NLS - NLS2: 58. ADAC Barbarossapreis (4h)

The NLS2: 58. ADAC Barbarossapreis (4h) is the second round of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie season. This four-hour endurance race takes place at the Nürburgring Nordschleife combined with the Grand Prix circuit in Nürburg, Duitsland. The event represents a major challenge for both professional teams and amateur drivers who compete across multiple vehicle classes on one of motorsport's most demanding tracks.

The Nürburgring Nordschleife Circuit

The race uses the combined layout of the Nürburgring Nordschleife and the Grand Prix Sprint Circuit. Located in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, within the Eifel mountains, the circuit stretches approximately 25.9 kilometers (16.1 miles). The Nordschleife portion measures about 20.830 kilometers and earned its "Green Hell" nickname from Jackie Stewart due to its demanding characteristics.

The track features dramatic elevation changes of over 300 meters from its lowest to highest points. Drivers must navigate numerous corners, crests, steep inclines, and constantly changing road surfaces. Key sections include Hatzenbach, Adenauer Forst, Wehrseifen, the Karussell, Pflanzgarten, and Schwalbenschwanz. These sections test driver skill and vehicle setup at every turn.

Race Format and Organization

The 58. ADAC Barbarossapreis follows the traditional NLS endurance format with a four-hour race duration. The event features multi-class racing with three distinct start groups and a rolling start procedure. VLN Sport GmbH & Co.KG and ADAC Mittelrhein organize the race.

The race day begins with administrative checks and technical scrutineering in the morning, followed by qualifying practice. The three starting groups form up separately, with each group starting at staggered intervals. Group 1 leads off, followed by Group 2 two and a half minutes later, and Group 3 begins five minutes after Group 1. The race concludes after four hours, with podium ceremonies following.

Participants and Competition

The NLS2: 58. ADAC Barbarossapreis attracts a diverse field of competitors. Amateur drivers in modified road-legal cars compete alongside professional factory teams in high-performance Group GT3 vehicles. This mix creates a unique racing environment where different skill levels and vehicle types share the same track.

Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen made his debut at this race in a Mercedes-AMG GT3, driving with Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon. The team crossed the finish line first but received a disqualification due to tire usage regulations. The Robby BMW M4 GT3 Evo team with Den Harper and Jordan Pepper inherited the victory. Falken Motorsport took second place with Tim Heidemann and Sven Müller, while L Motorsport by Black Falcon finished third with Patrick Asenheimer, Tobias Müller, and Dylan Pereira.

Other participants included influencer Vanessa Neumann competing in a BMW 325i for rent2Drive-MEHRTEC-racing, and Bitter Motorsport entered a Bitter Corsa in the SP2T class. The NLS regularly features large grids with over 100 cars competing across various classes.

Vehicle Classes and Technical Regulations

The NLS features multiple car classes to accommodate different vehicle types and performance levels. The top tier includes SP9 (Group GT3) and SP10 (Group GT4) classes. Other categories include Porsche Endurance Trophy Nürburgring Cup cars, NLS Specials, AT(-G) cars, TCR machinery, NLS Production cars, Cup classes, and Gruppe H historic cars.

Changes for the Current Season

Several regulatory changes came into effect for this season. GT4 cars now compete exclusively in the SP10 class to increase performance density and sporting value. The new BMW M2 Racing Cup class was introduced as an additional category. Group H regulations now allow vehicles with a series tank to compete if installed in the original position, making it easier for cars like the Renault Clio, Honda Civic, and older Porsche 911 GT3 Cup models to participate.

The disqualification of Max Verstappen's team demonstrates the strict tire regulations enforced during NLS races. These technical rules ensure fair competition across all classes.

Series History and Background

The Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie began in 1977 when a consortium of motorsport clubs founded the series. The championship is celebrating its 50th season in this current year. The series has undergone several name changes throughout its history. It was known as the BFGoodrich Langstreckenmeisterschaft from 2001 to 2009, then as VLN (Veranstaltergemeinschaft Langstreckenpokal Nürburgring) from 2009 until 2020, when it adopted its current NLS name.

The Barbarossapreis maintains a tradition of honoring Michael Schumacher's Formula 1 success by awarding red wigs to podium finishers. The NLS maintains a close relationship with the Nürburgring 24 Hours, sharing similar rules and participants. Many teams use NLS races as preparation for the major 24-hour endurance event.

Unique Features and Access

The NLS employs distinctive safety procedures that differ from other racing series. The series does not use safety cars. Instead, double yellow flags indicate a local speed limit of 120 km/h, while code 60 flags impose a 60 km/h limit in specific track areas. This approach allows race control to manage incidents without neutralizing the entire field.

The championship structure is also unique. The main drivers' championship awards points based on group positions rather than overall race results. This system allows entries in slower production car classes to contend for the overall title. A separate NLS Speed-Trophy teams' championship exists for faster classes such as SP9 (GT3) and Cup 2.

Spectator Experience

The Nürburgring complex can accommodate up to 150,000 spectators. Tickets for NLS races start from €25, with children under 14 receiving free entry. Spectators gain access to grandstands on the Grand Prix circuit, the paddock, pit lane, and starting grid. This access provides fans with close views of the cars and teams throughout race day.

Beyond organized races, the Nordschleife opens to the public for Touristenfahrten (tourist drives), allowing enthusiasts to experience the circuit firsthand. The NLS has built a significant online following, generating millions of video views across various platforms.

The 2026 Edition

The 58. ADAC Barbarossapreis in this edition was moved forward by one week from its original date. This schedule change accommodated international drivers, including Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen, allowing them to participate without conflicting with the Formula 1 calendar. This strategic decision brought additional attention to the race and demonstrated the series' flexibility in attracting high-profile competitors.

The NLS2: 58. ADAC Barbarossapreis (4h) at the Nürburgring Nordschleife continues to serve as a proving ground for endurance racing. The combination of a challenging circuit, diverse field of competitors, and unique racing format creates compelling competition across all vehicle classes. This race showcases the full spectrum of endurance racing at one of motorsport's most respected venues in Nürburg, Duitsland.