufacturers from Asia and America are now an integral part as well – often originating from the desire to set and communicate a fast lap on the Nordschleife. Without development work on the track, however, this is simply impossible. Ford, BYD, and Xiaomi are recent examples showing that the Nürburgring is a globally recognized seal of quality for successful development work and also an excellent communication platform. First testing and development, then an official record attempt – this sequence applies to everyone. So the foundation for global communication is laid at the Nürburgring. To conclude: from the Nürburgring’s perspective, what makes the test and development drives and the collaboration on site so special?Ingo Böder: The test and development drives represent the DNA of the Nürburgring – and vice versa. There is also a mutual fascination and respect: for the track and the Nürburgring’s work on one side, and for the manufacturer’s engineering expertise and product on the other. That is why the execution and framework conditions of the test and development drives are continuously being further developed – often hand in hand, to achieve greater efficiency, safety, and a positive working environment. And ultimately, something is created here on the 20.832 kilometers of the Nordschleife that millions of people around the world come into contact with and trust to simply work. That is what excites us.