The ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie will stage its traditional six-hour highlight on Saturday as the KW 6h ADAC Ruhr Cup brings an extensive and varied field to the Nordschleife. The seventh round of the 2026 season (NLS7) offers 50 per cent more racing than the championship’s regular four-hour contests. Consequently, teams must place greater emphasis on tyre management, fuel strategy, traffic navigation and driver rotation throughout the afternoon.
Meanwhile, the entry list combines new GT3 programmes, experienced Nordschleife specialists and several emotional returns. Ralf Aron will make his racing comeback five months after his Bathurst injuries, while Porsche legends Timo Bernhard and Jörg Bergmeister will reunite to give the final 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport a historic farewell.
Six-hour format increases strategic challenge at 2026 NLS7
Qualifying will begin at 08:30 before the six-hour race starts at 12:00.
The longer distance gives teams more opportunities to vary their pit-stop schedules and driver rotations. However, it also increases the possibility of changing conditions, mechanical problems and contact in traffic.
Drivers must repeatedly negotiate substantial speed differences between the leading GT3 cars and the smaller production-based entries. Therefore, patience and awareness could prove just as important as outright lap time.
With favourable weather forecast, teams should receive a relatively stable platform on which to develop their strategies. Nevertheless, the Nordschleife can produce changing grip levels across its lengthy lap even in dry conditions.
Porsche honours final Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport at 2026 NLS7
Porsche will use NLS7 to celebrate the history of its GT4 customer racing programme.
Team 75 Motorsport will run the final Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport produced as a racing car. An exclusive design inspired by the architecture and futuristic appearance of the Porsche Museum will turn the car into a rolling tribute to Porsche’s heritage.
The project brings together the Porsche Heritage and Museum department, the manufacturer’s motorsport specialists in Weissach and Team 75 Motorsport.
Bernhard and Bergmeister will share the car during its final competitive appearance. Both Porsche brand ambassadors possess extensive Nordschleife experience and hold notable circuit records.
Bernhard has claimed 10 overall NLS victories, while Bergmeister has won twice. However, the two long-serving Porsche drivers have never previously shared a GT4 cockpit.
Their appearance will give the Cayman a genuine racing farewell before Porsche transfers the car to its museum collection in Stuttgart.
Bernhard and Bergmeister reunite at favourite circuit for 2026 NLS7
The driver pairing adds further significance to the anniversary project.
Bernhard established the outright Nordschleife lap record in 2018 when he guided the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo around the circuit in 5:19.546.
Meanwhile, Bergmeister has set several category benchmarks in Porsche machinery. His record-breaking performances include a 6:56.294 lap in a manual-transmission Porsche 911 GT3.
Both drivers have stepped away from full-time competition. Nevertheless, their knowledge of the circuit and connection to Porsche’s endurance racing history make them fitting choices for the Cayman’s final race.
The appearance will also mark the end of Porsche’s mid-engined GT4 era before the manufacturer introduces the 911 GT4 R for global competition in 2027.
Grassroots veterans reverse retirement decision
While Porsche’s programme carries factory support, Mark Giesbrecht, Frank Kuhlmann and Michael Flehmer will represent the grassroots character that remains central to the NLS.
The Nordschleife veterans will share their established Honda Civic Type R after reversing an earlier decision not to compete during the 2026 season.
Flehmer has claimed 42 class victories and won the 2014 NLS title alongside Rolf Derscheid. Giesbrecht and Kuhlmann have each secured 26 class wins, giving the crew considerable experience of the championship and circuit.
Giesbrecht explained why the team decided to return with its two-litre Group H car.
“For us, it’s basically a reversal of our retirement. We originally wanted to compete in the DHLM this year, but had to postpone it due to scheduling conflicts. After half a season of inactivity, we simply couldn’t sit still any longer. On the spur of the moment, we’ve now decided to compete in the 6-hour race – and if all goes well, we’ll definitely add another one or two races to our schedule this season. Everyone in the team was immediately up for it – and we’re absolutely delighted to be able to present a genuine two-litre Group H car to the fans on the Nordschleife once again.”
Therefore, the six-hour race could begin a wider return rather than provide a single farewell appearance.
A successful weekend may encourage the team to add further NLS rounds before the end of the season.
Aron returns five months after Bathurst injuries
The SP9 field will feature another significant comeback as Aron returns to competition with Mercedes-AMG Team RAVENOL.
The Estonian suffered two fractured vertebrae during February’s Bathurst 12 Hour and subsequently abandoned his original 2026 racing programme.
After completing an intensive rehabilitation process, Aron returned to the cockpit during private Mercedes-AMG testing in May. He then gathered additional mileage while helping UNO Racing prepare for the China GT Championship.
The 28-year-old now feels ready to resume competition.
“The motorsport community has given me an incredible amount of strength during this time. After rehab and intensive training, everything felt just right again from the very first moment during the tests in May. I’m all the more delighted that my first race is now just around the corner.”
Aron will share the Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Luca Stolz, who won the Nürburgring 24 in May and will celebrate his 31st birthday during the race weekend.
The six-hour event will immediately test Aron’s fitness and concentration. However, his recent preparation and previous Nordschleife experience should help him rebuild his competitive rhythm.
Era Motorsport begins Mercedes-AMG Nordschleife programme at 2026 NLS7
The leading GT3 category will welcome several new and expanded projects.
American squad Era Motorsport will make its Nordschleife debut with a Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO in the SP9 Pro-Am class.
