The political tumult surrounding the NLS and the controversial NES has received a new chapter with the announcement by ADAC Nordrhein on July 27, 2026, which revealed plans for a rival series at the Nordschleife. This decision has heightened tension in an already complex context, where the future of endurance racing at Nürburgring, including the famous 24-hour marathon, is at stake.
In this contested context, it is essential to understand the key players, as well as their motivations and visions that differ regarding the legendary track known as the “Green Hell”.
1. VLN and the NLS
The organizational structure of the VLN has its roots in the culture of German clubs from the 1970s. Despite various and significant reforms in the last fifteen years, its essence has remained intact.
The operational management lies with VLN Sport GmbH & Co. KG, owned equally by eight automobile clubs: ADAC Westfalen, MSC Sinzig, MSC Adenau, MSC Ruhrblitz Bochum, Dortmunder Motorsport Club, Automobilclub Altkreis-Schwelm, RG Duren, and MSC Munster. Currently, Duren and Munster do not have their own events on the calendar, which has forced the other clubs to co-organize different rounds of the championship.
Additionally, commercial operations are handled by a separate entity, VLN VV GmbH & Co. KG. After the collapse of the partnership with NR Holding in 2023, VLN Sport became the exclusive owner.
In competition, the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) continues to defend its identity of more than five decades, merging amateur racing with GT3 vehicle technology. Mike Jager, a former driver, has been the director of VLN Sport since late 2022 and has implemented customer-oriented initiatives that have improved team registration.
2. ADAC and regional fractures
The ADAC is the major player in German motorsport, but it is not a homogeneous institution. At its peak, its headquarters in Munich promotes prominent national championships, but its influence at Nordschleife is minimal.
With the German federal culture, the ADAC is organized into 18 autonomous regional clubs with significant independence in motorsport governance. This dynamic has caused tensions, including legal actions against the Munich headquarters.
In particular, the regional clubs ADAC Nordrhein, Mittelrhein, and Westfalen are the ones with the most weight in the Nürburgring conflict.
ADAC Nordrhein: The heavyweight of the 24 hours
ADAC Nordrhein stands out as the dominant club in the sports field, with more than three million members and organizing the famous 24-hour race at Nürburgring. Although it is not a shareholder of the VLN, it has a technical alliance with the series.
Its leadership considers that the committee structure of the VLN is outdated and calls for a more dynamic and professional governance suitable for a top-tier venue.
ADAC Westfalen and ADAC Mittelrhein
ADAC Westfalen, with 1.6 million members, is another crucial player and has a representative at VLN Sport, while ADAC Mittelrhein, with 800,000 members, organizes prominent events, including the GT World Challenge Europe.
The tensions between these regional clubs are evident and have been present in the paddock for years.
3. The owner of the circuit: NR Holding
The circuit, which was in state hands, fell into difficulties after the failed expansion of the amusement park in 2009. After insolvency in 2010, NR Holding, under the ownership of Russian billionaire Viktor Kharitonin, acquired the venue.
After initial distrust, NR Holding gained local support, but its relationship with the ADAC has become tense. In 2023, with the attempt to implement the Nurburgring Endurance Series (NES) as a rival platform, it triggered a political crisis that culminated in legal action against the VLN.
Today, the operational relationships between NLS and the management of the circuit are tense, with both parties immersed in a legal battle. ADAC Nordrhein has launched its own series, while NR Holding seeks to redefine its operational control.
With the VLN attempting to keep its 50-year heritage intact, the future of Nürburgring appears uncertain in an increasingly fierce competitive landscape.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
