25.03.2026
The Nürburgring is making targeted investments in its future as a benchmark for the automotive industry. With the modernization of T13 and its transformation into the “Test & Performance Center | T13,” the former grandstand located directly on the Nordschleife—at the entrance to Nürburg—has been fundamentally redesigned. A modern infrastructure creates optimal working conditions for engineers from around the world who test vehicles and components here under real-world conditions and use the Nordschleife as a benchmark during official record-breaking runs. The former Grandstand 13, which has not been used as a spectator area for many years, is now the central operational hub for test and development runs on the Nordschleife. This is where the intensive development work of around 50 international companies begins and ends each year—ranging from component testing to full vehicle trials. “T13 is the heart of our industrial use of the Nordschleife. The elite of the international automotive industry works here for up to 17 weeks a year—and the demands on infrastructure and the working environment are correspondingly high,” explains Managing Director Ingo Böder. Comprehensive Modernization – From Technical Infrastructure to AsphaltLast winter, the entire site underwent extensive modernization. In addition to a complete renewal of the asphalt surfaces and technical infrastructure—particularly regarding data and utility lines—the energy and charging infrastructure was expanded with the future in mind. A new photovoltaic system on the roof, along with AVIA high-power charging stations, provide clear momentum toward sustainable and high-performance mobility. As part of these measures, the asphalt surface at T13 was also completely renewed. The building itself was completely gutted and its interior rebuilt from the ground up. An aging existing building has thus been transformed into a modern, functional, and high-quality workplace. “We deliberately chose not just to renovate here, but to rethink the space. The result is a holistic concept that reflects, both functionally and visually, the standards we set for this location,” Böder continued. The modernization of T13 not only strengthened operational performance but also significantly enhanced the building’s exterior appearance. Today, the site stands as a visible statement of innovation, quality, and sustainability—and thus as a fitting setting for the development work carried out here every day. The Nordschleife as a benchmark: From development to measurable performanceA central component of this overall concept is the topic of performance: For the work that begins at T13 finds its high-profile culmination on the track—in the form of official, timed laps on the Nordschleife. These so-called record runs are far more than mere best times: They are an internationally recognized seal of quality for development work under real-world extreme conditions. “If a vehicle performs convincingly on the Nordschleife, that’s a strong selling point for the market. The combination of testing, development, and verifiable performance makes the Nürburgring unique,” says Managing Director Christian Stephani. To ensure maximum transparency and comparability, these runs take place under clearly defined conditions—including notarial supervision, certified measurement technology, and technical inspection of the vehicles. Last year alone, 20 such record slots were allocated, with 14 of them resulting in officially communicated lap times. “The demand shows the significance the Nordschleife holds for manufacturers worldwide. Performance at this level is no coincidence, but the result of intensive development work—and that is precisely where it begins here at T13,” says Stephani.With its investment in the “Test and Performance Center | T13,” the Nürburgring is sharpening its decades-old slogan, “Everyone praises what’s Nürburgring-tested,” as a clear promise for the future. Testing, development, and measurable performance are coming further into focus—and the Nordschleife remains the place where it is decided what a vehicle can truly achieve.
