13.05.2024
The ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring is regarded by many fans and participants as the "race of the year". The motorsport festival, which is expected to attract over 200,000 spectators again this year, will once again live up to this claim: after the end of the entry deadline, 130 vehicles are on the provisional list of participants. At the top of the field, the stars of the GT3 scene will meet at the upcoming 52nd edition of the endurance classic from May 30 to June 2. Eight car manufacturers with 26 top-class super sports cars will be competing in the top classes (GT3 / SP9 and SP-X), in which the overall victory will be contested. It will also be exciting behind the top-class field, because the battle for victory in the numerous vehicle classes will also be exciting action without end. > Click here for the entry list for the 24h The "title defense" project is likely to be difficult for the crowd favorites from Frikadelli Racing. Because the Ferrari 296 GT3 of the team around Klaus "Frikadelli" Abbelen is not only facing fierce opposition in terms of numbers, the driver line-up is also excellent. Top-class customer racing teams from the major German car manufacturers Audi, BMW, Porsche and Mercedes-AMG will be supported by works drivers and equipment in their bid to take the crown on the longest and most beautiful race track in the world. The Porsche teams are the provisional favorites, having won all the races in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) and the ADAC 24h Qualifiers in April. Most successful: Falken Motorsports - the works team of the Japanese tire manufacturer sent two Porsche 911 GT3Rs with top drivers into the race. The green and blue nine-eleven cars with the starting numbers #33 and #44 are likely to be a benchmark for the entire field - together with the car of their brand colleagues from Manthey Racing. The #911 in the familiar "Grello" design will start the race for them, also driven by four proven top drivers. The Porsche GT3 armada is completed by the Renauer, Dinamic GT and Lionspeed teams, with the latter racing in the Pro-Am classification. A total of six 911 GT3Rs are on the grid. Top teams at the front of the fieldIn terms of sheer quantity, the teams that rely on Mercedes-AMG GT3s are right at the front alongside the Porsche teams. Here too, several teams are complemented by drivers from the works squad. The proven and very successful teams from HRT and GetSpeed will be involved as support teams, while a Pro-Am GT3 from Hofor Racing by Bonk Motorsport will also take part in the race. Audi and BMW will each be represented with three cars. The two R8 LMS GT3s from Scherer Sport PHX will spearhead the Ingolstadt outfit, while there will also be a Pro-Am entry from Juta Racing. BMW will rely on the M4 GT3 and the RMG and Rowe Racing teams. Four Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3Evo cars from Walkenhorst, Prosport Racing and Four Motors are coming to the Ring in very British style. The two Lamborghini Huracan GT3s from Abt and Konrad Motorsport and the SCG 004C from Glickenhaus Racing will also be in the field to add spice, spectacular visuals and further intensify the competition. Cup classes and GT4 field with a strong line-upThe battle in the other classes, which offer attractive cars and fiercely contested classifications, will also provide plenty of excitement. More than 20 entrants will be competing in the PETN (Porsche Endurance Trophy Nürburgring), for example, with the Cup3 classification standing out in particular with 14 cars: the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport may not be vying for championship points, but they will be competing for the most coveted individual victory of the season. The GT4 class (SP10) also has a strong field, with 14 entrants from Aston Martin, BMW, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche and Toyota. In the production car classes, the VT2 category with rear-wheel drive is particularly fiercely contested with ten starters - it is firmly in the hands of the BMW 330i models. VW celebrates Golf anniversary, Mercedes-AMG celebrates 130 years of motorsportSpread across the field and in different classes, there will once again be a number of factory entries from car manufacturers or companies from the supplier industry at the 24h. These include Subaru and Hyundai. Volkswagen is using the 24h Nürburgring to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Golf. A Golf GTI entered by Max Kruse Racing will celebrate its race debut at the 24h, bearing the starting number #50 to mark the anniversary. The celebrations will also include a trio of Golf GTIs in the 24h Classic support race and a world premiere: the new Golf GTI Clubsport will be presented for the first time on the ring°boulevard on Friday. Incidentally, this anniversary is not the only one being celebrated on the race weekend: Mercedes-AMG is also celebrating 130 years of motorsport under the banner of the star at the 24h. A Mercedes-AMG GT3 with a strong line-up from GetSpeed will therefore bear the starting number #130, and there will also be a large activity area in the paddock on the theme.
