This year, motorsport fans are in for an early treat even before Christmas Eve. On 19 December 2026, just a few days before Christmas, the Digital Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (DNLS) kicks off its eighth season. Further races will follow on 9 January, 20 February and 13 March 2027. Each of the four races lasts three hours. Professionals from the real world of motorsport and the best sim racers will compete on the virtual Nordschleife for victories and titles. For some participants, there is more at stake than just points: as in the previous year, a DNLS season can count towards the real-world DMSB Permit Nordschleife (DPN). A total of 8,000 euros in prize money will be awarded in the Porsche Esports Endurance Trophy Nürburgring (PEETN). The champions will be honoured at the real Nordschleife during an NLS race in 2027.
With Season 7, the DNLS has broken new ground. For the first time, the DMSB recognised virtual racing as proof of eligibility for the Nordschleife Permit, and the DNLS was the first platform to facilitate this. This regulation remains unchanged. Drivers who hold at least an International D licence (Circuit) can have a DNLS season counted as driving experience towards the Level B DPN. To do so, they must finish three of the four races without incurring any penalties and be classified. Participation in an RCN performance test is also required.
“There’s huge anticipation for Season 8, both within our team and amongst the teams and drivers we’ve spoken to over the past few weeks,” says VLN Sporting Director Christian Vormann, who, alongside his role as NLS Race Director, is also active on the DNLS race committee. “We are proud that the DNLS once again counts towards the DMSB Nordschleife Permit this winter. In doing so, we continue to build a genuine bridge between virtual and real motorsport.”
Raphael Rennhofer demonstrates just how successfully the transition from simulation to the real Nordschleife can work. The Austrian was the 2024/2025 DNLS champion and has most recently won the PEETN twice in a row. This year, he battled for the junior title in the real-life NLS and was ultimately pipped at the post. This makes him one of the drivers who perfectly combine both worlds.
In sporting terms, Season 8 promises plenty. Last year’s champions are keen to defend their titles. The spotlight is particularly on BS+COMPETITION: the team secured maximum points in all four races in the BMW M2 class, thereby becoming the overall DNLS champions across all classes. In the GT3 SP9 class, Falken Simracing enters as champions. The team only clinched the championship in the very last race, with a lead of just one point. In the PEETN, EMM Esports enters the fray as defending champions.
More than five dozen cars across four classes lined up on the grid for Season 7. The SP9 class features GT3 cars from Aston Martin, BMW, Ford, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche. In this class, at least one driver per car must still come from real-world motorsport. As a result, GT professionals and sim-racing specialists regularly share the cockpit in this class. In the PEETN, all participants drive the Porsche 911 Cup, so the margins are traditionally very tight there. The SP10 is reserved for GT4 cars from Aston Martin, BMW and Mercedes-AMG. In addition, there is the one-make cup featuring the BMW M2 Racing.
Racing takes place in the iRacing simulation, and all races are livestreamed. The NLS commentators provide live coverage of the races. Biscuits and mulled wine on the sofa replace the bratwurst at the track. That’s all you need for a successful race day during Advent.