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08 May, Friday

Insight - What the Nordschleife and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring Mean for the Automotive Industry

What role does the 24 Hours of Nürburgring play for companies in the automotive industry? The answer lies not only between the starting grid and the checkered flag, but above all in the development work that precedes the big event. Because before the battle for positions begins at the ADAC RAVENOL 24 Hours of Nürburgring, the Nordschleife serves as the central testing ground for performance...
Insight - What the Nordschleife and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring Mean for the Automotive Industry

08.05.2026

What role does the 24 Hours of Nürburgring play for companies in the automotive industry? The answer lies not only between the starting grid and the checkered flag, but above all in the development work that precedes the big event. Because before the battle for positions begins at the ADAC RAVENOL 24 Hours of Nürburgring, the Nordschleife serves as the central testing ground for performance under real-world extreme conditions—and at the same time as the interface between development, motorsports, and production vehicles. The unique combination of length, track characteristics, and weather conditions makes the Nordschleife a place where motorsports, industry, and product development are directly intertwined. What is proven here stands the test not only in competition—but also on the road. “The 24 Hours of Nürburgring is one of the most important motorsports events worldwide”Christoph Sagemüller, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport For Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, the 24 Hours of Nürburgring is far more than just a single event. “The 24-hour race at the Nürburgring is one of the most important motorsport events worldwide for us—not only historically, but above all strategically,” explains Christoph Sagemüller, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. What matters most is not just the result, but performance under real-world conditions: “Overall victories like those in 2013 and 2016 are clear proof of our brand’s performance.”The foundation for this is laid on the track itself. The Nordschleife is considered the ultimate endurance test—and a development platform at the same time. “What works here works under almost all conditions,” says Sagemüller. The insights gained there flow directly into production vehicles—for example, in the areas of driving dynamics, durability, and performance under extreme conditions. Motorsport and production are closely intertwined in this process: “Our goal is to credibly bring performance from the racetrack to the road.” Testing and development work for the performance brand therefore takes place on various levels. As part of the Nürburgring’s official test and development runs, AMG spends up to 17 weeks a year on the Nordschleife. One of the most spectacular results of this work: the Mercedes-AMG ONE—to this day, the fastest production vehicle on the 20.832-kilometer-long Nordschleife as part of the Nürburgring’s official record runs. Also developed on this legendary asphalt: the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO, the so-called “Beast of the Green Hell.” To this day, experienced race car drivers pilot visitors from all over the world around the Nordschleife in this vehicle as part of the Nürburgring’s co-pilot drives—a direct translation of development into a tangible brand experience. “An oil brand that performs on the Nordschleife is more than suitable for everyday use”Martin Huning, RAVENOL  For suppliers as well, the Nordschleife and test and development drives are a central part of their work. RAVENOL uses the track specifically to test and optimize products under real-world conditions.  “We are constantly developing new products and want to test them exactly where they will later be used,” explains Martin Huning, Director of Motorsport at RAVENOL. The Nürburgring is far more than just a test track: “Everyone knows about the special challenges of the Nordschleife. An oil brand that performs here is more than just suitable for everyday use.” The close connection between testing and competition is particularly evident in the context of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. As a title partner, RAVENOL is firmly established and supports a large portion of the vehicles in the legendary race. “In addition to a well-coordinated team and experienced drivers, what’s needed above all is a reliable overall package—and that includes the right operating fluids,” says Huning. “The Nordschleife tests the vehicle, driver, and tires all at once”Marco Lo Prato, Goodyear  Goodyear shares a similar perspective, as its tires must prove their performance under extreme conditions. For the tire manufacturer, consistency is the top priority at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. “It’s not about delivering maximum performance for a few laps, but about building reliability and trust over 24 hours,” explains Marco Lo Prato, Manager of Global Communications – Racing at Goodyear. The Nordschleife serves as a “living laboratory” where technologies must prove themselves under real-world extreme conditions. “It tests everything at once—the car, the driver, and the tires,” says Lo Prato. It is precisely these demands that make the Nürburgring a benchmark that extends far beyond motorsports: “The insights from racing flow directly into our production products. What works here builds trust—even in everyday life.” The Nordschleife as a benchmark for development It is no coincidence that even experienced teams and manufacturers return to the Nordschleife every year for targeted testing. With its 73 turns, ascents, and descents, as well as a varied mix of technical sections and high-speed stretches, the Nordschleife constantly presents new challenges for drivers, vehicles, and technology. Added to this is the unique challenge of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring itself: heavy traffic with vehicles of vastly different performance classes, changing conditions day and night, and a race distance that demands the highest precision and reliability.“The Nordschleife presents new demands every year, which is why targeted preparation is essential,” emphasizes Sagemüller. The same principle applies to everyone involved: Success is not achieved during the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, but in the weeks and months leading up to it—on the track, during testing, and through continuous development. This makes it clear: The 24 Hours of Nürburgring is not only a sporting highlight but also the most visible culmination of a comprehensive development process. The Nordschleife serves as the interface between motorsports, industry, and production vehicles—a victory at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and a successful record-breaking run stand for one thing above all else: global recognition and visibility. Or, as has always been said in the context of development work:“Everyone praises what has been tested at the Nürburgring.”