23.03.2026
While people elsewhere are hunting for chocolate bunnies in their gardens, motorsports fans traditionally find their highlights on the tarmac of the Nürburgring. The Ring’s calendar is far more packed in April than many an Easter basket: things kick off with the four-day Easter weekend (April 3–6), which, as usual, is dedicated to public driving sessions. This is followed by top-tier racing at the third race of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (April 11) and the 24h Qualifiers just one week later (April 17–19). The latter will be enhanced this year for the first time by a round of the German Historic Endurance Championship. The emotional highlight for motorcycle enthusiasts comes at the end of the month with the “Anlassen” motorcycle service (April 26), which brings together thousands of bikers for their season opener. Here are the Nürburgring highlights for April: Tourist Drives at Easter: Four days of driving pleasure in the spirit of mutual respect | April 3–6, 2026 For four days, from Good Friday to Easter Monday, both the Nordschleife and the Grand Prix circuit will be open all day for the popular tourist runs. Those who want to experience the legendary asphalt for themselves pay 35 euros per lap. This year, the driving fun is complemented by a special theme: With a new campaign, the Nürburgring, together with local municipalities and the police, is promoting respectful coexistence throughout the region. At the heart of it is a clear message: “Your Home for a weekend. Our Home for a lifetime.” (translated: “Your home for a weekend. Our home for a lifetime.”) The goal is for all guests to combine their visit to the region with the necessary consideration for public road traffic and local residents. Motorcycle Service “Anlassen”:Between blessings, show performances, and social responsibility | April 26, 2026Thousands of motorcycles together on the Nordschleife: The motorcycle community celebrates its traditional season opener at the Nürburgring on Sunday, April 26. The “Anlassen” motorcycle service is a massive gathering of like-minded people every year, featuring various program highlights that turn it into a true celebration of community. Entertainment will be provided by, among other things, a dealer mile, a new trial show by the AAC Bad Neuenahr, a Doc Scholl rider training session, and safety demonstrations by the Koblenz Police Motorcycle Unit. In addition to the ecumenical service (2:30 p.m.) with a blessing for a great year on two wheels and the subsequent parade around the Nordschleife, the focus is always on a good cause: A blood donation van from the German Red Cross (DRK) and a tissue-typing van from the Stefan Morsch Foundation will be on site. Admission is free as usual. The event starts at 10 a.m., with the paddock gates opening as early as 8 a.m. Racing Marathon: 15 hours of racing action draw crowds to the Nordschleife | April 11 & April 17–19 Two weekends, four races, and a total of 15 hours of racing action in the Green Hell: April features two consecutive endurance racing weekends. The third race of the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie kicks things off on April 11. Fans can look forward to a full field of competitors on the Nordschleife and enjoy insights into motorsport that are rarely experienced: access to the pit lane and the starting grid for the 4-hour race are included in the ticket. One weekend later (April 17–19) comes the big endurance test for the legendary 24-hour race: the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers. In two races on Saturday and Sunday, the teams will fine-tune their preparations for the race of the year. A special treat is the four-hour evening race on Saturday, which has been a tradition for years. New in 2026: the German Historic Endurance Championship (DHLM) will hold a three-hour race as part of the supporting program. Here, the icons of days gone by return to the Green Hell. For both events, in addition to standard day tickets, there are also exclusive VIP packages. These turn the day into a unique experience with box seats, catering, and support from Nürburgring insiders. Nürburgring Drift Cup: Precision at the limit in the Müllenbachschleife | April 25–26High-speed sideways drifts, action-packed duels, and an enthusiastic crowd in the stands of the Müllenbachschleife. April marks the kickoff of the 2026 Nürburgring Drift Cup. The European elite will battle for the judges’ favor during the first round from April 25 to 26. These spectacular door-to-door duels demand millimeter-precise control. In the elimination rounds held in tournament format, drivers will battle for victory in various classes through Sunday. Fans are in for a real treat: cars packing up to 1,000 horsepower make the Drift Cup a high-octane experience. Day tickets are available for 25 euros, and the entire weekend can be experienced for 40 euros. Nürburgring highlights in April 2026:• April 3–6: Tourist drives over the Easter weekend• April 11: ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (Rennen 3)• April 17–19: ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers • April 25–26: Nürburgring Drift Cup (Round 1)• April 25: RCN & GLP (Round 2)• April 26: Motorcycle service “Anlassen”
21.03.2026
The ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie (NLS) delivered a race in a class of its own at its second event of the year, the 58th ADAC Barbarossa Prize. Around 25,000 enthusiastic spectators lined the Grand Prix circuit and the legendary Nordschleife to witness a historic moment: Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen made his debut in a Mercedes-AMG GT3. Together with Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon, he crossed the finish line first after four hours – a perfect debut, which, however, was to have an unexpected aftermath. Around two hours after the podium ceremony, disillusionment set in during technical scrutineering. During the routine analysis of the Tyre App, the commission discovered that the team had used seven sets of tyres instead of the permitted six. The logical consequence from the stewards: disqualification. Victory was thus handed to ‘Dan Harper’ and Jordan Pepper in the BMW M4 GT3 from ROWE RACING. In a class of his own: Verstappen dominates qualifyingDespite his subsequent disqualification, the pure sporting performance of the world champion and his team-mates remained undisputed. In a top-class field of over 130 cars, Verstappen had already demonstrated his exceptional form in the morning. With a fastest lap of 7:51.751 minutes, he secured pole position. “To be honest, pole was a lovely surprise, especially as I finally managed a lap without traffic and Code 60 at the Ring,” explained a visibly pleased Verstappen. Behind him, Christopher Haase in the Scherer Sport PHX Audi (7:53.725 mins) and the sister car to the eventual winning BMW from ROWE RACING were lurking in second and third places. High tension in the opening stagesThe race itself lived up to the promise of qualifying. Immediately after the lights went out, a thrilling battle broke out at the front. Christopher Haase put Verstappen under immense pressure and, at the end of the first lap, emerged from the slipstream to take the lead. Meanwhile, ROWE RACING demonstrated strategic prowess. Jordan Pepper and ‘Dan Harper’ steadily worked their way up from seventh on the grid. “Finishing on the podium at the Nürburgring is always a success,” emphasised Pepper, still unaware that he would later be declared the winner. He also had sporting words for his prominent rival: “Having Max competing here is great for the sport. He’s an absolute professional who pushes us all. The attention he brings to the Nordschleife is a win for us all.” Comeback runs and class victoriesThere was fierce competition further down the field too. After a furious comeback from tenth on the grid, Falken Motorsport secured third place (which became second following a DSQ). Sven Müller was pleased with the Porsche 911 GT3 R, but noted: “Our race was flawless, even if we were unfortunately still lacking a bit of acceleration compared to the front-runners.” The 48 LOSCH Motorsport by BLACK FALCON team also benefited from the Verstappen team’s misfortune. Their Porsche 911 GT3 R ‘inherited’ the final podium spot and was simultaneously crowned the strongest team in the PRO-AM classification. The team from the Nürburgring Business Park also celebrated victory in the AM classification of the GT3 class (SP9) thanks to drivers Mustafa Mehmet Kaya, Gabriele Piana and Mike Stursberg in another 911. CUP3: Smyrlis Racing prevails in record-breaking fieldIn the CUP3 class, which boasted one of the largest fields of the weekend with a total of 17 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS cars on the grid, there was no getting past Smyrlis Racing’s car number 953. The duo of Oskar Sandberg and Alexander Fielenbach triumphed after 27 laps. They relegated the SRS Team Sorg Rennsport (#959) with Heiko Eichenberg and Calvin de Groot to second place. The podium was completed by the Schmickler Performance team (#950) comprising Horst Baumann, Stefan Schmickler and Kai Riemer. Sandberg was named ‘Driver of the Race’ by the Interessengemeinschaft Langstrecke Nürburgring (ILN), the race organisers and the track commentators for his exceptional performance in the race. SP10: Mercedes victory against strong BMW competitionIn the SP10 class (GT4 cars), nine entrants battled for victory. In the end, the experience of PROsport racing GmbH prevailed: Anton Abee, Yannik Himmels and Jörg Viebahn confidently steered their Mercedes-AMG GT4 (#176) to first place after 27 laps. Second and third places went to the BMW contingent: AV Racing by BLACK FALCON (#177) secured the silver medal, followed by the BMW M4 GT4 from Plusline Motorsport (#155). VT2-RWD: Toyota Supra triumphs in the production carsThings were particularly exciting in the VT2-RWD class (rear-wheel-drive production cars), in which 11 cars lined up on the grid. Here, SRS Team Sorg Rennsport celebrated a resounding victory: car number 524, a Toyota Supra driven by Piet-Jan Ooms, Ionuc Catalin Timis and Thomas Fleming, secured the class win after 25 laps. Following in the next places were the BMW 230i from Schmickler Performance (#55) and another car from Sorg Rennsport, the BMW 330i with start number 514. Conclusion: A world champion caught up in Nordschleife feverMax Verstappen’s farewell sounded like a promise for the future: “For me, the Nordschleife is one of the craziest tracks in the world. I definitely want to drive here as often as possible.” The third round of the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie takes place on 11 April. The 57th Adenauer ADAC Circuit Trophy will be run over the classic four-hour distance.