10.05.2024
The ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring stands for thrilling motorsport action on the most beautiful race track in the world. But it is not only the actual 24-hour race that is exciting, the sporting supporting program also ensures an extremely entertaining time: current and historic racing cars, popular sport in the best sense and exciting drift action at the Falken Drift Show await visitors on the Corpus Christi weekend (30 May to 2 June). And as befits this racing festival, there is something to experience in all areas of the legendary event site. ADAC 24h Classic with a gigantic starting fieldFor many visitors, the ADAC 24h Classic race is a highlight of the weekend in its own right. In this fast-paced homage to the more than 50-year history of the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, historic racing cars follow in the footsteps of the endurance classic. As was the case for the first time last year, the actual race is scheduled for Saturday morning: three hours of thrilling scenes with legendary cars - just the right accompaniment for breakfast and as a prelude to the race day with the start of the 24h Nürburgring at 4:00 pm as the highlight. The 24h Classic is not only very popular with spectators. The organizers of the historic racing spectacle announced well before the closing date for entries: Nothing is left. With 210 vehicles and several racing cars on the waiting list, the maximum permitted by the track license for this race has been reached. Spectators can therefore look forward to a great and exciting starting field with numerous automotive highlights from the two participating racing series. The Youngtimer Trophy, which provides the majority of the participants, stands for timeless touring car and GT classics that are on the starting grid here. From the NSU TT and the classic "dog bone" Ford Escort to the Porsche 911 RSR, everything is represented here. One newcomer is likely to capture the hearts of fans right from the start: the legendary Beckmann-Opel Manta competed in the 24h until last year and is finally moving into the historic vehicle camp this year. The Historic Championship 81 (HC '81), Germany's oldest historic racing series, will make an important contribution to the starting field. The 30 entries also include many Porsche 911 RSRs and STs, as well as Alfa Romeos, BMW M1s, Lancia Flavias and VW Golf 1s. In the footsteps of the DTMThe huge field of touring car legends is also a tribute to 24-hour history. Almost 50 (!) of the classic racing touring cars and GT sports cars from the seventies to nineties with their special focus on historic DTM vehicles are reminiscent of those years when this first league of German touring cars held their races as part of the 24h supporting program. Today, however, the participants no longer race around the 25 km long circuit, but stay on the Grand Prix course. But there is all the more action, as the series holds three half-hour races at the Nürburgring 24 Hours: From Thursday to Saturday, it's "Ring frei" once a day for the forefathers of today's DTM generation. Cup and Touring Car TrophyThe Cup and Touring Car Trophy, which is part of the 24h Nürburgring program for the second time this year, offers a special kind of motorsport mix. More than 35 cars from various cups and racing series, including the WTCC, will compete in the two races on Thursday and Friday on the Grand Prix circuit. It will be the second race weekend of the season after the successful season opener in Hockenheim. Jesco Kaczmarek (Porsche 997GT3 Cup) comes to the Eifel as the championship leader. In the battle for victory, he will primarily have to contend with the drivers of the six Porsche 911s from the 996 and 997 series mentioned above, especially last year's winner Mike Münch. However, the BMW faction with former champion Sascha Faath and Heiko Hammel, who is also known from the NLS, will also want to have a say in the overall victory. The field also includes a number of TCR cars as well as entrants with Mini and Renault Clio vehicles - a colorful field that promises plenty of racing and top entertainment. Four hours of pure Nordschleife racing to kick things offThe motorsport kick-off on Thursday morning is traditionally provided by the Rundstrecken Challenge Nürburgring. From 9:10 a.m., the large starting field of the popular mass sports series will take to the Nordschleife for the performance test. Although this is a fast-paced event, the diverse vehicles do not compete directly for positions, but mainly against the clock. Target time and best time laps alternate, the evaluation of which only leads to a list of results at the end. So far this season, the duo Julian Reeh / Sascha Steinhardt have best managed the balancing act of mastering the 20 km long track in the RCN version quickly, in a controlled manner and as accurately as possible: at the season opener as part of the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers in April, Reeh prevailed in the Porsche 997 GT3 against veteran Ralf Schall and drove home the first overall victory for the Porsche team. After winning the second race of the season at the end of April, the two drivers, who share the car, are now also the favorites for the 24h. Falken Drift ShowFriday evening at the 24h Nürburgring is a highlight of its own kind. After the fastest drivers of the weekend have decided the pole position and best grid positions among themselves in the top qualifying session from 5:30 p.m., it's time for the evening's motorsport. As befits a festival, there is more to experience than just a single stage: While the gates to the pit lane open at the start/finish and fans can collect autographs on the pit walk and take a stroll where normally only teams and racing cars are allowed to go, the Falken Drift Show takes place in the Müllenbachschleife. The in-house drift team of the Japanese tire manufacturer and important 24-hour partner Falken will then take turns with other "drifters" to conjure up the most spectacular drift angles on the track. This fun, which thousands of fans don't miss out on every year, is a highlight of the weekend in its own right and the exuberant finale to a packed day of motorsport.
