08.04.2026
The Nürburgring is preparing for a weekend that will be entirely dedicated to motorsport enthusiasm. The 57th Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy not only marks the third round of the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie, but is also a meeting point for tradition, technological innovation and international top-class competition. From the first tentative steps in kart slalom to thrilling multiclass racing on the Nordschleife, the event offers a stage for every facet of motorsport. Racing debut: The HWA EVO.R comes to lifeA highly emotional moment at NLS3 is the world racing premiere of a vehicle that bridges glorious motorsport heritage and cutting-edge high-end technology: the HWA EVO.R. In class SP-X, the team from Affalterbach enters two prototypes (start numbers 61 and 62) into the Green Hell. This entry marks a historic milestone for HWA: the first self-developed model in the company’s history competes under racing conditions on the toughest race track in the world for the very first time. The HWA EVO is a modern homage to the legendary Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II, a style icon of the early 1990s. However, beneath the striking silhouette, which is limited to just 100 examples, lies a completely new development. Start number 61 will be driven by Evald Holstad, Christian Gebhardt and Sebastian Asch. The sister car with number 66 will be shared by Luca Ludwig, Jamie Green and Lance David Arnold. HWA CEO Martin Marx describes the significance of the project as follows: “We are delighted that NLS3 is getting underway. The series is the ideal platform for us to apply our many years of experience under extreme conditions. At the same time, this entry has special significance for us because, as a team, we are working on a project that truly drives us. With the HWA EVO.R, we are using this environment to further develop the car in a focused way and prepare it optimally.” The return of the “old lady”: Emotional reincarnation of the BMW Z4 GT3A special highlight of the 57th Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy is the return of an absolute crowd favorite to the Green Hell. Peter Posavac is bringing the legendary BMW Z4 GT3 (start number 40) back to the Nürburgring asphalt, creating goosebump moments in the pit lane. The project is a pure matter of the heart, fuelled by the overwhelming response from the motorsport community. “This is highly emotional and shows what motorsport can make possible,” Posavac describes the wave of support from fans and former companions. After the last outings in 2018 and 2019 ended prematurely, the team still has unfinished business with the Nordschleife. Nevertheless, the squad is taking a measured approach: at NLS3, the initial focus will be on tyre homologation and important test laps in order to be optimally prepared for the major highlight of the year. Posavac emphasizes with great anticipation: “I’m incredibly excited to bring the old lady back to the start once more.” Together with Michael Funke, he will bring the V8 sound of the “Zetti” back to life in class SP9 AM. Step up to the top class: Kamui Kobayashi in the KCMG GT3A familiar face in a new role is Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi. The former Formula 1 driver, endurance world champion and Le Mans winner remains loyal to Team KCMG, but steps up to the Mercedes-AMG GT3 with start number 47 for the 57th Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy. In 2024, Kobayashi already completed his mandatory laps for the DMSB Nordschleife Permit in a Toyota GR Supra GT4 Evo2. This outing now marks his next step into class SP9 PRO. To ensure an efficient transition to the significantly more powerful GT3 car in the dense NLS race traffic, Kobayashi will be supported by an experienced line-up. He shares the cockpit with Jesse Krohn, Edoardo Liberati and David Pittard, all of whom have extensive endurance experience on the Nordschleife. Kamui Kobayashi classifies his first GT3 outing in the Green Hell as follows: “It will be an incredible experience to drive a GT3 at the Nürburgring. Before my DPN outings in 2024, I had never been on the Nordschleife at all. So it was impressive to see it in real life, without any expectations. This race track is among the most demanding and exciting in the world, and I can hardly wait to make my SP9 debut with KCMG at NLS3.” A global horsepower festival: The giants of the entry listThe international nature of the Nordschleife is clearly reflected in the provisional entry list, which includes around 350 drivers from 37 nations. Quantitatively, the largest entry is fielded by SRS Team Sorg Rennsport with ten vehicles, followed by Adrenalin Motorsport Team Mainhattan Wheels with nine cars. Black Falcon also arrives with a strong fleet of seven cars. AsBest Racing, Giti Tire Motorsport by WS Racing and W&S Motorsport will each field five vehicles, covering a spectrum ranging from TCR race cars and Porsche Cup models to BMW Cup cars. The field of large teams is rounded out by squads such