NLS - ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring

The ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring stands as one of endurance racing's greatest challenges. This race takes place at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Nürburg, Duitsland, and represents the 54th edition of this legendary event. The 2026 race serves as the second round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, bringing together professional factory teams and ambitious amateur drivers on one of motorsport's most demanding circuits.

Circuit Characteristics

The race uses a combination of the Nürburgring Nordschleife and a shortened version of the Grand Prix circuit. This creates a total track length of 25.378 km, making it the longest permanent race track in the world. Sir Jackie Stewart coined the nickname "The Green Hell" in 1968, referring to the unforgiving nature of this circuit.

The Nordschleife features more than 170 corners and elevation changes of 290-300 meters. This tests both drivers and machines to their limits. Notable sections include the Caracciola-Karussell, the Flugplatz, and the Adenauer Forst. The circuit's original uneven surface, laid in 1927, adds another layer of difficulty.

Weather conditions in the Eifel region often prove unpredictable. Different parts of the track can experience sun, fog, or rain simultaneously. This variability requires teams to adapt their strategies constantly throughout the race.

New Regulations for 2026

The 2026 edition introduces several important changes to the race format. The qualifying system now splits into three sessions similar to Formula 1: Top Q1, Top Q2, and Top Q3. This new structure aims to make the process clearer and more transparent for fans. The top series, including SP9 (FIA-GT3), SP11 (GT2), AT1, and SP-Pro, qualify under this system.

The race expects to reach the maximum entry of 150 vehicles for the first time in years. This demonstrates the strong interest in the 2026 event. Additional light panels will be installed along the Nordschleife (28 panels) and the GP circuit (8 panels). These panels support marshal flag signals and improve visibility for drivers during unpredictable Eifel weather conditions.

Entry List and Participants

The field traditionally features a diverse mix of professional factory teams and amateur competitors. Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen will make his debut at the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring in 2026. He will drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3 for Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing alongside Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon, and Daniel Juncadella.

Other leading manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Porsche, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin plan to compete with their GT3 machines. The entry list expects to use all 150 available starting positions. Approximately 700 drivers will participate across the field, with teams running two to four drivers per car.

Vehicle Classes and Technical Rules

The race permits a wide range of vehicles, from production-based touring cars to high-performance GT3 cars in the SP9 class. Other classes include GT4 (SP10), TCR touring cars, manufacturer cups such as the Porsche Endurance Trophy Nürburgring and BMW cup classes, and the innovative AT class for vehicles using alternative fuels.

Speed differences between the fastest and slowest classes can be significant. This creates additional challenges on the many blind crests and corners around the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Drivers must remain alert for traffic at all times.

Tire and Fuel Regulations

The race does not use an exclusive tire supplier. Teams can choose from different slick and rain tires developed specifically for the Nordschleife. Each car has a limit of 116 tires (29 sets) for the race weekend. Stint length depends on fuel consumption, which typically allows for 9-10 laps.

Minimum pit stop times vary by class and remaining race time. Drivers can race for a maximum of three consecutive hours and must complete at least 15 laps. The race uses waved yellow flags and Code 60 zones instead of traditional safety cars or Full Course Yellows to manage speeds locally.

Historical Background

The first 24h Nürburgring took place in 1970. The event began as an affordable alternative to the 1000 km race, focused on amateur competitors. From 1984 onward, the race has used the combination of the Nordschleife and Grand Prix circuit.

BMW holds the record as the most successful manufacturer with 21 victories. The most successful drivers are Timo Bernhard, Pedro Lamy, and Marcel Tiemann, each with five wins.

Event Experience

The ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring functions as both a motorsport competition and a multi-day festival. Spectators often camp around the circuit days before the race begins. Up to 190 vehicles can be on track simultaneously, divided into a maximum of three starting groups behind safety cars.

The unique character of this race comes from the combination of professional teams and amateurs competing on "The Green Hell." This makes it one of the most challenging and beloved endurance events globally. Since 2015, participants must hold a "DMSB Permit Nordschleife" to race on this specific section of track.

The 2026 edition promises intense competition across multiple classes on one of racing's most demanding circuits. The new qualifying format and expected full grid will showcase the best of endurance racing at Nürburg, Duitsland.