NLS - NLS6: 1. ADAC Eifel Trophy (4h)

The NLS6: 1. ADAC Eifel Trophy (4h) represents a major endurance challenge within the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie. This four-hour race takes place at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Nürburg, Duitsland, and serves as a key event in the 2026 NLS season, which marks the 50th anniversary of the series. The race attracts a diverse field of competitors, from amateur drivers in production vehicles to professional factory teams with GT3 machinery.

Circuit Characteristics

The NLS6: 1. ADAC Eifel Trophy (4h) runs on a configuration that combines the Nordschleife with sections of the Grand Prix circuit. The complete NLS layout spans 24.358 kilometers, incorporating parts of the modern Grand Prix track while excluding the Mercedes-Arena section. The Nordschleife itself measures 20.830 kilometers and features more than 70 corners.

The Nürburgring Nordschleife presents significant challenges for competitors. The circuit includes an elevation change exceeding 300 meters, with maximum gradients reaching 17% uphill and 11% downhill. Drivers face blind crests, rapidly changing grip levels, and demanding corner combinations. Many racing professionals consider this circuit one of the most difficult in motorsport. The track also serves as a testing ground for automotive manufacturers developing high-performance vehicles.

Race Format and Competition

The 1. ADAC Eifel Trophy follows a four-hour endurance format. VLN Sport GmbH Co.KG organizes the event, with ADAC Mittelrhein serving as the sporting authority. The race counts toward both the NLS championship and the Porsche Endurance Trophy Nürburgring.

Entry List and Teams

The NLS typically fields more than 100 entries across multiple classes. Manufacturers including Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-AMG, Audi, and Ferrari utilize the series for vehicle development and driver training. The 2026 season has already seen competitive racing, with Schubert Motorsport securing victory at NLS3 using a BMW M4 GT3 EVO. Team Manthey fielded competitive Porsche entries, while HRT Ford Racing campaigned the Ford Mustang GT3. Prototype entries such as the HWA EVO.R also participate in the series.

Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen competed in NLS2 during the 2026 season. The calendar was structured to allow F1 drivers opportunities to participate in both NLS races and the 24-hour qualifying events.

Class Structure

The NLS employs a comprehensive classification system to accommodate various vehicle types. The primary categories include SP9 for Group GT3 cars and SP10 for Group GT4 machinery. Starting in the 2026 season, all GT4 vehicles compete exclusively within the SP10 class. This regulation aims to improve competitive balance and enhance the sporting value of the GT4 category.

Additional classes cater to NLS specials, AT(-G) vehicles, TCR touring cars, NLS production cars, Cup classes, and historic Gruppe H vehicles. The SP10 class features an Amateur classification to recognize drivers without professional racing backgrounds. Gruppe H regulations were updated to permit vehicles with original series fuel tanks installed in factory locations, opening participation to models including the Renault Clio, Honda Civic, and earlier Porsche 911 GT3 Cup variants.

Historical Context

The Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie originated in 1977 through cooperation among multiple motorsport clubs. The series was previously known as the VLN Langstreckenmeisterschaft Nürburgring before adopting its current name in 2024. The Nordschleife circuit itself opened in June 1927 after construction between 1925 and 1927. The circuit's construction provided employment during a period of economic difficulty in the Eifel region.

The event name references the historic Eifelrennen, an annual race organized by ADAC from 1922 to 2003. The Eifelrennen moved to the Nürburgring in 1927, and the 1. ADAC Eifel Trophy continues this tradition within the modern NLS format.

The NLS maintains close connections with the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Both competitions share similar technical regulations and attract many of the same teams and drivers, though the 24-hour race no longer counts toward NLS championship standings.

Track Records and Access

The Nürburgring Nordschleife holds significant records in motorsport history. Stefan Bellof established the lap record on the 20.8-kilometer configuration with a time of 6 minutes and 11.13 seconds in 1983. Niki Lauda remains the only driver to complete the full 22.835-kilometer Nordschleife in under seven minutes, achieving 6:58.6 in 1975.

Outside of racing events, the Nordschleife operates as a public toll road. Enthusiasts can drive their own vehicles on the circuit during designated Tourist Drives sessions. The Nürburgring complex includes both the Nordschleife and the modern Grand Prix circuit built in 1984.

What to Expect

The NLS6: 1. ADAC Eifel Trophy (4h) promises competitive racing across all classes. The four-hour duration tests both driver skill and mechanical reliability. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Eifel region, adding strategic complexity to tire choice and pit stop timing. The long lap distance means teams complete fewer laps than at conventional circuits, making each lap more valuable for championship points.

The combination of professional factory efforts and privateer entries creates varied racing throughout the field. GT3 cars in SP9 battle for overall victory, while numerous class competitions unfold simultaneously. The nls series provides fans with multi-class racing that showcases different vehicle philosophies and driving approaches on one of motorsport's most demanding circuits.