as Max Kruse Racing and PROsport racing, each contributing four vehicles to the high total of 139 registered cars. Young talent development: Season opener of the NLS Kart Slalom ChampionshipFollowing its great success last year, the NLS Youth Kart Championship enters its second season in 2026. Under the forward-looking motto “From kart slalom sport to circuit racing on the Nordschleife,” MSC Adenau and the VLN are pursuing the shared goal of promoting young talents at an early stage and offering them a long-term perspective in motorsport. The first of a total of three season rounds will take place on Saturday, 11 April 2026, in the Historic Paddock. In a total of six age classes, young drivers born between 2005 and 2019 will compete to prove their skills in slalom karts. The competition starts at 10:00 a.m. with Class 1. The ceremonial conclusion of the first race day will be the prize-giving ceremony at 5:30 p.m. in the Nürburgring Media Center, where the top five drivers in each age class will be honored. A bridge to the virtual world: Honoring the DNLS championsA special sign of the close connection between real and digital motorsport will be set during the break between practice and the race. The spotlight will be on the champions of the Digital Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (DNLS) of the 2025/2026 winter season as well as the winners of the Community Cup 2025, who will receive their official awards on 11 April. The past season marked a milestone, as participants were able to have racing experience credited toward the DMSB Permit Nordschleife for the first time. Among those being celebrated is Team BS+COMPETITION, which secured the overall class-spanning title with a perfect record of four wins in four races. In the top class SP9, Falken Simracing will be honored after clinching the championship in a dramatic finale. Also called to the podium will be the new champions of the Porsche Cup class (PEETN) from Team EMM Esports, as well as the title holders of class SP10 from Team SimRC. Tickets for the third event of the anniversary season, the 57th Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy, cost 25 euros (children up to and including 14 years of age free of charge) and are available at VLN.de/tickets as well as at the day ticket offices. This grants 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 the starting grid. The fight for the best grid positions will take place in qualifying between 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. During the break between qualifying and the race, fans will have plenty of time to experience the cars up close: with a ticket, access to the pit lane is available from 10:20 a.m. during the pit walk, before the starting grid opens at 11:10 a.m. with even more hands-on motorsport. The four-hour endurance race gets underway at 12:00 noon. ⚠️ Important travel info via the A61 ⚠️🚗 The B412 is closed in one direction towards the Nürburgring for traffic coming from the Wehr exit (33). Traveling by car is possible via the signposted detour. 🚛 Trucks, motorhomes, and vehicles with trailers should not use this detour. Please take the Mendig exit (34) instead. From there, follow the B262 towards Mayen, and then take the B258 towards the Nürburgring. The return journey via the B412 towards Wehr remains open.
02.04.2026
The Ford GT Mk IV conquers the “Green Hell” and makes a big statement with a lap time of 06:15.977 minutes. Car: Ford GT Mk IV Driver: Frédéric Vervisch Time: 06:15,977 Minuten Track: Nordschleife Category: prototypes / pre-production vehicles Onboard through the Green HellThe record lap of the Ford GT Mk IV is now available on the Nürburgring YouTube channel. The onboard footage from the cockpit of the vehicle offers the opportunity to relive this fantastic lap. 📺 Click here to watch the video. Information about the official “Nürburgring record laps”The following principle applies to all drives: one track, one complete lap, one time – according to uniform standards. In addition to timekeeping with calibrated measuring technology, official record attempts and attempts to achieve a lap time are always accompanied by a notary. In addition to monitoring the timekeeping, the vehicle is also inspected. TÜV Rheinland checks for standard conformity and documents this. The exact length of the track and the start and finish lines are precisely defined. A full lap of the Nordschleife is driven and measured with a flying start (20.8 kilometers). The vehicle categories for record drives and official lap times at the Nürburgring are divided into different segments by the Federal Motor Transport Authority and specially defined special classes. All record drives and further information
01.04.2026
