NLS Calendar

The Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), formerly known as the VLN, is Germany's premier endurance racing championship held exclusively on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife, often combined with the Grand Prix circuit. Celebrating its 50th season in 2026, this long-running series has established itself as one of motorsport's most accessible yet challenging competitions, attracting everyone from amateur racers in production cars to professional factory drivers in GT3 supercars. The series operates on a multi-class format, where dozens of cars from vastly different performance levels compete simultaneously on the same track, creating a unique spectacle on the world's most demanding circuit.

Race Format and Championship Structure

The NLS calendar typically features ten races across eight events, with most races running for four hours. The 2026 season includes one six-hour race, the KW 6h ADAC Ruhr-Pokal-Rennen held in August, which extends the endurance challenge. A highlight of the championship is the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers in April, consisting of two four-hour races over a single weekend. These qualifier races serve as essential preparation for teams and drivers ahead of the main Nürburgring 24 Hours event. Race weekends generally follow a consistent structure with qualifying sessions in the morning, followed by pit walks and grid walks for fans, before the main endurance race starts around noon.

Classes and Technical Regulations

The diversity of competition is a defining characteristic of the NLS. The premier class, SP9, features FIA-homologated GT3 machinery from manufacturers including BMW, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, Audi, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Corvette, and Genesis. These are divided into Pro, Pro-Am, and Am categories based on driver rankings. The SP10 class hosts GT4 cars such as the Porsche Cayman, BMW M4, Ford Mustang, and Toyota Supra. Additional categories include the Porsche Endurance Trophy Nürburgring Cup for Porsche 992 GT3 Cup and Cayman GT4 Trophy cars, FIA-homologated TCR touring cars, BMW Cup classes for various M models, and NLS Production Car classes (VT) that categorize road-based vehicles by engine capacity and drivetrain. Balance of Performance regulations are applied to GT3 and GT4 classes to ensure fair competition across different manufacturers.

Notable Teams and Drivers

The 2026 season has attracted significant attention with four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen participating in select NLS races with Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing as preparation for the 24 Hours. Other top teams include Manthey Porsche with their iconic "Grello" #911 driven by Ayhancan Güven and Kévin Estre, BMW's Schubert Motorsport and ROWE Racing fielding drivers like Marco Wittmann, Augusto Farfus, and Raffaele Marciello, and Mercedes-AMG Team RAVENOL with Maro Engel and Luca Stolz. The series also features strong female representation, including drivers like Patricija Stalidzane in GT3, Michelle Gatting in Porsche Cup, and Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky in TCR.

Calendar and Fan Access

The 2026 season runs from March through October, with races held at the Nürburgring in Nürburg, Germany. The schedule was strategically adjusted to accommodate international drivers, particularly around Formula 1 calendar gaps. Fans can purchase tickets through the Nürburgring online shop or on-site at the circuit. All races are broadcast live on the official NLS YouTube channel, providing free access to race coverage, onboard cameras, and live timing, making the championship one of the most accessible series for motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.