Taycan Turbo GT with Manthey kit sets new record in 6:55.533 minutes

07.05.2026

With a new lap record on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife, the new Manthey kit impressively demonstrates its dynamic qualities: The GT electric sports car equipped with it completed the 20.832-kilometer circuit in the Eifel region in 6:55.533 minutes with Porsche development driver Lars Kern at the wheel—making it over nine seconds faster than the previous record holder in the luxury electric vehicle class. At the same time, Lars Kern beat his own record—set in October 2023 in a Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach Package—by twelve seconds. All record drives and further information Onboard through the Green HellThe record lap of the Taycan Turbo GT mit Manthey Kit 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. 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.

Golf GTI EDITION 50: The Nordschleife in 7:44.523 minutes!

07.05.2026

The Golf GTI EDITION 50 – with race car driver and Volkswagen test and development driver Benjamin Leuchter at the wheel – completed the 20.832-kilometer lap on the legendary race track in just 7:44.523 minutes. With its new record time, the Golf GTI EDITION 50 underscores its exceptional status in the Volkswagen model range—as the most powerful and dynamically precise production Golf GTI. On the Nordschleife, the Golf GTI EDITION 50 is thus also faster than all previous Volkswagen production models. All record drives and further information Onboard through the Green HellThe record lap of the Golf GTI EDITION 50 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. 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.

ADAC RAVENOL 24 Hours of Nürburgring, May 14–17, 2026: First ticket categories sold out – be sure to secure your 24-hour tickets in advance!

07.05.2026

24h fans, take note! Demand—especially for Saturday of the 24h weekend—is so high that the first ticket categories are already sold out. The weekend ticket (Friday / Saturday / Sunday) and the race ticket (Saturday / Sunday) are no longer available. The event ticket category (Thursday – Sunday) is also filling up fast: only 7,500 tickets remain (as of Thursday, May 7). Anyone who wants to experience the 24h Nürburgring live on site should therefore secure their ticket as soon as possible here. In addition to the four-day ticket, single-day tickets for Thursday, Friday, and Sunday are still available. However, anyone who drives to the Ring on Saturday without a ticket, hoping for the best, will no longer be able to buy one! To alleviate congestion on Saturday—the most popular day at the 24h Nürburgring, especially given the traffic situation—the organizers have a big request for all fans: Carpool if possible, arrive very, very early on Saturday, or—even better—use the event ticket to head to the Ring as early as Thursday or Friday. Those who were actually planning just a day trip to the Ring can experience racing action on the Nordschleife until late in the evening on Corpus Christi Thursday. Sunday, with the finish at 3:00 p.m., also offers not only a great racing program but also a more relaxed journey.

Road construction work in the Nürburgring area

04.05.2026

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.

24h Nürburgring to Use Full Digital Power on the Nordschleife for the First Time

04.05.2026

The digitization of the legendary Nordschleife reached the next level in the summer of 2024. Following a two-year construction phase and an investment of approximately twelve million euros, a network of 100 cameras and 46 LED panels is providing a new level of safety. Until now, the upgrade has only been used for tourist drives, track days, and test runs. At this year’s ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, this system will now be fully integrated into race operations for the first time. Seamless connectivityThe system is based on 100 cameras and 46 LED panels installed along the entire track. Thanks to the installation of 80 kilometers of electrical and data cables, the entire Nordschleife—including all 73 turns—can be monitored seamlessly. During normal operations on the Nürburgring Nordschleife—such as public driving sessions—not all track marshal posts are staffed; however, the cameras and panels allow vehicles on the track to be tracked and warnings issued in a timely manner if problems arise. At the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, this feature provides an added safety benefit. In the event of incidents—such as technical malfunctions, accidents, or slippery spots—race control can react even more quickly. “For nearly two years now, this digitalization step has allowed us to improve the flow of tourist and test drives,” reports Ingo Böder, Managing Director of Nürburgring GmbH. “Now we’re pleased that the 24 Hours of Nürburgring can also benefit from this.” Greater Safety Even in DaylightDuring public driving sessions and track days, the 46 LED panels along the GP circuit and the Nordschleife are designed to warn drivers of hazards hundreds of meters in advance, thereby preventing accidents. During the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, these will be used to assist drivers and track marshals. The focus here is on increasing safety in daylight conditions. They exclusively display the flag signal shown by the respective track marshal. Unlike the flags, the panels have no relevance under motorsport regulations. As darkness falls, the flags will be replaced by light signals, as has been the case in the past. In conjunction with other measures—such as the Incident Camera System, which enables live transmission from all cockpits—the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring is taking another major step forward in the area of safety.