03.05.2024
Classics, bikes and thrilling endurance motorsport: numerous events will be held at the Nürburgring in the coming weeks. At the end of May, the racing world will be looking to the Eifel for the prestigious ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring (May 30 - June 2). The week before, the Nürburgring Classic (May 24 - 26) invites you to a three-day celebration of historic motorsport. Two-wheeler fans will get their money's worth with the motorcycle double-header of the ADAC DMC Race Weekend (May 9 - 11) and the Cologne circuit (May 12). The “May highlights” will kick off with the race premiere of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (May 3 - 4), which will also be the teams' last test of strength before the 24-hour race. Further information is available online at nuerburgring.de. The events at a glance: ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring (Thursday, May 30 - Sunday, June 02)The supreme discipline of endurance racing, held on the most demanding race track in the world. Year after year, the 24-hour race fascinates motorsport fans from near and far. The ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring promises to be another highlight in 2024. For one day and one night, around 130 racing cars will engage in thrilling duels on the 25.3 kilometers of the Ring. They are cheered on by thousands of spectators. Many of them pitch their tents right next to the track and celebrate the biggest racing party of the year. It all starts on Corpus Christi Thursday (30 May) with qualifying sessions, races from other series and a large supporting program next to the track. The 24-hour race starts on Saturday (June 01) at 4 pm. Tickets for the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring are available online (orderable until May 17) or on site from as little as 34 euros. Nürburgring Classic (May 24 - 26)100 years of motorsport history will take to the track at the Nürburgring Classic from May 24 to 26. Fans can look forward to historic formula cars, pre-war racing cars and DTM touring cars from the 80s and 90s. Hundreds of these rare garage treasures are expected at the Nürburgring Classic, which takes place partly on the Nordschleife and mostly on the Grand Prix circuit. The drivers put the pedal to the metal in the 20 or so races, despite the often advanced age of the vehicles. A visit is also worthwhile because of the atmosphere next to the track. The ticket - from just 18 euros - always includes entry to the paddock. There, a Ferris wheel, live music and racing legends are waiting to be discovered. ADAC DMC Race Weekend (May 09 - 11) & Cologne circuit (May 12)Two motorcycle events in one go: with the ADAC DMC Race Weekend (May 9 to 11) and the Cologne circuit (May 12), the Grand Prix circuit will be dominated by sleek two-wheelers for one weekend. While modern machines conquer the Eifel circuit at the Race Weekend, racing motorcycles from past eras take to the track at the Cologne circuit. Large starting fields and challenging endurance races alternate with entertaining program items at the ADAC DMC Race Weekend. In the Scooter Cup, for example, iconic scooters do their laps on the Ring at two and four engine speeds. The sidecar teams at the Cologne circuit are also very popular. In addition to the acrobatic two-man motorcycles, spectators can look forward to many other historic racing machines on that Sunday. Day tickets (including paddock) cost 15 euros for the ADAC DMC Race Weekend and 10 euros for the Cologne circuit. Those wishing to attend both events are advised to purchase a discounted combined ticket. Events in May 2024: May 03 & 04: Nürburgring Endurance Series 2 May 09 - 11: ADAC DMC Race Weekend May 12: Cologne circuit May 24 - 26: Nürburgring Classic May 25: GLP regularity test May 30 - June 02: ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring (and RCN) Further information:www.nuerburgring.de
02.05.2024
Preparations for the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring from May 30th to June 2nd are in full swing. After the prologue at the 24h Qualifiers, the teams now have just under a month left to get their cars ready for the race of the year. There can be no talk of "great silence". Numerous top drivers are on the road in the coming weeks to chase points in the DTM, Intercontinental GT Challenge and other top series. At the end of May, they will all come together again at the Nürburgring to determine the best in the longest race of the year on the longest race track in the world. The benchmark seems to be the Porsche teams: after a dominant performance in the four Nordschleife races completed so far as part of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) and 24h Qualifiers, they have assumed the role of favorites. The exciting hunt for the nine-eleven is therefore on - and fans can experience it live on site: Tickets for the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring are available from 34 euros (day tickets Thu / Fri / Sun) in advance here on the official homepage! The current balance of power on the Nordschleife is also reflected in the joint manufacturers' classification for the NLS and the 24h Nürburgring. This is where the GT3 manufacturers collect points. After two NLS races and two 24h Qualifiers races, Porsche is clearly ahead of Audi and Mercedes-AMG. The nine-eleven cars of the Falken and Manthey teams have shared the victories so far, while all other makes have had to line up behind them. "A positive weekend with two podium finishes," was how Manthey driver Ayhancan Güven summed up the qualifiers, only to add with a lot of understatement: "I think the preparation is going well for us. On Sunday we were even faster than on Saturday." In the Falken team, which alone accounted for three of the four victories, the mood is also excellent after the successful test phase: "We currently have a very good basis and have made a step forward compared to last year with the combination of tires, car and set-up," said Klaus Bachler, summing up the experience for the Japanese tire manufacturer's team. Keeping up with the Porsche's insane pace was still difficult for others at the start of the season because the decisive fractions of a second were missing. "We're not completely sorted yet," said Mercedes-AMG driver Maro Engel. "The new tires are playing into the hands of the competition at the moment. We have to analyze the data and draw the right conclusions." Others got off to a slightly better start, but were also still struggling: one of the Audi R8 LMS GT3 evo IIs has finished in the top three twice in the races so far. "Our car is well known and we have a similar speed to last year," explained veteran Frank Stippler (Scherer Sport PHX). "Not much has happened in terms of development. The competitors have made more progress in terms of development. We still have to find something somehow, because otherwise we're a tad too slow." By the 24h Nürburgring - that much is certain - not only Stippler's team is likely to have thoroughly checked and optimized the race car once again. 