Change is part of the concept behind the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring. After all, the organizers at ADAC Nordrhein have been continually updating the regulations for this classic race since its debut in 1970. In doing so, they keep pace with technological advancements, while also continuously improving procedures and enhancing safety for all participants. Just how attractive the race remains even in its 54th edition is evident from the huge rush of teams. More than three weeks before the entry deadline (April 22), it is already clear that the maximum possible 150 starting spots will be fully booked. The regulations regarding the starting grid, like all other rules of the 24h Nürburgring, can be found in the event notice, the central document for the event. Here’s a preview of the most important changes—and a refresher on how starting grid positions are allocated… Top Qualifying: Three Rounds at Full Throttle—Three Rounds of ThrillsFor fans at the track and watching on TV, the new Top Qualifying format is certainly the most noticeable change. It is now divided into three segments, similar to Formula 1: Top Q1, Top Q2, and Top Q3 as the highlight. “We opted for the new format because we wanted to make the process more understandable and transparent for the fans,” explains Race Director Walter Hornung regarding the evolution of the single-lap qualifying session. As before, only the top classes of the field are eligible for this: SP9 (FIA-GT3), SP11 (GT2), AT1, and SP-Pro. Finally, SP-X vehicles are also eligible to compete, provided the team submits a corresponding application to race control and can demonstrate an engine output of at least 450 hp. As before, early qualification for the individual time trial is also possible. A maximum of six cars can secure a starting spot in advance for the battle for pole position in the final Top Q3. The results from NLS Races 1 through 3 as well as the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifier will be used for this purpose. In the NLS races, one starting position is awarded to the overall fastest driver across all qualifying sessions and two positions to the fastest drivers in the races, whereby all sector times that meet the criteria listed in the regulations and have been included in the standings are combined to determine theoretical best-lap times. In the 24h Qualifiers, one starting position is awarded to the team with the fastest lap time from Qualifying and Top Qualifying. One additional starting position each goes to the participants with the theoretically fastest race lap time in the two heats of the weekend. Things then get serious at the 24h Nürburgring on Friday: In Top Q1, all eligible vehicles that have not yet been seeded for Top Q3 will compete first—participation outside the standings is also permitted for pre-qualified vehicles, but not mandatory. The 20 fastest cars from the first Top Q session advance to Top Q2. These cars then compete for the remaining spots in the individual time trial. Pre-qualified vehicles are not allowed to participate in this session. Top Q Sessions 1 and 2 last 35 minutes. In the final Top Q3, a maximum of twelve vehicles compete against each other in an individual time trial for pole position. Light Panels – for better visibility even during the dayIt has become standard practice at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring to replace track marshals’ flag signals with light panels at selected locations as darkness falls. However, starting in 2026, drivers will also receive stronger visual support during the day on these track sections—after all, the Eifel weather is known for bringing rain and fog. That is why light panels will now be used there in addition to the flags. These panels display only the flag signal shown at the track marshal post. The flag signal is always decisive—the display on the light panels has no sporting relevance in this regard but serves solely as a support. “We tested this system during the second NLS race in 2026,” explains 24h Race Director Hornung. “It was very well received by the drivers and the on-site marshals who have to operate it.” The plan is to deploy 28 of these display panels on the Nordschleife and eight on the GP circuit. Entries: A maximum of 150 participants will competeThe ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring is traditionally the world’s largest race in terms of participant numbers. But even the world’s longest race track cannot accommodate an unlimited number of vehicles: according to the regulations, a maximum of 150 participants are eligible to start. While this number was not quite reached in previous years, the organizers are delighted to see a veritable rush of interested teams in 2026, so that three weeks before the entry deadline it is already certain: the maximum number will be reached this year. To ensure a fair process for the teams, the regulations stipulate that after the entry deadline, a review and selection process will take place, in which factors such as the balance of the classes and the technical and sporting quality of the teams and vehicles are relevant—after all, the race thrives on the diversity ranging from “small” production cars to beefy GT3s. If a team accepted by the organizer withdraws its entry, a replacement procedure is in place whereby any vacancies are then filled by teams that were not previously considered.
