Date for the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours

54th edition of the Nürburgring 24 hours

Few races in the world of motorsport generate as much passion, excitement, and respect as the legendary 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Known as one of the toughest endurance races in the world, this competition has for decades been a symbol of endurance, skill, and dedication for both drivers and teams. For motorsports enthusiasts, the official announcement of the 2026 edition is news that ignites the spark of enthusiasm, shortly after the 53rd edition concludes in June 2025.

A legendary race that transcends time

The 24 Hours of the Nürburgring is not just a race. It’s an automotive marathon that blends the best of human talent and mechanical innovation with the unpredictability of a brutal circuit. The track combines the GP layout with the infamous Nordschleife, a historic and technically challenging section known as the “Green Hell.”

This event has witnessed some of the most epic moments in motorsport. From heroic feats under thunderstorms to unexpected comebacks in the German fog, the history of the Nürburgring is full of anecdotes that seem straight out of a movie. Moreover, not only GT3 (SP9) category cars compete here, but also semi-professional teams and even well-prepared amateurs, making it a true motorsport celebration.

Every year, more than 100 cars enter the event, with up to 30 different classes competing simultaneously. The result? A grid so varied that you might see a Porsche 911 GT3 RS followed by a race prepped Opel Astra or a Dacia Sandero on the same lap. This chaotic yet perfectly organized mix is what gives this race its unique character.

Official confirmation: The 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours will be held from May 14 to 17, 2026.

It’s official! ADAC Nordrhein, the event organizer, has confirmed that the 54th running of the Nürburgring 24 Hours will be held from May 14 to 17, 2026. This represents a slight advance compared to previous editions, which were usually held in the second half of June or late May.

This announcement has been enthusiastically received by teams and fans, as it allows for better logistical planning, especially for international teams also participating in other championships such as the Intercontinental GT Challenge or the GT World Challenge Europe.

The date also coincides with a period of lower probability of heavy rain, which could mean a race with more stable weather conditions. But when it comes to the Nürburgring, nothing can be taken for granted.

Why was that specific date chosen?

There are several factors behind the choice of date:

Avoiding clashes with other major championships, such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, 24 Hours of Spa, or the DTM.
Spring-like weather, which offers a better balance between moderate temperatures and a lower incidence of extreme weather events.
Logistical availability of the circuit, which hosts multiple events between April and September.

Looking back: the 2025 Nürburgring 24 Hours

Before looking ahead, it’s worth looking back at what happened in 2025. It was a vibrant and exciting edition, with an intense battle in the GT3 (SP9 Pro) category that ultimately went to BMW.

Overall winners (GT3 / SP9 Pro):
- Team: ROWE Racing
- Car: BMW M4 GT3 Evo #98
- Drivers: Augusto Farfus (BRA), Jesse Krohn (FIN), Raffaele Marciello (SUI), Kelvin van der Linde (RSA)
- Laps completed: 141 vueltas
- Total time: 24:02:41.104

It was BMW’s 21st overall victory in this iconic race. They started from 17th on the grid, adding even more drama to their comeback.

Second place in GT3 / SP9 Pro:
- Team: Manthey EMA
- Car: Porsche 911 GT3 R #911
- Drivers: Kévin Estre (FRA), Ayhancan Güven (TUR), Thomas Preining (AUT)

They finished 1:17.810 minutes behind P1 and, although they crossed the line first, they received a 100-second penalty for an incident while overtaking a GT4, which cost them the victory.

This duel ended with a decisive sporting decision that favored BMW and turned the race into one of the most talked-about races in recent years.

2025 Nürburgring 24 Hours Highlights

The 2025 edition was one of the most exciting and hotly contested in recent years, both in terms of the number of participants and the intensity of the battle on the track. Here are some key facts that summarize the magnitude and complexity of this event.

🏁 General summary

Category	Data
Overall Winner (GT3)	BMW M4 GT3 Evo – ROWE Racing
Laps completed by the Winner	141
Total Time	24:02:41.104
Total Distance	Approximately 3.578 km
Average Speed of the Winner	149.07 km/h
Cars Registered	130
Cars in GT3 (SP9) Category	25
Total DNFs	43

⏱️ Races fastest lap

Driver: Julien Andlauer (Porsche #911)
Lap time: 8:08.658
Conditions: Night / Dry asphalt

👥 Attendance & coverage

Spectators at the circuit: More than 220,000 people attendend over the weekend
Countries with live streaming: 72
Online coverage and streaming: More than 4.5 million views on digital platforms such as YouTube and Nürburgring TV

⚙️ Featured Teams

Best private team: PROsport Racing (Aston Martin Vantage GT3), 8th place overall
Best newcomer: Toyota Gazoo Racing Team Thailand with the GR Supra GT4 EVO, 1st in it-s category

Global impact of the event: a race that transcends borders

The Nürburgring 24 Hours is not just a European event; it’s a truly global platform. Every year, teams from Asia, the Americas, Oceania, and the Middle East travel to Germany to compete head-to-head against the greats of motorsport. This race has become a showcase of international talent and technology, where the name of the circuit carries as much weight as that of Le Mans or Daytona.

In 2025, more than 30 different nationalities participated among drivers and technicians, consolidating its place as one of the most international events in the world. Teams from Japan, Thailand, the United States, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa not only competed, but in many cases achieved prominent positions, proving that the Nürburgring is no longer the exclusive domain of Europeans.

In addition, the event is broadcast in more than 70 countries. Platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, and Motorsport.tv allow millions of fans to follow the race in real time, with onboard cameras, pit stop broadcasts, and technical analysis from multiple angles.

Finally, tourism cannot be ignored: more than 200,000 people travelling to the event generates a huge economic impact in the German Eifel region, benefiting hotels, restaurants, businesses, and transportation services. This ecosystem has made the Nürburgring a model of success not only in sporting terms, but also in economic and cultural terms.

Tickets, VIP areas and fan experience in 2026

One of the biggest draws of the Nürburgring 24 Hours is that you don’t need to be a millionaire or have a VIP bracelet to enjoy an unforgettable experience. Although there are exclusive areas, the event is designed to be inclusive, family-friendly, and 100% experiential.

For the 2026 edition, it has been confirmed that tickets will be available starting in November of this year.

In addition, more camping areas will be available, especially in the Pflanzgarten and Adenauer Forst sectors. These areas have become famous for their party atmosphere, bonfires, music, and homemade food that make the event more than just a race: a true motorsport camping experience.

The organizers are also working on new shuttle bus routes and discounts for groups, students, and seniors, with the aim of facilitating access and continuing to grow the fan base who experience the magic of the Nürburgring firsthand.

Are you planning to attend the 54th edition of this epic race in 2026? Let us know your plans for next years race!