24h Qualifiers impressed with class diversityA large part of the show on the Nordschleife is provided not only by the mighty GT3 cars, but also by the many production and special race cars. At the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers in April, the more than 120 participants were divided into almost 20 different vehicle classes. Here, too, every meter and every second is at stake. And those who classify this "colorful league" as a "popular sport" are only partly right: quite a few of the vehicles are used or at least financed by car manufacturers or companies from the supplier industry. Subaru, for example, started in the SP4T class, and Hyundai has just announced the biggest entry in its history for the 24h Nürburgring endurance classic: The Koreans are sending three works cars into the battle for the crown in the TCR class, which is also attracting a lot of international attention. They will be joined by several tire manufacturers, who will not only be promoting their own cause with some very prominent entries, but will also gain important motorsport knowledge that will later be incorporated into the development of road tires. Interim manufacturers' standings after 4 races POS MANUFACTURERS POINTS 1 Porsche 86 2 Audi 65 3 Mercedes-AMG 60 4 Lamborghini 56 5 Glickenhaus 41 6 Aston Martin 31 7 BMW 30 8 Ferrari 15
13.04.2024
Porsche is the match winner in the first prologue race for the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring. Three nine-eleven GT3s were in the lead at the finish line after the thrilling first of two four-hour races at the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers on Saturday evening. Tim Heinemann and Sven Müller in the Falken Porsche (#44) were ahead of their team-mates Julien Andlauer and Klaus Bachler in the #33 and Ayhancan Güven and Thomas Preining in the Manthey 'Grello' (#911) after 27 laps. However, the Falken Porsche with the #33 was given a time penalty of 32 seconds for overtaking under yellow flags after crossing the finish line, meaning that second place ultimately went to the Grello shortly after the podium ceremony. The second part of the intensive weekend of preparation for the season highlight at the end of May starts tomorrow: The four-hour race starts on Sunday (April 14) at 13:00. Admission to the open spectator areas around the Nordschleife will again be free (only parking fees apply), tickets for the paddock and the grandstands of the Grand Prix circuit will be available at the open box offices. After winning the season opener of the NLS (Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie), today's success was the second triumph for Falken Motorsports in the young Nordschleife season. "I had a bit of trouble keeping up with the pace of the Audis at the start today. But things went better and better for us," said Falken driver Sven Müller, summing up the opening race of the weekend. "The balance of the 911 was perfect and the tires were great. The pit strategy was also right - that's a successful start to the season! Tomorrow we'll change the driver pairings a little and want to continue working on the set-up for the 24-hour race." Team boss Sven Schnabel was also in a positive mood: "As a team, we've had a good start to the season and I hope it stays that way. If it stays like this for the 24h race, that would obviously be perfect." Previously, a quintet had dominated the action at the front of the field for a long time: Initially, the two Audi R8 LMS GT3 evo II cars from Scherer Sport PHX (#15 and #16) were able to maintain the lead, having also shared the front row of the grid. Starting driver Ricardo Feller lost the internal team fight against Christopher Haase, who headed for the pits in the lead. "We are already close to the top condition of our cars, which can now really be considered 'bulletproofed'," said the driver from Kulmbach, describing the team's current advantage over the competitors with fresher material, who used the two qualifying races in particular to further refine the optimum set-up for the 24-hour race at the end of May. Ultimately, however, it was not enough against the currently strong Porsche. Axel Randolph, Team Principal of Scherer PHX, had to admit: "I think you could see today that we can't keep up with the Porsches at the moment. We were in front and drove a good race, but the Porsches are better in terms of speed." Large grid offers exciting motorsportAlmost 130 teams lined up for the first four-hour race of the weekend, providing the best entertainment of the evening. The starting field, which was significantly larger than last year, also included many entrants from the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS), which is taking part in its third and fourth races of the season this weekend. Even though the almost 30 cars in the top classes, which are capable of winning, dominated the action at the front, there was also excellent sport in the fight for victory in the other outstanding classes. As the fastest non-GT3, #148 Steve Jans, Tobias Müller and Noah Nagelsdiek (Black Falcon) won the Cup2 category and thus also took the day's victory in the Porsche Endurance Trophy Nürburgring (PETN). Things are looking particularly good for two touring car teams in the standings after the third NLS race. The Adrenalin Motorsport-BMW M240i Racing Cup #650 and the Hyundai i30N from Mertens Motorsport #491 both won their well-populated classes today, as they did in both NLS opening races, and are therefore leading the standings going into the overnight break. The action continues on Sunday!The second race of the weekend will take place on Sunday (April 14) at lunchtime. Before that, however, the morning qualifying starts at 8:15 am. At 10:40 a.m., the fastest teams will then start the top qualifying for the best grid positions. The four-hour race will be released at 13:00. On Saturday, the RCN performance test brought the first sporting decisions of the weekend. Prominent guest in the field: former national soccer player Max Kruse, who also used this opportunity to gain practical experience. His goal is to compete in the 24h next year. Throughout the weekend, there will be real junior and amateur sport with automobile slalom competitions in the Mercedes Arena and youth kart slaloms on the helicopter course in the paddock.
