NLS - NLS10: 2. NLS Sportwarte-Trophy (4h)

The NLS10: 2. NLS Sportwarte-Trophy (4h) brings a 4-hour endurance race to the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Nürburg, Duitsland. This event represents the second edition of the Sportwarte-Trophy within the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), a championship celebrating its 50th season in 2026. Organized by VLN Sport GmbH Co.KG, this race showcases the diverse field of cars and drivers that define the NLS series.

The Nürburgring Nordschleife Circuit

The race takes place on the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife, combined with the Grand Prix circuit's sprint section. This configuration creates a track that measures approximately 24.433 kilometers. The circuit earned its nickname "Green Hell" due to the challenging conditions it presents to drivers. The track features numerous elevation changes, blind corners, and varying track surfaces. The Eifel region's unpredictable weather adds another layer of complexity to racing at this venue.

For 2026, the Nürburgring has implemented illuminated panels to supplement traditional marshal flag signals. These panels work during daylight hours to improve visibility for drivers navigating the demanding Nordschleife.

Expected Participants and Teams

The NLS series regularly attracts well over 100 cars to the starting grid. Recent rounds in the 2026 NLS season have featured fields of 130-140 cars. The entry list for the 2. NLS Sportwarte-Trophy spans professional factory teams and amateur racing enthusiasts.

Major manufacturers represented in NLS races include Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-AMG, Audi, Ford, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, and Ferrari. Notable teams that compete in the series include Manthey, Schubert Motorsport, Rowe Racing, Red Bull Team ABT, Konrad Motorsport, Winward Racing, Walkenhorst Motorsport, Realize Kondo Racing with Rinaldi, Haupt Racing Team, and Falken Motorsports.

The NLS attracts international talent from various racing disciplines. Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has participated in NLS races during 2026 as part of his preparation for the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

Race Classes and Technical Regulations

The NLS features an extensive classification system that accommodates different car types and performance levels. This structure allows multiple championships to run simultaneously during each race.

Main Performance Classes

The SP9 class features FIA-GT3 cars, which often compete for overall race victories. The SP10 class consists of FIA-GT4 cars. These classes operate under Balance of Performance (BoP) regulations to ensure competitive racing.

Porsche Endurance Trophy Nürburgring

The Cup2 class runs Porsche 992 GT3 Cup cars. The Cup3 class features Porsche Cayman GT4 Trophy cars. These categories form a championship within the broader NLS series.

Additional Categories

The NLS includes special classes such as SP3 and SP4 for purpose-built racecars. AT classes accommodate alternative fuel and technology vehicles. TCR touring cars compete in their own category. The series features various NLS production car classes, including V-classes for naturally aspirated engines and VT-classes for turbocharged, hybrid, and electric powertrains. The BMW M2 Racing Cup and Gruppe H for historic cars round out the diverse field.

Series History and Background

The Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie began in 1977 as the Veranstaltergemeinschaft Langstreckenpokal Nürburgring (VLN). A group of motorsport clubs established this association to organize endurance racing at the Nürburgring. In 2020, the series rebranded to the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) name. The 2026 season marks a significant anniversary for this long-running championship.

The Sportwarte-Trophy is a newer addition to the NLS calendar. The first edition took place in 2025, making the 2026 race the second running of this trophy event.

What Defines This Event

The 2. NLS Sportwarte-Trophy brings together championship contenders across numerous classes. The 4-hour race format tests both driver skill and mechanical reliability on one of motorsport's most demanding circuits. The combination of professional GT3 entries and grassroots racing creates a unique multi-class competition.

The NLS serves as a proving ground for teams preparing for the Nürburgring 24 Hours. This connection attracts top-level talent and provides valuable track time on the Nordschleife. The series generates millions of video views annually, sharing the challenge of the "Green Hell" with fans worldwide.

Over 500 drivers participate across all NLS classes throughout the season. This scale of competition, combined with the variety of cars and teams, creates a diverse field rarely seen in modern motorsport. The 2. NLS Sportwarte-Trophy continues this tradition at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, offering close racing across multiple categories on one of racing's most respected circuits.