ADAC Acquires DTM Brand Rights

ADAC has acquired the brand rights to DTM, allowing the series find a new home after previous promotor ITR closed its doors.

As previously reported by Sportscar365, negotiations had been ongoing between the two parties about a potential sale of DTM to ADAC.

Announced on Friday, the GT3-based sprint series will become part of ADAC, which sanctions multiple championships from GT Masters to GT4 Germany and TCR Germany.

Further details on the new arrangement are expected to be made at a press conference next week.

“No other brand represents German motorsport like the DTM,” said ADAC Sports President Dr. Gerd Ennser.

“ADAC is concerned with preserving the DTM, because it is part of motorsport’s cultural heritage.

“It not only enjoys an excellent reputation in Germany, but also in motorsport worldwide. Starting next year, the DTM will start a new chapter in its long history under the umbrella of the ADAC.”

According to a statement from ADAC, all previous DTM and GT Masters teams will have the opportunity to “get involved” in ADAC’s platforms next year.

The 2023 calendars for DTM or GT Masters have not been released, prompting questions on whether there will continue to be two GT3-based series in operation next year.

Longtime DTM chairman Gerhard Berger added: “We are now laying the foundation for a long-term future for motorsport in the German-speaking world.

“For the huge DTM fan community, this is good news.”

Berger said the deal between the two parties was struck with an emphasis on DTM’s long-term stability.

“Now, the time has come to create the basis for DTM’s long-term future,” he said. “Thus, I have decided to transfer the brand to ADAC.

“I am firmly convinced that the brand is in the right hands with ADAC: the necessary know-how is available there in order to offer all motorsport fans a unique experience in the future.

“Due to the long-term experience, the established structures and the association’s own commitment to motorsport, ADAC is not only able to create the best possible synergies but also consistently develop the DTM further.

“Thus, the best prerequisites are in place so that we will continue to see successful motorsport at the highest level for many more years.”

As reported on Wednesday, the deal means that current promoter ITR will no longer be responsible for DTM’s international marketing and organization.

“The fact that we have been able to raise the DTM to this level in the past two years is last but not least, due to the work of many partners and a strong team,” said ITR managing director Benedikt Boehme.

“This is exactly why it is now very important to us to address all themes in an orderly fashion.

“In this regard, we also want to continue to be the fair and reliable partner which we have always been for all parties who have substantially contributed to DTM’s success.”