12.04.2024
The second victory in the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers also went to Falken-Porsche: Nico Menzel and Martin Ragginger took the second win for the blue and green #44 Porsche 911 GT3-R on Sunday. After 27 laps, they were 1.793 seconds ahead of the #98 Rowe-BMW M4 GT3. The third-placed brand colleagues from Manthey completed the podium on Sunday with the #911 "Grello" nine-eleven. The extensive opportunity to prepare for the 24-hour race at the end of May and the classification of both races for the Nürburgring Langstreckenserie (NLS) meant that the tenth edition of the event attracted more participants than ever and an even bigger crowd. After a top-class sporting weekend, fans will have to wait a little longer until the season highlight in seven weeks' time, when the winner's trophy will be awarded for the 52nd time in the longest race on the world's most beautiful and challenging race track. Information and results from the weekend as well as continuous reporting on the official homepage at www.24h-rennen.de will help to shorten the wait until the race of the year. "It can go on like this - if there was a subscription, I would book it immediately," said local hero Nico Menzel after the finish. He had celebrated his second victory on the Nordschleife in the Falken Porsche #44 in Sunday's race of the 24h Qualifiers, having already won the NLS opener. Team-mate Martin Ragginger, who had previously driven the nine-eleven to the finish in the lead, grinned: "I'm delighted that I was able to clinch victory for Falken with Nico. The weekend went very well for us. Everyone in the team really did a top job and it finally worked out for me." In the end, only the Rowe-BMW #98 was able to hold its own against the dominant Porsche: "As long as you're not at the top, things can always be better - but in principle, I'm personally satisfied with our performance," said former DTM champion Marco Wittmann, who shared the GT3 with Maxime Martin and Raffaele Marciello over the weekend. "After we had a small accident yesterday and were unable to finish the race, things went well today. But we're still missing that crucial bit on Porsche, and I hope that we can make up for that before the 24-hour race. I can hardly wait." Porsche in the role of provisional favoriteWith a track time of just over twelve hours, the weekend offered the top teams in particular a perfect opportunity to prepare for the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring from May 30 to June 2 and the last chance to drive the 25.378 km "24h version" of the Nürburgring under competitive conditions. Even though many of the top teams were therefore primarily focused on preparations for the 24h at the end of May, this weekend gave a first impression of the balance of power on the Nordschleife. Porsche in particular left a strong impression. After the one-two success at the 24h Qualifiers and two race wins at the NLS opener a week earlier, the Porsche 911 GT3-Rs are now definitely the favorites for the 24h Nürburgring as well. Afterwards, race director Walter Hornung assessed the results from his point of view: "We saw some great endurance racing on the Nordschleife this weekend. Around 130 participants, well-filled spectator areas around the Nordschleife - that was an impressive foretaste of the 24h Nürburgring on the Corpus Christi weekend. The two races on Saturday and Sunday were extremely exciting, but of course we will be intensively evaluating the huge amounts of data from the GT3 cars over the next few days and readjusting the Balance of Performance. After all, that is one of the most important functions of the qualifiers: to enable fair and balanced racing in the actual 24-hour race." NLS brings record number of participants to the 24h QualifiersAround 130 teams submitted their entries for the tenth edition of the 24h Qualifiers, offering thrilling battles across all classes. For them, it was not least about the class and overall placings in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), which included both races of the weekend for the first time this year. With now four races in two "double-header weekends", the NLS has already reached the halfway point of the season. Sven Markert, Ranko Mijatovic and Toby Goodman in the Adrenalin BMW #650 from the M240i Racing Cup class were able to celebrate the unofficial title of "half-time champions". On Sunday, they were the only NLS team to take victory in their well-staffed class for the fourth time in a row, while all their closest rivals in the championship battle had to give up ground. "Our weekend went perfectly again," said a delighted Ranko Mijatovic. "We're taking a more relaxed approach, driving defensively, and that's the key to success. At the moment, I don't even realize that we really are half-time champions - of course I'm mega-happy about that. But it's obviously going to be a huge challenge to keep this up throughout the season."
