NLS - NLS3: 57. Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy (4h)

The 57th Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy represents round three of the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) for 2026. This four-hour endurance race takes place at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Nürburg, Duitsland, and serves as a vital preparation opportunity for teams ahead of the legendary 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The NLS3 event attracts professional factory teams and amateur racers alike, creating a diverse field that showcases the full spectrum of GT and touring car competition.

Race Overview and Results

The NLS3: 57. Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy (4h) featured 139 cars at the start, with more than 130 competitors taking part in the race. Schubert Motorsport claimed victory with their #77 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, driven by Marco Wittmann, Philipp Eng, and Robin Frijns. David Pittard secured pole position for Team KCMG in a Mercedes-AMG GT3, setting a lap time of 7:52.393 minutes. This NLS round provides teams with a final chance to refine their setups under race conditions before the season's main event.

The Nürburgring Nordschleife Circuit

The Nürburgring stands as one of motorsport's most demanding facilities. Located in the Eifel mountains of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, this complex combines the modern Grand Prix circuit with the legendary Nordschleife.

Circuit Layout and Specifications

NLS races run on a combined layout measuring approximately 25.378 kilometers. The Nordschleife section alone spans 20.832 kilometers. The circuit features 73 official corners, though many drivers count more than 150 distinct turning points. Elevation changes exceed 300 meters between the lowest and highest points, with maximum gradients reaching 17% uphill and 11% downhill.

The Green Hell Heritage

Former Formula 1 driver Jackie Stewart coined the nickname "The Green Hell" during the 1960s. The name reflects both the challenging nature of the circuit and the dense forests that line the track. The original Nordschleife opened on June 18, 1927, while the modern GP-Strecke began operations in 1984. The village of Nürburg, which gives the circuit its name, sits within the original track layout.

Competitor Field and Notable Entries

The NLS series brings together a wide range of participants, from grassroots competitors in near-standard cars to professional factory-backed operations. The GT3 category (SP9 class) forms the headline competition.

Top Teams and Drivers

The 2026 NLS3 entry list included several prominent teams. Manthey Porsche fielded the #911 Porsche 911 GT3 R Pro with Ayhancan Güven and Matt Campbell. HRT Ford Racing entered the #65 Ford Mustang GT3 Pro with Dennis Olsen, Frédéric Vervisch, Christopher Mies, and Vincent Kolb. KCMG Mercedes-AMG ran the #47 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Pro with Kamui Kobayashi, Jesse Krohn, Edoardo Liberati, and David Pittard. Former Formula 1 driver Kamui Kobayashi made his GT3 debut on the Nordschleife during this race.

Konrad Motorsport competed with the #7 Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Pro, driven by Patricija Stalidzane, Christian Engelhart, and Pavel Lefterov. Gamota Racing entered the #23 BMW M4 GT3 EVO in Pro-Am with Antal Zsigo, Moritz Kranz, and David Jahn. KKrämer Racing brought the #33 Audi R8 GT3 EVO II Pro-Am for Tobias Vazquez-Garcia, Fidel Leib, and Michele di Martino. PROsport racing fielded the #37 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 in Am class with Guido Dumarey, Maxime Dumarey, and Markus Lönnroth. Koopman Racing returned the legendary BMW Z4 GT3 (#40) to competition with Peter Posavac and Michael Funke.

Technical Regulations and Classes

The NLS features approximately 40 different classes, grouped into several main categories. This classification system creates the series' unique character and broad appeal.

Class Structure

The 24h-specials category includes SP9 for FIA GT3 cars, SP10 for GT4 machinery, SP11 for GT2 vehicles, plus SP-Pro and SP-X divisions. TCR touring cars compete in their own class. VLN production car classes (V- and VT-classes) accommodate standard, turbocharged, hybrid, and electric vehicles. Cup classes feature one-make series including Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, BMW M240i, BMW M2 CS, and BMW 325i Challenge. Gruppe H provides a home for historic race cars.

Safety Innovations

The 2026 season introduced light panels along both the Nordschleife and the GP circuit. These panels give drivers additional visual information during both day and night conditions, supplementing traditional flag marshalling. The NLS regulations undergo regular updates to address technical developments and improve competitor safety. Many rules align with the 24 Hours of Nürburgring regulations.

Series History and Legacy

The Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie began in 1977 through cooperation between multiple motorsport clubs. The series was previously known as VLN before rebranding. The year 2026 marks the 50th season of this endurance racing championship. The 57th edition of the Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy demonstrates the long-standing tradition of this particular NLS round.

Fan Access and Youth Development

The NLS maintains accessible pricing for spectators, with tickets costing €25. This entry fee provides access to open grandstands at the Grand Prix circuit, exclusive viewing areas such as Brünnchen and Pflanzgarten, the paddock, and the pit lane. Children aged 14 and under receive free admission. The NLS Youth Kart Championship, which entered its second season in 2026, supports young talent progression from kart slalom through to circuit racing on the Nordschleife.

The Nürburgring's Broader Role

Beyond race events, the Nordschleife functions as a development and testing facility for automotive manufacturers worldwide. A single lap can replicate thousands of kilometers of road testing due to the varied surface conditions and demanding layout. The circuit also opens for "Touristfahrten" public driving sessions, allowing enthusiasts to experience the track firsthand. This accessibility creates a unique connection between professional motorsport and amateur participation.

What Makes This Event Special

The NLS3: 57. Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy (4h) combines professional racing with grassroots participation across multiple vehicle categories. The race format allows teams to test equipment and strategies in genuine competition conditions. The Nürburgring Nordschleife's reputation as one of racing's most challenging circuits adds significance to every NLS round. This event offers close competition across all classes, from cutting-edge GT3 machinery to production-based vehicles. The four-hour duration tests both driver skill and mechanical reliability on a circuit that punishes mistakes and rewards precision.