NLS8: 65. ADAC Reinoldus-Langstreckenrennen (4h)

The NLS8: 65. ADAC Reinoldus-Langstreckenrennen (4h) takes place at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Nürburg, Duitsland. This four-hour endurance race represents the 65th edition of the Reinoldus-Langstreckenrennen and forms part of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) 2026 season. The event brings together amateur racers and professional teams on one of the most challenging circuits in motorsports.

Race Format and Organization

VLN Sport GmbH Co.KG organizes this four-hour endurance race. The NLS series was founded in 1977 through a collaboration of nine automotive sports clubs. The series was previously known as VLN (Veranstaltergemeinschaft Langstreckenmeisterschaft Nürburgring). Teams of multiple drivers share driving duties throughout the race. Each team pushes their vehicles to the limit on this demanding track. Officials assign starting numbers during document control, and teams must display these numbers on both vehicle doors.

Circuit Configuration

The NLS races use a combined layout that connects the Nürburgring Nordschleife with sections of the modern Grand Prix (GP) track. The full combined circuit measures approximately 24.433 kilometers in length.

Nordschleife Characteristics

The Nordschleife spans roughly 20.832 kilometers and is widely regarded as the most challenging racing circuit in the world. Construction took place between 1925 and 1927. The track officially features 73 corners, though many drivers count more than 150 distinct turns. The elevation change reaches approximately 300 meters. The highest point sits at Hohe Acht (616.80 meters above sea level), while the lowest point is located at Breidscheid (320 meters above sea level). The circuit includes a maximum gradient of 17 percent uphill and 11 percent downhill. Sir Jackie Stewart famously nicknamed the circuit the "Green Hell" due to its extreme demands on driver skill and precision.

GP-Strecke Section

The modern FIA-approved Grand Prix circuit has been in use since 1984. This section measures approximately 5.148 kilometers in length. The GP track provides a contrast to the historic Nordschleife with its modern safety features and facilities.

Participant Categories and Classes

The NLS features a diverse field of competitors. Up to 170 race cars and more than 500 drivers can participate in a single NLS event. The entry list ranges from amateur racers in production cars to professional teams running advanced GT3 machinery.

The class structure for the NLS includes several categories. SP9 (FIA-GT3) represents the top class with powerful GT3 cars. SP10 (GT4) accommodates GT4-specification vehicles. The Porsche Endurance Trophy Nürburgring Cup runs as a dedicated one-make series. Additional classes include NLS-specials, AT(-G), TCR, NLS production cars, BMW Cup classes, and Gruppe H for historic vehicles.

Manufacturers represented in the SP9 class include Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche. High-profile drivers sometimes use NLS races as preparation for the 24-hour race. Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has competed in NLS events. MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi is working on obtaining his Nordschleife racing license through NLS participation in 2026, with the goal of competing in the 24-hour race in 2027.

Technical Regulations and Safety Requirements

The NLS enforces strict regulations to ensure safety and fair competition. All participating drivers must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid racing license. Mandatory safety equipment includes gloves, a helmet, and a fire-resistant racing suit. Each vehicle can field a maximum of four drivers.

Vehicles must meet specific safety standards. The maximum sound limit is 130 dB(A). All cars must be equipped with a roll cage. Racing tires (slicks) are permitted. However, vehicles with red license plates and classic rental cars are not allowed to compete.

The qualification system for the 24-hour race has been restructured in 2026 to follow a Formula 1-style format with Top Q1, Top Q2, and Top Q3 sessions. NLS races contribute to this qualification process. One starting position goes to the fastest driver across all qualifying sessions. Two positions are awarded to the fastest drivers in the races, based on theoretical best lap times calculated from sector times.

Starting in 2026, the series uses light panels in addition to traditional flags on both the Nordschleife and GP track. These panels provide extra visual support, particularly in poor weather conditions. Flags remain the definitive signals. A Code 60 flag requires all competitors to reduce speed to a maximum of 60 kilometers per hour and prohibits overtaking.

Historical Context

The Nürburgring Nordschleife opened in 1927 and has built a rich history since then. The circuit continues to serve as a proving ground for automotive manufacturers. One kilometer driven on the circuit equals approximately 100 kilometers of driving on normal roads for testing purposes. The village of Nürburg, which features a medieval castle that gave the circuit its name, sits within the original Nordschleife layout.

The Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie celebrates its 50th season in 2026. This milestone demonstrates the series' enduring popularity and authenticity in endurance racing. The Reinoldus-Langstreckenrennen stands as a deeply rooted event within the series.

Stefan Bellof holds the absolute lap record on the Nordschleife in its longest configuration. He set a time of 6:11.13 minutes in a Porsche 956 during qualifying for the 1000-kilometer race in 1983. Sabine Schmitz, known as the "Queen of the Ring," won the 24 Hours of Nürburgring twice and completed more than 30,000 laps at the circuit during her career.

Unique Aspects of the Event

The Nordschleife is often open as a toll road for public "Touristenfahrten" sessions outside of racing events. This allows enthusiasts to experience the track themselves. The circuit serves as a dynamic research center for automotive manufacturers, who use it extensively for vehicle development and testing.

The series attracts significant media attention worldwide. The global fascination with the "Green Hell" continues to grow among racing fans and automotive enthusiasts. The 65. ADAC Reinoldus-Langstreckenrennen promises compelling competition across multiple classes, showcasing the unique challenge of four-hour endurance racing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.