10.04.2024
After the brilliant season opener last weekend, the ADAC Nürburgring endurance series continues without a break. With the ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie, the next double-header is scheduled for April 13 and 14. Two 4-hour races - on Saturday even into the twilight - once again promise thrilling motorsport in the Green Hell. Tickets are available from 25 euros at 24h-rennen.de and at the box offices. As usual, those staying at home can followthe action around the Nürburgring via livestream at vln.de. After not all GT3 teams were on the grid at the two opening races of the NLS due to overlapping dates, the qualifiers will feature a full load of GT3 power. Of course, the two victorious Porsche teams Falken Motorsports and Manthey EMA will also be competing this weekend. This time, DTM champion Thomas Preining and his DTM teammate this year, Ayhancan Güven, will take turns at the wheel of 'Grello'. After almost achieving the historic first victory for the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO II in NLS2, RED BULL TEAM ABT is now looking for revenge. In the qualifiers, Frikadelli Racing, last year's 24-hour winner, will once again attack with the Ferrari 296 GT3 and Mercedes-AMG Team GetSpeed is also aiming for success. The racing team from the business park at the Nürburgring took a race win in last year's qualifiers. Herberth Motorsport (Porsche 911 GT3 R), Schnitzelalm Racing (Mercedes-AMG GT3), Lionspeed GP - PK Motorsport (Porsche 911 GT3 R), Dinamic GT (Porsche 911 GT3 R) and the two BMW teams BMS M Team RMG and ROWE RACING will also contest the first race in the Green Hell 2024. A total of 28 GT3 cars will be on the grid, promising spectators first-class racing action. Following the brand switch from BMW to Aston Martin, Walkenhorst Motorsport will contest the first Nordschleife event with the British super sports car. Christian Krognes, Jakub Giermaziak, David Pittard and Nicki Thiim will take turns at the wheel in the #34 car, with Chandler Hull, Benjamin Mazatis and Patrick Assenheimer in the #35 and Stefan Aust, Christian Bollrath, Anders Buchard and team founder Henry Walkenhorst in the #36. Last season, the racing team from Melle took five victories in the NLS - albeit all in BMWs. Double lead in the championshipAfter two of eight races in the ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie, two teams are level on points at the top of the standings. Daniel Mertens and Joshua Hislop won the VT2-FWD class twice in the Hyundai i30N from Mertens Motorsport. Sven Markert, Ranko Mijatovic and Toby Goodman from Adrenalin Motorsport Team Mainhattan Wheels achieved the same feat in the BMW M240i Racing Cup. Both classes had a strong field in the opening races, guaranteeing a full points haul. In second place are three teams that claimed a win and a second place in NLS 1+2. AVIA W&S Motorsport was successful with Joshua Bedarski, Lucas Daugaard and Moritz Oberheim in their Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS in the Cup 3 class of the Porsche Endurance Trophy Nürburgring. In the SP10, TOYO TIRES with Ring Racing with Andreas Gülden, Tim Sandtler and Marc Hennerici in the Toyota Supra GT4 and Dörr Motorsport with Oskar Sandberg, Aaron Wenisch and Nick Wüstenhagen in the Aston Martin Vantage GT4 took turns in first and second place. Horst Baumann, who together with Stefan Schmickler drove the Porsche from Schmickler Performance powered by Ravenol to third and second place in Cup 3, leads the new Gentlemen trophy for drivers born in 1973 or earlier. The two championship leaders Goodman and Hislop are currently also the best-placed drivers in the Junior Trophy. Desiree Müller, who drives a BMW 325i in the V4, is in first place in the Ladies' Trophy. And - after a second place in the first race and a much-acclaimed victory in the second - Grello, the Porsche 911 GT3 from Manthey EMA, leads the Speed Trophy. Thrilling program with plenty of racingThe ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers are part of the ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie for the first time this year. The dress rehearsal for the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring (May 30 to June 2) is organized by ADAC Nordrhein. The two-day event begins with qualifying for race one on Saturday from 10 am to 12 noon. The first four-hour race starts at 5:30 pm and continues into the evening hours. On Sunday, the 90-minute qualifying session starts at 08:15. The top qualifying session, in which the fastest cars take to the track in an individual time trial, is a highlight from 10:40 am. The second race of the weekend starts at 13:00 and the chequered flag falls at 17:00. Both races will be contested on the 24-hour version, consisting of the Grand Prix circuit (without the AMG Arena) and the Nordschleife. In addition to the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers themselves, the Rundstrecken-Challenge Nürburgring (RCN) will run a performance test on the Nordschleife on Saturday from 13:00 to 16:30. In the paddock, there will be a youth kart slalom on the helipad and automobile slaloms will take place in the AMG Arena on both days.
