The situation at the Nurburgring has undergone significant changes in recent months. After overcoming a complicated stage following the dissolution of the NES, the landscape of endurance racing at the Nordschleife seemed revitalized, with a gradual increase in participation, despite the economic difficulties that characterize the present.
In March 2024, the NLS joined with ADAC Nordrhein to consolidate its position against strong competition, represented by the NES, which was organized by the AvD. However, this alliance could be its weak point in the future.
That same year, three regional branches of the ADAC – Nordrhein, Mittelrhein, and Westfalen – joined to become sponsors of the series, renaming the championship as ADAC NLS. The following decisions made by the paddock vary depending on who evaluates them.
ADAC Nordrhein wanted to implement a thorough professionalization of the VLN, but the shareholder clubs, led by ADAC Westfalen, opposed its ambitious restructuring plans. Thus, the opinions in the paddock are diverse, with some highlighting that ADAC Nordrhein presented a fair offer, while others argue that it aimed for absolute control over the NLS.
Moreover, ADAC Nordrhein may have erred in underestimating the financial strength of the VLN. Despite high legal costs arising from several litigations, the VLN has maintained its economic stability and even rebranded as ADAC Ravenol NLS in 2025.
This evolution has not been well received by everyone. A company chaired by Rudi Speich, president of ADAC Mittelrhein, has joined as a sponsor and highlighted the quality of the series, although ADAC Nordrhein did not achieve the expected control as the main sponsor.
In this context of tensions, the legal dispute between the VLN and the track owners, NR Holding, has added a new layer of complexity to the situation. Two court rulings favorable to the VLN have chosen the path toward equitable access to the track, leaving NLS and NES with five spots each on the calendar. The NES, however, disappeared without organizing any races.
The issue of long-term contracts prevents the signing of agreements for the future. ADAC Nordrhein is seeking a 10-year extension for the 24-hour race, starting in 2029, which could offer it a significant advantage in negotiations with business partners. Recently, a television contract was signed with RTL, but only until 2030.
However, the circuit management hopes that the appeal currently in progress will hold, which would require the track to offer dates equally for all promoters, ending the possibility of exclusive contracts.
In response, ADAC Nordrhein is working on an independent 24-hour series to consolidate its presence at the track, although it remains to be seen how this strategy could protect them against potential bids for the 24-hour race.
Both parties, ADAC Nordrhein and NR Holding, want to resolve this legal dispute soon, but the VLN refuses to withdraw its lawsuit without firm future guarantees. The VLN’s position remains strong, advocating for assured access to the Nordschleife for its races.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