31.03.2026
The Nürburgring is continuing to expand its tourism offerings in a targeted manner. With the new Caravan Park, an additional year-round accommodation option for RV travelers has been created in the immediate vicinity of the racetrack’s center. A total of 39 parking spaces expand the on-site offerings. The Nürburgring Caravan Park is located along the A7 on the edge of the forest, yet just a few steps away from central hubs such as the info°center, the ring°boulevard, and the dining and leisure options at the ring°carré. This location thus combines nature-oriented accommodations with direct access to events and experiences in the legendary Green Hell. The facility is aimed at event attendees, motorsports fans, and independent travelers looking to explore the Eifel region. 39 campsites accessible around the clockThe Caravan Park features 39 sites in three sizes (M, XL, and XXL) and is open year-round. The facility offers round-the-clock access to infrastructure including electricity, fresh water connections, and disposal options for wastewater and toilet cassettes. On-site restroom facilities round out the offerings. Bookings are made entirely online via the Nürburgring website. Prices start at 13 euros per night during the off-season (November through February). During the season (March through October, excluding events), a site can be booked starting at 17 euros. During events, prices start at 65 euros per night. Expanding the overall tourism offeringWith the Caravan Park, the Nürburgring is expanding its lodging options to include another choice right on-site. In combination with the accommodations at Nürburgring Hotels & Ferienpark and the existing infrastructure, the Nürburgring is strengthening its role as a versatile destination. In addition to around 60 events between March and November, as well as year-round experiences, dining, and leisure activities, the Nürburgring is thus creating another opportunity to tailor stays to individual preferences and needs. Nürburgring Caravan Park at a glance: Location & Directions• Caravan Park | A7• Address: Otto-Flimm-Straße, 53520 Nürburg • On-site Signage Capacity & Sites• 39 sites (sizes M, XL, XXL) • M: 8 x 6 m | XL site: 10 x 6 m | XXL site: 12 x 7 m• Suitable for various RV sizes Hours & Stay• Open year-round (subject to special regulations for large-scale events)• 24/7 arrival possible • Check-in from 1:00 PM • Check-out by 12:00 PM • Maximum stay: 3 days Amenities & Services• Electricity (1 € / kWh)• Fresh water (10 cents / 10 liters)• Free trash disposal• Free disposal of wastewater and toilet cassettes• On-site restroom facilities• Showers (€3)• Toilet use (€1, partially free at ring°boulevard) Prices (starting at)• Off-season: starting at 13 € / night • Season: starting at 17 € / night • Events: starting at 65 € / night Booking & Operations• Online booking available here.• Technical operator: Camp 24 Notes• For motorhomes only (no tents/trailers) • Dogs are allowed on a leash• Open fires or barbecuing are permitted in accordance with park and camping regulations• Quiet hours: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM
30.03.2026
Due to several construction and renovation projects, traffic restrictions are currently in place on major roads around the Nürburgring. Please take this into account when traveling to the area and follow the posted detours. We have compiled the most important information for you below. For further details, please visit the website of the Rhineland-Palatinate State Mobility Agency. B 257 - Asphalt work in the town of Müllenbach continues due to weather conditionsThe asphalt work underway since March 18 in the town of Müllenbach along the B 257 is expected to continue beyond March 31. This is due to the weather conditions forecast for the coming week, which are not expected to allow for the asphalt to be laid as scheduled. The work will therefore be postponed by approximately two weeks. As soon as weather conditions permit, the asphalt will be laid immediately. For the duration of the work, the affected section of the road will remain fully closed. During this time, traffic will be diverted from Wiesemscheid via the B 258 toward the Nürburgring, via the L 94 toward Welcherath, and via the B 410 toward Kelberg. The town of Müllenbach can only be accessed via Kelberg during the construction period. ℹ️ The detour is clearly signposted on site. L 93 – Road resurfacing between Müllenbach and the Nürburgring has begunSince March 24, the L 93 between Müllenbach and the Nürburgring has been undergoing extensive resurfacing. For structural and safety reasons, this work can only be carried out under a full closure. During this time, traffic will be diverted over a wide area via the B 257 toward Kelberg, and from there via the B 410 toward Hünerbach, connecting to the K 89 and L 94. Local traffic to the ADAC Driver Safety Center at the Nürburgring will be maintained via a temporary access road. The schedule for the asphalt work will be coordinated in advance with the Driver Safety Center to adjust operational procedures accordingly. Following the road resurfacing, the guardrail system will be completely replaced. For this work, a single-lane closure with traffic light control is planned. ℹ️ Current information on this, particularly regarding traffic routing, can be found in the Mobility Atlas at here. B 412 - Road resurfacing near Hohenleimbach has begunOn March 25, work began on the road resurfacing project on the B 412 near Hohenleimbach. The affected section of road extends between the junction with the K 23 near Jammelshofen and a farm road near Lederbach. The resurfacing project covers the entire roadway, including the shoulders. The road resurfacing work will be carried out in four construction phases. During the first two construction phases, which mark the start of the project, a one-way traffic system will be implemented. Traffic heading toward the A 61 will be routed past the construction site; traffic in the opposite direction will be diverted from Kempenich via the L 83, K 15, and L 10. Part of the work will be carried out during the Easter break from March 30 to April 10, 2026. A separate regional detour route will be designated on-site for truck traffic. The remaining construction phases between the L 10 and the Jammelshofen junction will be carried out as construction progresses, with traffic restricted to one lane and controlled by traffic lights. ℹ️ Up-to-date information on the current traffic management plan has been available on the Mobility Atlas here since the start of the project.
27.03.2026
Just in time for the Easter break, we are opening a new bowling center today, March 27, 2026, under the name ring°bowling at ring°carré on the Nürburgring. Located in the completely renovated building of the former “Eifelstadl” event venue, this marks another highlight in the extensive range of leisure and entertainment options. The facility is operated by Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co. KG – a key component of the Nürburgring’s strategic focus as a year-round event, leisure, and B2B destination. The new bowling center offers space for up to 64 players at the same time on eight modern lanes (up to eight people per lane). Various game modes ensure variety – whether for a bowling evening with friends, family outings, children's birthday parties, or company celebrations. Online booking will be available via the Nürburgring website from the opening date. More than just bowling: darts, billiards, sports broadcasts, and snacksIn addition to bowling, visitors can enjoy other games such as billiards and darts. Live sports events are also broadcast regularly, including soccer, NFL, and, of course, motorsports. Comfortable seating areas invite guests to linger, and drinks and snacks are available directly at the lanes. For those with a bigger appetite, the Bitburger Gasthaus and the Italian restaurant Lucia are located in the immediate vicinity. In addition, the Nürburgring eSports Bar, not far from ring°bowling, continues to offer digital racing in high-quality full-motion simulators at ring°carré. With the bowling center, ring°carré is continuing to develop into a leisure and recreation area – for motorsport fans and leisure visitors alike. “A high-quality experience for the entire region”“The new bowling center was designed with a clear focus on quality and an attractive visitor experience,” explains Ingo Böder. "With Brunswick Bowling, we have the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of bowling equipment at our side. The whole thing is complemented by classic leisure games such as darts and billiards – this allows us to create a high-quality, versatile offering for people from the region, visitors to the Nürburgring, and corporate events." The new ring°bowling Center took around a year to plan and build – and on March 27, 2026, it will finally be time to say: Strike!
27.03.2026
Traffic disruptions are expected around the Nürburgring, particularly on Good Friday: Traffic disruptions are expected throughout the Easter weekend, especially on Good Friday. At the start of the Easter weekend on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, several thousand visitors are expected around the Nürburgring. On this day, as well as on the following days of Easter, heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic is expected on the main access roads to the Nürburgring, in the town of Adenau, and in the surrounding communities. Traffic Conditions:Traffic jams may therefore occur more frequently during arrival and departure.Traffic violations will be strictly enforced. The police will focus on traffic safety and vehicle compliance with regulations, as well as, in particular, the behavior of drivers. Anyone who behaves inappropriately in the Nürburgring area must expect strict enforcement of traffic violations, which may ultimately result in all-day expulsion from the premises or the impoundment or immobilization of vehicles. In addition, if a driver is deemed unfit to participate in road traffic, notifications will be sent to the driver’s license authorities. In cases of danger, the driver’s license may also be confiscated on a case-by-case basis.Illegal parking outside designated areas around the Nürburgring will ultimately result in the vehicles being towed at the owner’s expense. Here, the Public Order Office of the Adenau Municipal Association will focus primarily on illegal parking, particularly in the town of Adenau, in Nürburg, and around the Nordschleife. Drivers are asked to pay particular attention to keeping emergency and rescue routes clear! Traffic rules must be observed; the police and Public Order Office will be conducting intensive checks!