#24hNBR – Important ticket update

30.04.2026

🎫 Ticket demand in advance sales is exceptionally high.For the first time in the history of the 24h Nürburgring, it is possible that – due to the strong pre-sale demand – the box office on-site may not open at all. So: Secure your tickets online early to make sure you don’t miss out! 🚗 A quick note on travel planning:Arrive as early as possible and allow sufficient time – both for accessing the camping areas and for race day itself. We’ll keep you updated with all relevant information in the coming weeks.

Boom in participation at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring

29.04.2026

The ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring is more than living up to its reputation as a motorsport festival of superlatives this year: With 161 entered vehicles, it will feature the largest starting field in over a decade—the last time more teams competed in this endurance classic at the Green Hell was in 2014, with 165 vehicles. Because the rush of teams is so great, even the entry regulations—which originally limited the field to 150 participants—are being adjusted. This is also made possible because many racing teams are limiting their space requirements, thereby making room for competitors and colleagues. A first glance at the starting list promises an extremely competitive field with nine GT3 manufacturers and over 40 vehicles in the top class. At the same time, the 2026 race thrives on what has always defined the 24 Hours of Nürburgring: true multi-class racing, featuring world stars, factory drivers, and Nordschleife specialists alongside ambitious privateers. ➡️ Click here to go directly to the starting grid. Max Verstappen, a prominent debutant, is a particular focus of attention. The Formula 1 world champion will be competing with his Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing, sharing the Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon, and Daniel Juncadella—three teammates who rank among the absolute best, both in terms of their track record and their Nordschleife expertise. Together, they form a lineup that is likely to set the benchmark for many competitors. The season so far on the Nordschleife also underscores this potential: At the NLS opener, the team initially secured a victory before a disqualification cost them the win; at the Qualifiers in mid-April, they continued their preparations with more laps in the lead before a technical issue forced a retirement. World-class drivers in the leading groupEven beyond the Verstappen car, the 2026 field is exceptionally strong. In the top classes—SP9, SP-Pro, SP-X, and AT1—there are a total of 49 cars competing for the coveted spots in the three-tiered top qualifying. The battle for the best starting positions will therefore be particularly intense this year, and the pressure is already enormous in qualifying. After all, in the “24-hour sprint”—which the endurance classic has evolved into—a good starting position is more important than ever if you want to compete for the overall victory. The defending champions from Rowe-BMW are sending two of their BMW M4 GT3s in pursuit of victory this year—each with a lineup of top factory drivers in the cockpit. Equally strong is the lineup from their brand colleagues at Schubert, who round out the BMW contingent. At Porsche, Manthey is once again leading the charge and sending the “Grello” #911 into the race with Kévin Estre, Thomas Preining, and Ayhancan Güven—meaning there are two DTM champions in the car. Preining secured the title in 2023, while Güven was crowned champion in 2025. Estre, in turn, won the 2021 24 Hours of Nürburgring in the Manthey Porsche. The winners of the 24h Qualifiers, Scherer PHX (Audi), are also represented, while Abt (Lamborghini), Walkenhorst (Aston Martin), Dinamic and Lionspeed (Porsche), HRT (Ford), and other top teams are bringing driver lineups to the Ring that leave little to be desired. Nine manufacturers in the top class, excitement across the entire fieldThe immense quality at the top is also reflected in the diversity of brands. With Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche, nine manufacturers are represented in the top class. In addition, there are a total of 22 other classes where teams are also competing for victories, podium finishes, and prestige. Outside the top group, things are particularly exciting in the GT4s in SP10 (13 starters) as well as in the two Porsche Cup classes (Cup 2 with 11 starters and Cup 3 with 17 starters). And so it becomes clear that the icing on the cake of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring is its diversity: while the battle for overall victory rages at the front, countless other stories unfold across the field, making the race so unique. Huge Starting Grid – Made Possible by Team SpiritThe fact that 161 vehicles will be able to line up at the start in 2026 is by no means a given. This is because the entry regulations previously allowed for a maximum of 150 vehicles—primarily because the space available in the paddock and the pits barely meets the teams’ requirements anymore: where a workshop tent used to suffice for full service for many teams, trucks are now lined up. To still give all the participants mentioned a chance to start, intensive coordination was necessary in recent days. Staff from ADAC North Rhine-Westphalia sought solutions in discussions with numerous teams, reorganized the layout, and scrutinized every square meter that had been requested. Through a great deal of meticulous work, the way was cleared to accommodate the massive starting grid. “We are very pleased with the extraordinary response to the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring 2026,” says Race Director Walter Hornung. “The fact that we can bring this large and high-caliber field to the starting line is only possible because many teams have cooperated. I would like to express my sincere thanks for that. This demonstrates the special spirit of the endurance racing community at the Nordschleife: from world-class stars to private drivers, everyone is pulling together because everyone wants to be a part of this special race.”