19.03.2026
After the season opener had to be cancelled due to weather, anticipation is now building noticeably at the Nürburgring: This coming Saturday (21 March), the lights will finally turn green at the 58th ADAC Barbarossa Prize of the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie, and 136 cars will battle it out for their place in the Green Hell.To help you plan your visit, we’ve put together all of the key information. Tickets Tickets are available from €25 here Children and young people up to and including the age of 14 receive free admission Travel directions & Road Closures Due to asphalt works, the B 257 is currently closed in the Müllenbach area. 🔁 Diversions: From Wiesemscheid via B 258 towards Nürburgring Via L 94 towards Welcherath Via B 410 towards Kelberg Diversions will be clearly signposted on site. Note: Access to the paddock via the BMW M Bridge will be closed over the weekend. Please use the spectator tunnel entrance or the access to the Historic Paddock instead. LIVESTREAM Meet & Greet with Mascot “Legend” Meet our “Legend” on Saturday, March 21, 2026: Pit walk: approx. 10:20 am – approx. 10:50 am Grid walk: approx. 11:00 am – 11:40 am ring°boulevard: 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm ring°boulevard: 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm Subject to change due to weather conditions. Additional Opening Hours Tourist Drives:Sunday, 8:00 am – 6:30 pmPlease note the new emergency number: +49 (0) 2691 302 9111 ring°kartbahn:Saturday: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pmSunday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm ring°kino:Saturday: 2:00 pm – 11:00 pmSunday: 2:00 pm – 11:00 pm Nürburgring eSports Bar:Saturday: 10:00 am – 12:00 amSunday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
17.03.2026
The Nürburgring is taking responsibility – not only on its own premises, but also beyond. With a new awareness campaign, the racetrack, together with the municipalities of Adenau, Kelberg, and Vordereifel, as well as the Mayen Police Department – particularly the stations in Adenau and Mayen – is appealing to all visitors to behave considerately and in accordance with the rules during their stay in the region. At the heart of this is a clear message: “Your Home for a weekend. Our Home for a lifetime.” The campaign’s visual motif shows a person in front of a split image: on one side, the Nordschleife as a place of longing for motorsport enthusiasts from all over the world; on the other, a town in the region—such as Nürburg or Kelberg. The symbolism is deliberate. Those who visit the Nürburgring are not just traveling to a racetrack, but to a region that is the permanent center of life for many people. The Nordschleife and the surrounding towns are inextricably linked—infrastructure-wise, economically, and socially. The motif is complemented by the characteristic Nürburgring silhouette, which, as a graphic element, further underscores the connection between the destination and the region. “In terms of content, the campaign deliberately avoids a preachy tone, focusing instead on a change of perspective and empathy,” explains press spokesperson Alexander Gerhard. “While clear rules apply on the Nordschleife to ensure safety and fairness, the provisions of the traffic regulations naturally apply on public roads.” Accordingly, the campaign invites people to put themselves in the shoes of local residents: For visitors, the Nürburgring is a special weekend experience; for the people in the region, it is part of their everyday life. “The Nürburgring is a cosmopolitan place of enthusiasm and international encounter. At the same time, we see ourselves as part of a strong region. For us, responsibility does not end at the Nordschleife exit. Even though we do not perform any official duties outside our premises, it is part of our identity to advocate for respectful coexistence and to raise our guests’ awareness of this,” adds Gerhard. The goal is to work with local authorities and the police to promote an attitude that views consideration and compliance with rules as a natural part of a successful visit.The initiative is based on extensive research and the analysis of comparable best-practice campaigns from other destinations. From this, a unique, regionally rooted communication concept was developed that takes into account the specific situation surrounding the Nürburgring. The message is clear: the Nürburgring, a passion for automobiles, and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive—on the contrary, they belong together. As a major economic driver, the Nürburgring generates significant annual economic value in the hotel, restaurant, retail, and service sectors. Numerous companies in the region benefit directly or indirectly from the influx of visitors. This economic significance makes harmonious coexistence all the more important. The new awareness campaign is therefore intended not only to raise awareness but also to reinforce the understanding that every single individual, through their behavior, contributes to how the Nürburgring and the region are perceived—today and in the future.