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.
25.03.2026
The 2026 season of the Nürburgring Circuit Challenge (RCN) kicks off on Saturday, March 28, with the “Bergischer Schmied” race. The performance test, organized by the Bergischer Motor-Club e.V. within the ADAC, will take place on the 24.358-kilometer variant of the Nürburgring (Nordschleife + GP short connection). The season opener consists of 16 laps covering a distance of 389.728 kilometers; the race starts on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. on the start-finish straight of the GP circuit. Over 130 entries have been received for the event so far. RCN Series Manager Willi Hillebrand: “We are quite satisfied with the result. At the start of the season, entry numbers are still somewhat lower. However, that will change as the season progresses. Our grassroots racing series remains on the right track. This is also evident from the fact that nearly 200 participants have registered for the series on a permanent basis.” The 16 laps of the first performance test in the 2026 season are divided into: 1 qualifying lap, 2 confirmation laps, 12 sprint laps, and 1 cool-down lap. Refueling takes place in the pit lane; all vehicles may refuel only during the sprint laps and must adhere to the prescribed total pit stop time of 10 minutes. If the time is not met, 10 penalty points are assessed for every second. A lap time of 8:20 minutes must not be undershot. The total driving time for the event is a maximum of 225 minutes. The R4 class is the largest at the season opener with 17 cars. The R2A and H4 classes each have 13 entrants. There are 12 cars entered in the H3 class and 10 teams in the RS4 class. Based on last year’s experience, the number of favorites for the first win of the season and other top finishes is once again quite large at the 2026 season opener: including Michael Luther/Markus Schmickler (Barsbüttel/Bad Neuenahr, BMW M4 GT4), David Vogt (Waldfeucht, Opel Astra TCR), Volker Hanf/Sascha Siegert (Rheinbach/Rhede, Cupra Leon TCR), Andreas Schwarz (Obernburg, Cupra Leon TCR), Sascha Kloft/Heiko Tönges (Zehnhausen/Bell, Porsche Cayman GT4 CS), Moritz Rosenbach (Dörth, VW Golf TCR), Alain Dutronc (Switzerland, Porsche Cayman GT4 CS), and Florian Pröbstl (Hohenpeißenberg, BMW M3). Test and setup session ahead of the eventPrior to the start of the RCN season, a test and setup session for all RCN participants and other interested parties will take place on Friday, March 27. From 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the 24.358-kilometer track variant of the Nürburgring (Nordschleife + GP short connection) will be available for test runs by the teams. Schedule “Bergischer Schmied” Friday, March 27, 2026 1:30–7:30 p.m. Welcome Center “Scharfer Kopf” 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Test and setup run (Nordschleife + GP Short) 2:00 PM Entry to the paddock for RCN participants 3:30–8:00 PM Document inspection (Paddock 1, TÜV Tower) 3:30–8:30 PM Technical inspection (Paddock 1, BOX 1–3) Saturday, March 28, 2026 7:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Welcome Center “Scharfer Kopf” 8:15–11:15 a.m. Document check (Paddock 1, TÜV Tower) 8:15–11:30 a.m. Technical inspection (Paddock 1, BOX 1–3) 10:30 a.m. Briefing for new participants (Media Center, TÜV Tower) 11:30 a.m. Drivers’ briefing (Media Center, TÜV Tower) 12:30 PM Start 5:00 PM Virtual posting of results (www.r-c-n.com) 5:30 PM Awards ceremony (Media Center, TÜV Tower)
