The International Shell ADAC Truck Grand Prix has been one of the absolute highlights of the season at the Nürburgring for four decades. The glorious, sun-drenched 40th-anniversary edition drew 135,000 enthusiastic spectators to the Eifel region over the course of a weekend. The tried-and-tested trio of motor racing, a music festival and a commercial vehicle exhibition proved a hit once again this year.

When else do you get the chance to chat shop with your idols in the paddock, snap selfies and bag autographs, or look over their shoulders as they prepare for the race? To watch the mechanics from just a few metres away as they get the 1,000-PS trucks ready for the next race? And to be right in the thick of it on the starting grid just minutes before the start? At the International Shell ADAC Truck Grand Prix, all this has been possible for 40 years.

Local hero Sascha Lenz dominates and wins the new TGP Championship
And although traditions are upheld here, this mega-event has continued to evolve over the past decades, introducing new features. This year was no exception, as the Truck Grand Prix Championship celebrated its debut. The four races at the Nürburgring formed the grand finale of the series, which had been extremely well received in the Eifel region and previously at the Lausitzring and the Hockenheimring.

In the thrilling races at the Nürburgring, the driver who stood head and shoulders above the rest was Sascha Lenz: The local hero from Urmitz had already made a strong impression in both races on Friday. After twelve laps in each race, the MAN driver prevailed over the competition; thrilling battles for position kept the spectators on the edge of their seats.

With these two victories, the 39-year-old extended his lead in the overall standings – and finally secured the title of this exciting new championship on Saturday. In the first race of the day, he spent a long time in second place but was on the verge of overtaking the leader, Steffen Faas. Although Faas managed to fend off the attacks for a long time, he was eventually forced to concede defeat on the eleventh and penultimate lap when Lenz overtook him, drifted across the finish line and secured his third victory.

In the fourth and final race of the weekend, Steffen Faas was then able to wave to the crowd from the top step of the podium. One step below him stood Lenz, who had so convincingly won the title of the first TGP champion.

Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Mercedes AMG and Porsche also race around the track
When the International Shell ADAC Truck Grand Prix makes its appearance at the Nürburgring for the absolute highlight of the season, the drivers of the ADAC GT Masters have also been part of the action for many years. They too thrilled the large crowds on the Grand Prix circuit in their 550 PS-strong Porsches, Aston Martins, BMWs, Mercedes-AMGs, Fords and Lamborghinis. The four rounds of the Goodyear FIA European Championship also provided pure excitement: Norbert Kiss dominated with three victories; René Reinert won the second round.

Tom Astor, Truck Stop, Rednex and co. thrill the truckers at the Müllenbachschleife
The Müllenbachschleife has always been reserved for the big music festival. When the engines fall silent on the race tracks, and as dusk slowly but surely descends over the circuit, the big stars of the country and pop music scene take centre stage. Leading the way is Tom Astor, who has always been a regular guest here and, naturally, didn’t miss the chance at this anniversary edition to bring a tear or two to his fans’ eyes. Truck Stop, Minnie Rock, Tommy Fieber, Rednex, Schürze and DJ Biddie also ensured a great atmosphere both on and off stage. As always, the spectacular fireworks display on Saturday evening was a highlight not only of the music festival but of the entire Truck Grand Prix for many truckers.

Where the top decision-makers from global brands meet
For the top decision-makers from global brands in the commercial vehicle and logistics sectors, this event is an absolute must: after all, all the major players in the industry are represented at the commercial vehicle exhibition of the International Shell ADAC Truck Grand Prix. Renowned companies such as Daimler Truck, Iveco, MAN, Scania, Ford Trucks, Renault Trucks and Krone had set up large stands across an exhibition area of 10,000 square metres. Here they showcased their products, which have long included innovative and sustainable mobility solutions as well as state-of-the-art drive technologies.

Truck Symposium highlights how companies can attract skilled workers
The 19th Truck Symposium focused on the key issues shaping the future of the transport and logistics sector. Discussions centred on the implications of European transport and climate policy, current developments at the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM), and opportunities for state funding for in-company training. Another key focus was on strategies for recruiting, training and retaining professional drivers in the long term. Practical presentations demonstrated how companies can successfully recruit and integrate skilled workers from both Germany and abroad.

In addition, the challenges of business succession in the transport sector and current requirements regarding driving licences and driver qualifications were examined. In a high-profile panel discussion, representatives from politics, public authorities, industry and trade associations exchanged their perspectives on the future of logistics and jointly developed potential solutions for the sector.

Rudi Speich, Chairman of ADAC Mittelrhein e.V., was delighted with the excellent response: “The record number of registrations is a strong indication of the Truck Symposium’s relevance. Particularly in times of profound change, the sector needs open dialogue between business, politics, academia and trade associations. Together, we can shape the future of transport logistics and develop sustainable solutions.”

A constant queue outside the DRK blood donation van
It was an initiative that met with great support and was very well received: together with its partners the DRK, Life Lolli and ‘Blut transportiert’, the International Shell ADAC Truck Grand Prix organised a major blood donation drive in the event arena. Throughout the weekend, there was often a queue outside the DRK blood donation van: Visitors were also able to register as potential stem cell donors.

Rudi Speich, Chairman of ADAC Mittelrhein, said: “The ADAC is omnipresent in air rescue; we are very happy to support this fantastic campaign.” Especially as the number of blood donations continues to fall: “I am therefore delighted that the campaign has been so well received and that turnout is so high.”

ℹ️ Next year, the International Shell ADAC Truck Grand Prix will take place at the Nürburgring from 9 to 11 July 2027.