17.03.2026
After the season opener quite literally fell through due to weather conditions, the tension at the Nürburgring is palpable: when the lights finally turn green this coming Saturday (March 21) at the 58th ADAC Barbarossapreis, all attention will be focused on one of the most high-caliber races in recent years. The enforced break has only intensified the hunger of teams and fans alike—and the starting grid has everything a motorsport enthusiast could wish for at this “true” season opener: from a Formula 1 world champion in a GT3 car to a viral fan project, as well as prominent crossovers and spectacular new additions in the midfield. One name guarantees a serious adrenaline rush at the second NLS round: Max Verstappen. The Dutchman will celebrate his highly anticipated race debut in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 this Saturday. The four-time world champion will take the wheel for Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing in car number 3, which will compete in a striking Red Bull-backed design. For Verstappen, the opportunity to go head-to-head with the most experienced Nordschleife veterans marks a crucial step:“The Nürburgring is a special place. There’s no other track like it,” Verstappen says enthusiastically. “Last year I got my license and was able to take part in NLS9, which we won. That preparation is very valuable, as we learned a lot that we can now carry into this year’s program. Now it’s about getting the maximum out of everything.” However, the road to a prestigious victory in the “Green Hell” runs through a field packed with driving talent and technical diversity. The intra-team battle is particularly explosive: the Mercedes-AMG GT3 of Mercedes-AMG Team RAVENOL (car number 80) presents top-tier competition. With Fabian Schiller and Maxime Martin behind the wheel, two of the fastest Nordschleife specialists are ready to challenge—drivers who know both the car and the tricky Eifel conditions inside out. Beyond that, the Dutchman must hold his own against the elite of the GT3 world. Leading the charge is BMW squad Rowe Racing, fielding two strong M4 GT3 entries with car numbers 98 and 99. With stars like Augusto Farfus, Raffaele Marciello, and Sheldon van der Linde, the team boasts a lineup that is hard to beat in terms of experience and speed. The Italian competition is equally formidable: Red Bull Team Abt enters the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO II (#130), driven by a top-class lineup including former DTM champion Mirko Bortolotti, Nordschleife expert Marco Mapelli, and Patric Niederhauser. The Porsche faction is, as always, highly aggressive heading into the second round. Falken and Dunlop Motorsport rely on two distinctive 911 GT3 R entries (#17, #44), featuring drivers such as veteran Nico Menzel and Tim Heinemann—traditionally among the favorites for overall victory. Brand diversity at the front is further enhanced by the new Aston Martin Vantage entries from Walkenhorst Motorsport, where Christian Krognes—holder of the official lap record—is particularly one to watch in car number 34. Added to this are the spectacular Ford Mustang GT3 cars from Haupt Racing Team (#64, #65) with Arjun Maini, as well as the Ferrari 296 GT3 from REALIZE KONDO RACING with Rinaldi. Scherer Sport PHX, relying on proven Audi power, should not be underestimated either. For Verstappen, the entry list means hard work: to succeed here, he must prove himself against the crème de la crème of international endurance racing. From April Fools’ joke to the NordschleifeA major highlight of the second NLS round is the race debut of the BMW M3 Touring 24H, which is writing a unique story under the motto “You dreamed it, we built it.” What began as a viral April Fools’ joke in April 2025 has now become a real high-performance race car heading to the Nordschleife. What makes it special: the community didn’t just dream it up—they are literally part of it, as the special livery features selected original fan comments. Despite its distinctive wagon silhouette, the car entered by Schubert Motorsport in the SP-X class hides pure racing technology based on the M4 GT3 EVO. “Although the car originated from an April Fools’ joke, it has become an absolutely top-class and competitive race car,” promises BMW works driver