ADAC Nordrhein has postponed the Nürburgring 24 Hours to 2028 after the ILN team association threatened to pull more than 70 vehicles from a 2027 schedule.
Stakeholder reactions
The decision followed an open warning from ILN that a 2027 championship would trigger a mass boycott, creating pressure on the organising body.
Walter Hornung, the 24‑hour race director, said the extension slowed the rollout of a new format but praised the “forward‑looking concept” that remains attractive to teams and fans.
Shift in organisational vision
ADAC aims to professionalise endurance racing on the Nordschleife, courting major sponsors and arguing that the volunteer‑run VLN Sport GmbH & Co. KG model is outdated.
Conversely, VLN’s Mike Jager highlighted the series’ 50‑year legacy, aligning it with the Nürburgring’s centenary and stressing the importance of preserving its historic character.
Internal ADAC conflict and external talks
The postponement extends the dispute between ADAC Nordrhein and rival entities, including the central ADAC office in Munich and regional clubs that back VLN.
German Motor Sport Federation (DMSB) began conciliation on 1 September and staged several negotiation rounds, the last of which coincided with test sessions for the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) double‑header.
Despite these talks, an agreement remains elusive; the legal contention over VLN and track owner NR Holding continues to threaten long‑term planning on the Nordschleife.
ILN emerges with a victory
ILN considers the postponement a triumph, stating that an additional rival series would damage the ecosystem of Nordschleife endurance racing.
Martin Rosorius, ILN chairman, insisted that the delay must remain effective, warning against a second competing series and calling for a unified platform for the NLS and 24‑hour championship.
Looking ahead to 2028
Rosorius said the event organizers urgently need clarity for 2027 and beyond, stressing that the Nürburgring’s centenary year must be celebrated with solidarity and efficiency.
The ADAC acknowledges the need for a “reliable outlook” and pairs its debate with ILN’s demand, aiming to lay down a foundation that will position both the NLS and the Nürburgring 24 Hours for sustainable growth.
Ultimately, the postponement gives teams, drivers, and sponsors extra time to resolve their differences, setting the stage for a potentially more cohesive endurance racing future at the Nordschleife.
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