May Highlights at the Nürburgring: 24-Hour Race, Green Hell Driving Days, and a PS Premiere

28.04.2026

After a great start to the season, the Nürburgring is shifting into high gear this May: The coming month will be dominated by one of the world’s most famous endurance races, will host the German premiere of a unique horsepower festival, and will offer fans plenty of opportunities to get out on the track themselves. Verstappen, cycling, the quarter-mile—there’s something for everyone this May. Information on all events is also available online at nuerburgring.de. Here are the Nürburgring highlights for May: German premiere: Low Scty PS Arena & Bikeforce26 | May 9, 2026On May 9, the Nürburgring will become the center of European automotive and mobility culture. The Low Scty PS Arena is coming to Germany for the first time. The festival is far more than a classic car and tuning meet: on the short section of the Grand Prix circuit, JDM legends will face off against US muscle cars and uncompromising hypercars. A highlight is the “Race402”: In the traditional quarter-mile drag race on the start-finish straight, high-performance cars with a combined total of over 125,000 horsepower will compete in direct duels. At the same time, the hearts of motorcycle fans will race faster at “Bikeforce26.” The stunt bike competition promises pure adrenaline as Europe’s most talented riders showcase their skills. Get up close to the cars and enjoy some racing talk during the Gridwalk at the Drivers’ Parade, as well as at “Cars on Track,” where you can stroll across the race track. Tickets are available starting at 29.99 euros. The Race of the Year on the Nordschleife: ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring | May 14–17, 2026In mid-May, the motorsports world turns its attention to the Eifel. At the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, man and machine take on the Green Hell—and tens of thousands of fans cheer them on from the track’s perimeter. Even though the final starting grid hasn’t been released as of press time, the organizer has already hinted: This year is going to be packed—both on and off the Nordschleife. All 150 starting spots are filled, and spectator turnout at the qualifying races was massive. One reason: Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen is competing in the 24-hour race this time and aims to claim the endurance crown. Day tickets start at 37.00 euros; the full event experience from Thursday to Sunday can be booked starting at 74.00 euros. For those who want to follow the action from home: In addition to the livestream on YouTube in German and English, the TV channel NITRO will broadcast the entire race. Motorcycle racing and touring car actionThe weekend following the 24-hour race, the Grand Prix circuit will first belong to the bikers: The ADAC / DMC Reinoldus Race Weekend (May 23–24) offers thrilling grassroots racing in numerous classes—from the scooter class to the Yamaha R7 & R3 Cup and the spectacular Northern Sidecar Cup. At 10.00 euros per day, admission is particularly family-friendly. The month’s motorsport events conclude with the DMV Goodyear Racing Days (May 29–31), featuring well-attended touring car and GT series, as well as the Nordschleife specialists from the RCN and GLP on May 30. Get Behind the Wheel Yourself: Green Hell Driving Days, Cycling and Running Meetups & Nordschleife Track WalkFor all those who prefer to take the wheel (or handlebars) themselves, May offers plenty of opportunities to experience the asphalt of the legendary racetrack from the cockpit’s perspective. The Green Hell Driving Days powered by Goodyear kick things off from May 1 to 3: Around Labor Day, the Nordschleife opens its gates to tourist drivers for three consecutive days, from morning until evening.Those who prefer to explore the ideal line at a slower pace and with expert background information can take a look behind the scenes at the Trackwalks Nordschleife on May 8, 22, and 29. Since spots for these exclusive guided tours on foot and by bus are strictly limited, we recommend registering quickly. All information can be found on the Nürburgring website. It’s all about muscle power on May 25 and 30: As soon as the engines fall silent, the track belongs to cyclists and runners during the Bike & Run Meet starting at 7:00 PM. It’s a rare chance to enjoy the famous combinations of curves in the special atmosphere of the evening sun and to conquer the “Green Hell” by bike as a very special challenge. The Nürburgring highlights in May 2026:•    May 1–3, 2026: Green Hell Driving Days powered by Goodyear (public driving sessions)•    May 9, 2026:          Low Scty PS Arena & Bikeforce26•    May 14–17, 2026: ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring with RCN and DHLM•    May 23–24, 2026:  ADAC / DMC Reinoldus Race Weekend•    May 25, 2026:         Cycling & Running Meetup (Nordschleife & GP Circuit)•    May 29–31, 2026: DMV Goodyear Racing Days•    May 30, 2026:         RCN & GLP