Jens Klingmann, who, together with teammate Ugo de Wilde, aims to prove on Saturday that this fan dream performs at the highest level on the asphalt of the Green Hell. BMW Motorsport boss Andreas Roos emphasizes how close this project is to the brand’s heart: “Something like this has never happened at BMW M Motorsport before. I’m thrilled—and I’m sure our fans will be just as excited. I promise everyone a great show.” Like father, like sonWhen motorsport fans hear the name Scheider, they pay attention—for good reason. With Loris Scheider, the next generation is stepping up at NLS2, aiming to follow in his father’s large footsteps. The son of two-time DTM champion and 24-hour race winner Timo Scheider has already gained experience in various racing series and is now taking the next step. The 22-year-old will make his NLS debut in a BMW M240i Racing entered by Keeevin Motorsport, alongside Maximilian Kurz and Riccardo Petrolo. Scheider now lives in the Eifel region and runs the company “Scheiders Nürburgring” together with his father, focusing on vehicle tuning and track conversions.“In the past year and a half, I’ve driven hundreds of laps on the Nordschleife during tourist drives, track days, and also in the simulator,” he says. “Now I finally need to get my permit so I can eventually fulfill the dream of racing together with my father on the Nordschleife. We share the same passion, the same madness—that will be an incredible experience. But for now, I’m just really looking forward to my NLS outings.” From microphone to race carNot only the cars but also the entry list features real eye-catchers: influencer “Happinessa” will compete in the second NLS round, adding a touch of glamour to the paddock. For her, the weekend marks a full-circle moment, as she worked as a presenter for the endurance series from 2019 to 2021. She has since established herself as a racing driver and was the highest-placed female competitor in last year’s NASCAR Euro Series. By competing in the Eifel, she follows in notable footsteps: as Playmate of the Month May 2025—under her real name Vanessa Neumann—she follows directly in the path of Jolanda Egger (later Surer), Playmate of the Year 1983, who already conquered the Green Hell at racing speed in 1992. “Happinessa” will drive a BMW 325i for rent2Drive-MEHRTEC-racing, led by David Ackermann, and is eager to get started:“Even back when I was a presenter, I dreamed of racing on the Nordschleife myself. Now that dream is finally coming true, and I can’t wait to experience the Green Hell from the cockpit perspective.” This proves that passion and horsepower know no limits—whether in front of the camera or in intense on-track battles. From a traditional workshop to the Green HellIn the SP2T class, Bitter Motorsport adds to the grid with the Bitter Corsa, carrying start number #380. For team manager Markus Bitter, racing on the Nordschleife is almost a home event, as his uncle Erich already made history there in the late 1960s with the legendary Opel Rekord 1900 “Black Widow.” The Bitter brand remains true to its rebellious heritage to this day, bringing dynamism and sportiness back to the Opel lineup off the track. The Bitter Corsa in the 2026 NLS season will be driven by Katharina Lippka, Björn Morhin, Christian Schäffer, Jan Soumagne, and Nordschleife expert Volker Strycek. Tickets for the second event of the anniversary season, the 58th ADAC Barbarossapreis organized by MSC Sinzig, cost €25 (free for children up to 14 years old) and are available at VLN.de/tickets as well as at the box office. This includes access to the open grandstands at the Grand Prix circuit, the exclusive spectator areas Brünnchen and Pflanzgarten, as well as the paddock, pit lane, and starting grid. Qualifying for the best grid positions takes place between 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. During the break between qualifying and the race, fans have plenty of time to get up close to the cars: with a valid ticket, access to the pit lane opens at 10:20 a.m. for the pit walk, followed by the starting grid at 11:10 a.m. with even more hands-on motorsport experiences. The four-hour endurance race starts at 12:00 p.m. The livestream on VLN.de begins at 8:15 a.m. Additionally, “Radio Nürburgring” is available via rpr1.de and in the RPR1 app.
