NLS - ADAC 24h Qualifiers (2x4h)

The ADAC 24h Qualifiers (2x4h) at Nürburgring Nordschleife in Nürburg, Duitsland, serves as the essential preparation race for the main ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring. This NLS event consists of two four-hour races that test teams and drivers on one of motorsport's most challenging circuits. The 2026 edition brings updated regulations and a strong field of competitors across multiple racing classes.

Race Format and Purpose

The ADAC 24h Qualifiers features two separate four-hour races, officially recognized as NLS4 and NLS5 rounds within the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie calendar. The event provides 11 hours of competitive racing across multiple sessions. Teams use these races as a crucial dress rehearsal before the main 24-hour race in May.

Performance in the qualifier races determines starting positions for the Top Qualifying 3 session at the 24h Nürburgring. The weekend schedule includes test sessions, qualifying runs, and the German Historic Endurance Championship (DHLM) races. Saturday features the first four-hour GT3 qualifier race that extends into the evening. Sunday includes the Top Qualifying shootout and the second four-hour qualifier race.

The Nürburgring Nordschleife Circuit

The event takes place on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife combined with sections of the modern Grand Prix circuit. This configuration measures approximately 25.3 kilometers per lap. The layout integrates key Grand Prix sections like the Goodyear-Kehre and the Michael Schumacher S while bypassing the Mercedes-Arena.

Jackie Stewart famously called the Nordschleife "the Green Hell" (Grüne Hölle). The circuit features over 300 meters of elevation changes. Gradients reach up to 11 percent at Fuchsröhre, while descents hit 18 percent between Caracciola-Karussell and Hohe Acht. The Nordschleife officially counts 73 corners, though many drivers identify over 150 distinct turns.

Unique Circuit Characteristics

The massive size of the Nürburgring Nordschleife creates unique challenges. Drivers often encounter different weather conditions in various sections during a single lap. One section might have rain while another stays dry. The circuit spans three municipalities, creating these distinct microclimates. Car manufacturers worldwide use the Nordschleife as a development testbed, with one lap equivalent to thousands of kilometers of regular road testing.

Participants and Classes

The 2026 ADAC 24h Qualifiers welcomes 132 cars across various categories. The premier SP9 class features 37 GT3 entries from manufacturers including Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche. More than 40 teams compete throughout the weekend.

Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen drives a Mercedes-AMG GT3 alongside Lucas Auer. Other notable drivers include DTM champions Thomas Preining and Mirko Bortolotti, plus Bruno Spengler representing HWA.

Racing Categories

The event encompasses multiple classes. SP9 (FIA-GT3) represents the top grand touring category. SP10 (SRO-GT4) features GT4-specification cars. SP-X accommodates special and experimental vehicles. SP11 (GT2), AT1, and SP-Pro provide additional high-performance categories. Production car categories like VT2 compete alongside cup classes including the Porsche Endurance Trophy Nürburgring and BMW cup series. TCR touring cars add another dimension. The German Historic Endurance Championship (DHLM) makes its debut in 2026 with over 100 historic cars.

Technical Regulations

ADAC Nordrhein continuously updates regulations for the ADAC 24h Qualifiers to match the main 24h race requirements. These updates incorporate technological advances and safety improvements.

The 2026 edition introduces mandatory GPS-Auge video systems for all vehicles. This technology enables faster data and video evaluation following accidents or track violations. The system represents a significant step forward in race monitoring and safety management.

Top Qualifying Format

The qualifying format for top classes has changed for 2026. SP9, SP11, AT1, SP-Pro, and eligible SP-X entries now use a three-stage Top Qualifying system (Top Q1, Top Q2, Top Q3). This format mirrors Formula 1 qualifying and creates more transparency for fans. Teams can pre-qualify up to six cars for the final Top Q3 shootout based on earlier NLS race performance and Qualifier results. SP-X cars need at least 450 horsepower to qualify for Top Qualifying participation.

History and Background

The Nürburgring opened on June 18, 1927, after construction between 1925 and 1927. The Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race has run annually since 1970. The ADAC 24h Qualifiers evolved over time and integrated successfully into the NLS calendar.

The Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie celebrates its 50th season in 2026. The NLS has been a cornerstone of endurance racing at the Nürburgring since 1977. The Top Qualifying format for the 24h race has developed continuously, with the current three-stage system building on formats like the "Top 40" shootout introduced in 2012.

What Makes This Event Special

The ADAC 24h Qualifiers at Nürburgring Nordschleife offers racing fans a comprehensive motorsport experience. The combination of GT3 machinery, diverse classes, and historic cars creates varied racing action throughout the weekend. The challenging nature of the Nordschleife tests every driver and car to their limits.

Parts of the Nordschleife remain open for public "Touristenfahrten" sessions outside race events. Regular drivers can experience the legendary track in their own road-legal vehicles. The main ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring traditionally holds the title of the world's largest race by participant numbers, with a maximum grid of 150 cars expected in 2026. The annual 24-hour race draws over 200,000 spectators to the Eifel region.

The 2026 qualifiers showcase the best of GT3 and touring car racing on one of motorsport's most demanding circuits. The event promises close competition across all classes as teams fine-tune their preparations for the main 24-hour race. This NLS weekend combines modern racing technology with the timeless challenge of the Green Hell.