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 centerpiece
As 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 calendar
In 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, community
However, 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 watching
And 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.