16.03.2026
The countdown to the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring from May 14 to 17, 2026, is particularly exciting this year. Numerous high-profile projects have been announced for this year and promise a fierce battle at the front: The Rowe Racing team, starting with car number #1, will be chased by dozens of GT3s, with the crème de la crème of endurance specialists behind the wheel. At least eight brands (Audi, Aston Martin, BMW, Ford, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche) and more teams in the top class than in previous years are expected to be on the starting grid by the end of the entry period (late April). Added to this are other classes with strong lineups, ranging from beefy GTs to lightning-fast production cars, which will ensure a heart-pounding spectacle. Adding an extra dose of excitement this year is the once again unpredictable Eifel weather, which thwarted the first race of the NLS (Nürburgring Endurance Series) season with a sudden onset of winter. Now, with the 24-hour race just around the corner, the endurance racing community has only two NLS races left, as well as the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers (April 17–19), which are also part of the NLS: a tight window of time given the meticulous preparations required, especially for the top teams, ahead of the endurance classic. And that even applies to a four-time Formula 1 world champion: Max Verstappen has announced his participation in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, sparking euphoria not only among his Dutch compatriots but also among many motorsport fans worldwide. He plans to personally put his racing team’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 through its paces during the second round of the NLS (March 21)—and will certainly face some additional competitors whose testing schedules have been thrown into disarray by the canceled season opener. Adding to the excitement is the fact that the 24 Hours is also on the line starting with the first NLS round. After all, the top spots for the decisive Top Qualifying 3 at the 24 Hours can be secured during the NLS rounds leading up to the season’s highlight. Up to three spots will be awarded based on qualifying and race performance in NLS Rounds 1 through 3, and up to three additional spots based on performance in the 24 Hours Qualifiers. This is an attractive prospect and an additional incentive for the teams, as GT3 teams that do not secure their spot before the 24-hour race must face a two-stage shoot-out, in which only the fastest cars advance to the next round. Pole position and the spots on the front rows of the grid are then determined only after the third Top Qualifying session. Strong teams promise exciting battles at the frontThe Verstappen Mercedes-AMG GT3 is one of the two spearheads of the Stuttgart-based team’s performance lineup. The sister car, sporting the colors of 24h main sponsor RAVENOL, will also be manned by excellent factory drivers. Last year’s winners from Rowe Racing also face a threat from within their own ranks, as the defending champions will field two cars again in 2026, after running just one car last year. The BMW factory lineup also includes the BMW M4 GT3 Evo from Schubert Motorsport. Joining the circle of top contenders are a number of Porsche teams, such as the two 911 GT3 Rs fielded by Schnabl in the colors of tire manufacturers Falken and Dunlop. Also already confirmed is the 911 from Team Dinamic GT, which finished in third place behind Rowe and Manthey in 2025. A number of other teams are also among the top contenders for the leading positions. These include the two latest-generation Lamborghinis from Abt Motorsport. Or the Ford Mustang GT3s, which still had to contend with teething problems here and there last year but have since long since matured into seasoned endurance racers. Passion Projects and Fan Favorites GaloreEven outside the circle of overall victory contenders, cars are set to make their debut this year that are sure to capture the hearts of fans. There are, for example, the HWA Evos competing in the SP-X special class, whose design is inspired by the legendary 190 Evo2 Mercedes from the golden era of the DTM. Or the BMW M3 GT3 Touring 24h, also competing in the same class—marking the return of a race-ready station wagon to the 24 Hours of Nürburgring after many years. In the top class, the “Saugmotoren Motorsport” team has announced one of the almost legendary BMW Z4 GT3s, which fans and drivers still affectionately call “Zetti.” Added to this are the highly competitive classes, where thrilling battles for positions and trophies ensure plenty of action. Even though the 24 Hours of Nürburgring is not part of the PETN (Porsche Endurance Trophy Nürburgring), the two Cup classes for the cars competing there are also expected to be highly competitive at the season’s highlight. And in the other “Special,” Cup, and production car classes as well, many teams have already announced their participation at the start of the season. This 54th edition of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring promises top-level racing and plenty of Nordschleife excitement.
14.03.2026
Low temperatures and snowfall had initially delayed the start of qualifying. Track conditions improved, but the temperatures did not. The tire manufacturers involved in the NLS advised the VLN against holding the 71st ADAC Westfalenfahrt. Race officials ultimately followed the recommendation. The final cancellation at 10:45 a.m. was preceded by two team manager meetings at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., during which VLN officials sought feedback from the teams. “Even though the final decision rests with us, it was important to us to discuss the situation with the participants,” says Christian Vormann, VLN Sports Director. “After an inspection lap, race control decided that the track was drivable. The shoulders were clear of snow and it was slowly drying out. Opinions among the teams were mixed. A vote resulted in a slim majority in favor of holding the event. In the end, the warning from the tire industry tipped the scales in favor of cancellation.” The second round of the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie will take place this coming weekend. On March 21, Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen, among others, will return to the Green Hell in a Mercedes-AMG GT3. 🎟️ Tickets are available here.