09.04.2024
The ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers from April 13th to 14th promise an extremely exciting Nordschleife weekend. The two four-hour races of the weekend will be the highlight of the preparation phase for the race of the year, as this is the ideal opportunity for testing before the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring (May 30 to June 2). In addition, both heats on Saturday (start at 17:30) and Sunday (start at 13:00) will be scored for the NLS (Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie). Over 130 cars will be lining up to take advantage of this double opportunity - the entry list is available online (see links). Among them are the winning teams of the first two NLS races, Falken Motorsports and Manthey with their Porsche 911 GT3 R. Whether they can also be considered favorites for the 24h will be decided during the 24h Qualifiers. That's when many top teams who were still involved in other racing series at the NLS season opener will join the field. Good reasons not to miss out on this race weekend - especially as there is also plenty of highly interesting motorsport to experience in the supporting program. Tickets for the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers are available here - admission to the Nordschleife (except camping and parking) is free! The 24h Qualifiers are the crowning finale to intensive weeks of full-throttle racing. This also included the "double-header" at the NLS season opener on the first weekend in April. This gave a first impression of this year's balance of power on the Nordschleife. Daniel Juncadella took pole position on both days in the HRT team's Mercedes-AMG GT3. In the first race on Saturday, the Porsche teams in particular made an extremely strong impression: one of the 911 GT3 Rs from Falken Motorsports took victory on Saturday ahead of the legendary "Grello" 911 from Manthey Racing. If the second Falken Porsche had not retired shortly before the end, there would have been a triple podium for the 911s. As it was, the remaining podium place went to the strong performance of Frank Stippler in the Audi R8 LMS GT3 from Scherer PHX. On Sunday, Manthey then took the lead in a spectacular photo finish when Laurens Vanthoor overtook Jordan Pepper in the Abt-Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo II practically at the finish line. The Lambo had previously put in a magnificent performance and looked like a sure winner until shortly before the end. But final driver Jordan Pepper, who was signaled by the pits that he would not have enough fuel for another lap, reduced the pace a little too much to avoid crossing the finish line again before the four-hour time limit expired. Manthey's final driver Laurens Vanthor took full advantage of this and ultimately won by half a car length. "You can't make something like that up," marveled the winner. His team, which was one of the most successful teams at the 24h, could be highly satisfied. Team colleague Kevin Estre had already been delighted with "a super preparation" the day before after P2 in the first race. "The Grello is a legend on the Nordschleife, many fans celebrate the car. It's great to be part of it." 24h Qualifiers offer the chance for revengeThe brand colleagues from Falken Motorsports were also highly satisfied after the victory on Saturday and P3 on Sunday. "Super cool!" said a jubilant Nico Menzel after the first race. "After many class wins, this was finally my first overall victory in the NLS." Tim Heinemann took over his racing seat on the second day and was also beaming after the race: "It's good to start the season with a podium and even collect leading kilometers. But we didn't see the true balance of power today - we won't have a picture of that until next weekend at the qualifiers. But it was a great start and our team had a super weekend." There was no sign of similar euphoria among the runners-up in Sunday's NLS race. "A huge mistake," said Jordan Pepper, bemoaning the narrow loss of victory. His colleague Kelvin van der Linde was at least able to celebrate the "mega performance of the team", but also summed up: "This is absolutely bitter, we can't be satisfied. The good news for him and all those for whom this season opener did not go smoothly: There is already a chance of revenge for the beefy Lamborghini, which proved to be new additions to the crowd favorites, at next weekend's qualifiers. The imposing Italo-GT3 proved to be just as competitive at the NLS opener as the celebrated returnees from Glickenhaus Racing: the SCG 004c of the Le Mans participants will also be a visual highlight at the 24h Qualifiers with its sports car look. A first look at the 24h favoritesThe GT3 class, in which the majority of the teams capable of winning compete, was not yet fully occupied at the NLS opener because a number of top teams were tied up with other series. This will change radically in the qualifiers: 30 GT3 and SP-X cars are registered, which should already provide a fairly complete overview of the teams and makes that will be fighting for victory in the 24h. The fastest drivers from the NLS season opener will therefore meet their most important 24-hour rivals on the legendary asphalt for the first time. Among them are last year's 24h winners from Frikadelli Racing with their Ferrari 296 GT3. The Mercedes-AMG teams will be joined by GetSpeed and Schnitzelalm, while RMG and Rowe Racing will be there with their BMW M4 GT3s. The Aston Martin squad will be reinforced by three Vantage AMR GT3 Evo cars in the colors of Trinity Solutions / Walkenhorst. Dinamic GT, Lionspeed and Herberth Motorsport will be joining the action for Porsche. Glock wants to go to the 24hIf the entry list for the 24h Qualifiers is anything to go by, then the 24h Nürburgring on the last weekend in May will be a full assembly of GT racing: teams and drivers from at least the most important European series will meet. There could even be a few more names. Ex-Formula 1 and DTM driver Timo Glock, for example, climbed into a Cup BMW in the NLS to qualify for the DMSB Permit - an additional racing license for the major vehicle classes on the Nordschleife. "I've always wanted to compete in the 24h," reveals the Odenwald native. "Now it's finally possible, and my big goal is to start in a car with Timo Scheider at the 24h. My permit is a prerequisite - but we still have a few more hurdles to overcome. Then a small lifelong dream of the 42-year-old would come true: "The stage is even more open here than elsewhere, and you are very close to the fans. Everything is very open and the atmosphere is cool. It's a lot of fun. One of the highlights of the NLS is the start lap, when the fans line the track. At the 24h, all of that is magnified once again - I would like to finally experience that for myself." Lots of motorsport to experienceIt's not just the two main races of the qualifiers that will offer great sport. In the breaks between the practice sessions and races, it's worth taking a stroll through the paddock, where the youngest motorsport drivers can be admired in the youth kart slalom on the heliport. Car slaloms will take place in the Mercedes Arena on both days. The season opener of the Rundstrecken-Challenge Nürburgring (RCN) on Saturday afternoon also promises a very well-staffed field of amateur sports cars on the Nordschleife. The motorsport fun is available in advance for 25 euros (day tickets Saturday / Sunday), the weekend ticket costs 39 euros. Those who cannot experience the 24h Qualifiers on site can watch the most important highlights in the livestream on the 24h homepage (www.24h-rennen.de) on Saturday from 16:45 and on Sunday from 10:30.
