Plans for New Nürburgring Series Delayed to 2028

Controversial plans to develop a new series of races on the Nürburgring have been postponed until 2028 following talks with organizers of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie.

The Interessengemeinschaft Langstrecke Nürburgring group that looks after the interests of teams competing on the Nordschleife had slammed the plans for a new series of races proposed for next year by ADAC Nordrhein, which runs the Nürburgring 24, saying the proposals to effectively create two rival series “make no sense.”

ADAC Nordrhein was planning to offer incentives to teams that tackled its Nürburgring Series by giving them reduced entry fees and automatic places on the N24 grid.

The ILN called for all parties to come together to reach a solution that would avoid splintering competitors between the rival camps.

Several meetings have since been held between the ILN, NLS and ADAC Nordrhein, which accepted that its plans to launch the new series for 2027 were too ambitious and has therefore delayed them until 2028 at the earliest.

“Unfortunately, the preparation time for introducing a new series format was too short for many racing teams, partners, and sponsors,” explained N24 race director Walter Hornung.

“However, we still believe our future-oriented concept for motorsport on the Nordschleife is sound and have received a great deal of positive feedback.

“In particular, the professional structures that have been a hallmark of the 24h series for years, and the planned attractions for fans beyond the actual racing action, have generated considerable interest.

“We will be engaging in intensive discussions with all stakeholders at the Nürburgring, especially the racing teams, regarding these aspects.”

Of the talks between stakeholders, Hornung added: “Even though a joint series did not materialize at these meetings, we want to continue the discussions for 2028 in order to create the best possible platform for teams, drivers, and, last but not least, the Nordschleife fans.”

The ILN subsequently released a statement welcoming the news.

Its chair Martin Rosorius said: “We have always made it clear that an additional rival series would do more harm than good to endurance racing on the Nordschleife.

“ADAC Nordrhein’s realization that a successful endurance series cannot be organised on the Nordschleife with 30 racing cars has come late, but just in time to avert major damage to the teams, drivers, sponsors and the entire endurance racing scene.

“The focus now is on looking ahead. Teams and partners finally need clarity and a reliable outlook for 2027 and further seasons.

“The Nürburgring’s anniversary year should not be characterised by competition and uncertainty, but by a strong, united front from endurance racing.”

ADAC Nordrhein had originally proposed for the N24 to be the centerpiece of its new four-event mini-series, which was also going to include contests at existing planned ADAC events held at the Nürburgring.

Separately, the NLS has revealed its eight-event provisional calendar for 2027, which will not feature the N24 Qualifiers next year.