Six weeks after the last event of the Nürburgring Circuit Challenge (RCN), the fifth round of the season is on the schedule. More than 160 participants entered the “Um die Westfalen-Trophy” performance test, which is held on the Nürburgring Nordschleife and organized by MSC Bork e.V. in conjunction with the ADAC.

RCN Series Manager Willi Hillebrand: “Let’s hope the weather cooperates. An event with predictable conditions would be nice. The entry list is more than satisfactory for a summer date.” 

The 15 laps of the performance test on the 20.793-kilometer-long Nordschleife—for a total distance of 311.895 kilometers—are divided into: 1 qualifying lap, 1 confirmation lap, 10 sprint laps, 2 refueling laps with a maximum time of 50 minutes, and 1 cool-down lap. The maximum total driving time for the event is 190 minutes.

The current RCN standings leaders, Jens Schneider and Robin Reimer (Engelsbrand / Schömberg, BMW 325i), will compete in the R4 class, which—with 22 entered participants—is once again the largest in the field. Their closest rivals, Sven Markert and Lars Harbeck (both from Berlin, BMW 320i), will compete as usual in the H3 class, which features 11 vehicles in this race. Christian Koch (Wickede, BMW 325i), who is third in the standings, is coming from the H4 class, which has 13 cars this time. There are 16 starters in the R2A class, and 11 teams will be competing in the RS3A class.

Among the favorites for the RCN overall victory or a top finish are Michael Luther / Markus Schmickler (Barsbüttel / Bad Neuenahr, BMW M4 GT4), David Vogt (Waldfeucht, Opel Astra TCR), Andreas Schwarz (Obernburg, Cupra Leon TCR) , Alain Dutronc (Switzerland, Porsche Cayman GT4 CS), Sven Markert / Lars Harbeck, Stefan Schmickler (Bad Neuenahr, Porsche Cayman), and Eric Petrich (Wawern, BMW M3).

Of particular interest is the driver pairing in the BMW M2 Competition in the 
RS8A class. Joining Dirk Maier (Albstadt) this time is Yannik Fübrich (Brackenheim), the current leader in the NLS standings and a former 
NLS champion. Maier: “I’ve wanted to drive with a professional partner for a long time to see what the car is capable of.”

Schedule for the “Um die Westfalen-Trophy”

Friday, June 17, 2026
2:30–7:30 p.m. Welcome Center “Scharfer Kopf”
3:30–8:00 p.m. Document Check (Historic Paddock)
3:30–8:30 p.m. Document Check (Historic Paddock)

Saturday, June 18, 2026
7:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. “Scharfer Kopf” Welcome Center
8:15–11:15 a.m. Document Check (Historic Paddock)
8:15–11:30 a.m. Technical inspection (Historic Pit Area)
10:30 a.m. Briefing for new drivers (Historic Pit Area)
11:40 a.m. Drivers’ briefing (Historic Pit Area)
12:30 p.m. Start
5:00 p.m. Virtual posting of results (www.r-c-n.com)
5:30 p.m. Awards ceremony (Historic Paddock)

RCN 2026 Calendar

March 28: “Bergischer Schmied” Nordschleife + GP Short Circuit
April 25: “Preis der Schlossstadt Brühl” Nordschleife + GP Short Circuit
May 14 “Feste Nürburg” Nürburgring Nordschleife + GP 24-hour variant
May 30 “Nordeifelpokal” Nürburgring Nordschleife
July 18 “Um die Westfalen-Trophy” Nürburgring Nordschleife
September 5: “Rhein-Ruhr” Nürburgring Nordschleife
September 26: “Erftquelle Prize” Nordschleife + GP Short Circuit
October 24: “Schwedenkreuz” 3-hour RCN race
Nürburgring Nordschleife + GP Short Circuit