05.04.2024
Racing action, obstacle challenges, two-wheeled rendezvous: April at the Nürburgring is packed with a wide variety of events. Spectators can look forward to no fewer than four races on the legendary Nordschleife. Thousands of motorcyclists are expected to attend the traditional two-wheeler season opener at the end of the month. The Nürburgring Drift Cup also kicks off its season. And even without engine power, there is plenty of sporting action on the Ring: in addition to the "Hotfoot Run", a spectacular obstacle course, athletes from all over Germany come together for the German Judo Individual Championships in the ring°arena. The events at a glance: ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (April 6 & 7)ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers (April 13 & 14)Four races, two weekends, one legendary race track: The ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers (April 13 & 14) and the double-header of the ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (April 6 & 7) will provide thrilling racing in the Green Hell this month. The basics: Around 100 cars will compete in four-hour races. High-speed GT cars from major manufacturers share the track with near-series touring cars from passionate petrolheads. Their arena: the longest permanent race track in the world. More than 20 kilometers long, it winds its way through the Eifel forests. And best of all: spectators can get right up close. Into the pit lane and the starting grid before the race - there is no better place to take souvenir photos. A highlight is the Saturday race of the 24h Qualifiers. This race continues well into the evening. Anticipation for the popular 24h race at the beginning of June is guaranteed. By the way: VIP tickets are also on sale for both events - with lounge access, treats, expert guides and other exclusive program items. Motorcycle season opening "Anlassen" (April 28)The Nürburgring in biker hands: the traditional "Anlassen" will take place on Sunday, April 28. Three items on the program are also a must at the motorcycle season opening at the Nürburgring in 2024: Firstly, the traditional blessing of the two-wheelers and their machines - combined with the request for a safe journey at all times. Secondly, the joint parade on the Nürburgring Nordschleife: thousands of bikers take a leisurely lap of the most beautiful 20.832 kilometers in the world - an extraordinary experience for the motorcycling community every year. And the colorful hustle and bustle in the paddock of the Grand Prix circuit is not to be missed: More than 20 exhibitors have announced their presence. Two-wheeler shows and demonstrations are also planned again. And best of all: admission to "Anlassen" is free of charge. Hotfoot Run (April 27) On the track, get set, go: at the Hotfoot Run, various obstacles on and off the asphalt are ready to be mastered by the participants. Several thousand runners take part in the obstacle course on the Ring every year. Participants can choose between three routes: 6, 12 or 24 kilometers. Along the way, obstacles with names such as "Spiderman", "Dip Dip Hurra" or "Stairway to heaven" stand in their way. But between the mud, pain and sporting ambition, the Hotfoot Run ultimately focuses on one thing above all: having fun together. Registrations for this year's event on Saturday, April 27, are still being accepted online, with special rates for students and young people. Nürburgring Drift Cup (April 6 & 7)A feast for drifters: the Nürburgring Drift Cup is the first race of the year. In the Müllenbachschleife of the Grand Prix circuit, hot door-to-door duels are once again guaranteed on Saturday and Sunday, April 6 and 7. The Drift Cup reaches its climax with spectacular battles in which two drivers compete directly against each other. Whoever convinces the judges more is through to the next round. The loser can pack up. Tickets are available online at affordable prices, with discounts for young people up to the age of 17. German Judo Individual Championships (April 13 & 14) The Nürburgring's ring°arena is a true multifunctional talent. Around 3,500 fans have just celebrated the stars of flying darts in the hall at Darts am Ring, and the next event - in the truest sense of the word - is already on the mat. Several hundred judoka from all over Germany will be competing in the German Judo Individual Championships. They are looking for the best athletes in the country in all age groups over 30. If you would like to see the spectacle on Saturday or Sunday, April 13 and 14: just drop by, admission to the ring°arena is free. Events in April 2024: April 06 & 07: ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie 1 & 2 April 06 & 07: Nürburgring Drift Cup 1 April 13 & 14: ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers April 13 & 14: German Judo Individual Championships (over 30s) April 27: Hotfoot Run April 27: RCN & GLP April 28: Motorcycle service "Anlassen"
