Driver Killed in N24 Qualifiers Race 1 Accident

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A driver has died after an accident in the first race of this weekend’s N24 Qualifiers.

A statement from the ADAC read: “During today’s first race of the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers, a serious accident involving seven participants occurred during the start.

“Following the collision of several vehicles, race control immediately stopped the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations.

“Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, paramedics were unable to save driver Juha Miettinen (No. 121 BMW 325i) after he was extricated from his vehicle. The driver died at the medical center after all resuscitation attempts failed.

“The other six drivers involved were taken to the medical center and nearby hospitals for precautionary examinations. None of the injured are in life-threatening condition.

“The race will not be restarted on Saturday evening. The thoughts of everyone involved in the Nürburgring 24 Hours are with the family of Juha Miettinen.”

The 66-year-old Miettinen was driving the No. 112 Keeevin Motorsport GmbH BMW. He had been racing at the Nürburgring since 2018.

The ADAC added: “During the starting grid announcement for Sunday’s race at 1 p.m., there will be a minute of silence in memory of the deceased motorsport athlete.”

Finlay Ringer

Finlay Ringer is a freelance motorsport journalist covering the 24H Series for Sportscar365. He is also a journalism student at City St George's, University of London, and has contributed to publications such as The Race and Autocar.