11.03.2026
When the first engines roar into life in March, it marks the start of more than just a new racing season at the Nürburgring. It marks the start of a year that reflects the full spectrum of this legendary event location: top-class international motorsport, spectator-friendly series on the Nordschleife, festivals, community events, family formats, and hands-on activities. Around 60 events will make the Nürburgring 2026 a meeting place for fans from all over the world from spring until late autumn – and a powerful driving force for the region. The highlights of the calendar include traditional crowd-pullers such as the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, the DTM, Rock am Ring, the Int. ADAC Truck Grand Prix, and the BELMOT Oldtimer Grand Prix. They guarantee full grandstands, full campsites, and an atmosphere that can only be found in the Eifel region. Between March and October, these major events alternate with a variety of other formats – from international GT racing to accessible Nordschleife action. The Nordschleife as the centerpieceAs a world-renowned trademark, the legendary Nordschleife will continue to be the touchstone for top driving performance in 2026. The ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Endurance Series, the RCN Circuit Challenge, and the GLP regularity test provide hands-on racing throughout the year. Here, fans experience thrilling duels, an open paddock, and motorsport that remains tangible. The highlight is the 24-hour weekend in May, when more than 100 vehicles set off on a chase through the “Green Hell” and tens of thousands of fans camp along the track. Hardly any other race combines sporting excellence and passionate fan culture so intensely. New impetus in the international racing calendarIn 2026, the Nürburgring will be setting new trends: the MICHELIN 12H Nürburgring will be making its debut in the Eifel region. The premiere as part of the Michelin 24H SERIES expands the international endurance racing portfolio and underlines the importance of the location in global GT racing. A new chapter is also beginning in the two-wheel sector: the International German Motorcycle Championship will compete under the name EURO MOTO in future. With a new look and a sharper profile, the series is repositioning itself – and is the flagship for motorcycle racing on the Grand Prix circuit. The international program is complemented by high-quality GT racing formats such as the DTM, GT World Challenge, and ADAC Racing Weekend – a dense spectrum of brand diversity, young talent development, and top-class motorsport. Those who like things a size bigger can admire the 1,000 hp race trucks at the Int. ADAC Truck Grand Prix. Festival and colorful paddock included. Historic motorsport also remains an integral part of the season. With the ADAC Nürburgring Classic, the BELMOT Oldtimer Grand Prix, and the traditional ADAC 1,000 km race, the Nürburgring will continue to bridge the gap between the past and the present in 2026. Historic formula cars, touring car icons, and endurance classics remind us that motorsport history has been written here since 1927 – lively, loud, and with an unmistakable character. Festival, scene, communityHowever, the Nürburgring is much more than just racing. When around 90,000 music fans transform the Eifel into a festival sea at the sold-out Rock am Ring in June, a different facet of the area comes to the fore. Events such as the Nürburgring Drift Cup, GRIP – Das Motorevent, and Rad am Ring combine scene, participatory character, and passion for mobility in all its forms. There is also a premiere here: The Low Scty PS Arena, a community event at the Nürburgring, is celebrating its premiere, having already grown into a major event in Austria with thousands of fans. In addition, there are indoor highlights in the ring°arena and ring°boulevard – from darts at the Ring to Europe's largest e-darts tournament (DLMM) and from a job fair to the popular family day. This mix of top-class sport, entertainment, and community formats makes the 2026 season a diverse experience for a wide range of target groups – from die-hard motorsport fans to family outings. More than just watchingAnd even away from the major events, the Ring remains a place to experience: on well over 100 days, the Nordschleife and Grand Prix circuit open their gates for tourist drives, after-work classics, or cycling and running meetups. Here, the spectator becomes the participant – an offer that makes the Nürburgring a new experience year after year. With established classics, international premieres, and clear diversity, the Nürburgring is starting a season that combines tradition and the future in equal measure. 2026 promises to be another year full of excitement, speed, and unforgettable moments.