Kyle Tilley will share the car with Adam Christodoulou and Jake Hill. Christodoulou brings extensive experience of Mercedes-AMG machinery and the Nürburgring, while Hill adds his own successful career in British touring car competition.
Era Motorsport already competes in series including the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Therefore, its NLS7 appearance introduces another international team to the Nordschleife paddock.
The programme could also provide a foundation for future appearances if the team intends to pursue a longer-term Nürburgring campaign.
Dörr Motorsport returns with McLaren at 2026 NLS7
Dörr Motorsport will rejoin the SP9 field with its McLaren 720S GT3.
Brothers Ben and Phil Dörr will share the car with Nürburgring veteran Volker Strycek in the Am category.
Strycek’s knowledge should prove particularly valuable as the crew navigates the demands of the six-hour race. Meanwhile, the distinctive McLaren will add further manufacturer diversity to the leading class.
Dörr Motorsport already possesses extensive experience of the Nordschleife through several categories. Its GT3 return now gives the team another opportunity to establish itself within the top division.
FK Performance makes first Nordschleife GT3 start at 2026 NLS7
Reigning NLS champion FK Performance Motorsport will reach another major milestone by making its Nordschleife GT3 debut.
The Bremen-based team secured the 2025 overall title through consistency across the championship. However, NLS7 will mark its first race with a BMW M4 GT3 EVO in the leading class.
BMW works driver Dan Harper will join Leyton Fourie, Maxime Oosten and Pavel Lefterov in the four-driver line-up.
Harper brings extensive GT3 and Nordschleife experience, while Fourie and Oosten continue their development within BMW machinery.
The six-hour race will give FK Performance substantial time to learn the GT3 package. Nevertheless, the team must adapt quickly to the higher speeds, increased technical demands and competitive depth of SP9.
Joos commits to remainder of NLS season
Joos Sportwagentechnik will begin a longer-term SP9 Am programme with its Porsche 911 GT3 R. Team owner Michael Joos will share driving duties with Fidel Leib and Marco Lamsouguer.
The team previously tested at the Nordschleife and has since developed its own GT3 operation. Joos confirmed that NLS7 will begin a four-race programme covering the remainder of the season.
“Since our test last year, we have been working on our own GT3 programme on the Nordschleife. We will now contest the remaining four NLS races of the season with the 911 GT3 R. Our aim is to gain as much experience as possible in order to lay a solid foundation for a long-term commitment to the series.”
Therefore, the team will approach the Ruhr Cup as the first stage of a development campaign rather than an isolated entry.
Consistent mileage and clean finishes will carry particular value as Joos builds its knowledge of the Porsche and the SP9 environment.
Goldy brings unconventional pairing to Pro-Am at 2026 NLS7
Up2race will also make its NLS debut with a Porsche 911 GT3 R. The team’s gold-coloured car, known as ‘Goldy’, will compete in SP9 Pro-Am with Tim Heinemann and Oleksii Kikireshko.
Heinemann progressed from sim racing into professional motorsport and has since competed in major GT championships, including the DTM.
Kikireshko followed a very different route after a career in professional football. He now shares the Porsche with Heinemann, who also acts as his coach.
The entry combines an eye-catching livery with an unusual driver partnership, adding another storyline to the expanding GT3 grid.
Four Motors crew targets Permit
Team Four Motors will use NLS7 to help three international drivers secure their DMSB Nordschleife Permit A. Yasser Shahin, Marcus Amand and Enzo Trulli will share the #420 Bioconcept Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport.
Australian driver Shahin already brings FIA WEC experience and a Le Mans class victory. Amand competes as the reigning Porsche Junior, while Trulli continues building his career as the son of former Formula 1 driver Jarno Trulli.
All three must complete the required mileage and performance criteria to gain the highest level of Nordschleife authorisation.
The permit would allow them to compete in faster machinery during future events. Therefore, the six-hour distance provides a valuable opportunity to gather the necessary laps while demonstrating safe and consistent traffic management.
Fans receive extensive access throughout Saturday
NLS7 will continue the championship’s open approach to spectator access.
Qualifying will run from 08:30 to 10:00 before the pit walk begins at 10:20. Fans can then enter the starting grid from 11:10 before the race begins at midday.
Tickets cost €25, while children aged 14 and under can attend free of charge.
Each ticket provides access to the open grandstands around the Grand Prix circuit, the Brünnchen and Pflanzgarten spectator zones, the paddock, pit lane and starting grid.
Meanwhile, the official live stream will begin at 08:15 for supporters unable to attend. Radio Nürburgring will also cover the event through RPR1.
2026 six-hour NLS7 race showcases full breadth of NLS
The KW 6h ADAC Ruhr Cup brings together almost every element that defines Nordschleife endurance racing.
Factory-supported projects will compete alongside independent teams, veteran drivers and emerging talents. New GT3 programmes will begin long-term campaigns, while familiar competitors return after months or years away.
Aron’s comeback will provide one of the weekend’s most emotional moments. Meanwhile, Bernhard and Bergmeister will celebrate Porsche’s customer racing history by guiding the final Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport through its last competitive appearance.
Beyond the headline entries, the return of the Group H Honda and the Permit A programme for Four Motors demonstrate the championship’s broad appeal.
With six hours of racing, a growing SP9 field and stories throughout the classes, NLS7 promises to deliver one of the most significant Nordschleife events outside the Nürburgring 24.
