Where Asphalt Meets the Ardennes of Germany

When the lights go out on Döttinger Höhe, a 25.4-km odyssey begins—blind crests, stomach-knot drops and a micro-climate built for chaos. The Nürburgring 24 Hours is more than a race; it’s an extreme journey to the edge of human and mechanical endurance.

Birth of a Myth

Opened in 1927, the Nordschleife’s 170-plus corners were drawn to test both cars and courage. Legends like Tazio Nuvolari first donned a crash helmet here, whipping three-litre monsters up slopes that seem impossible today. Over decades, Mercedes, Porsche and BMW forged an arms race in horsepower and grip, each duel adding to the lore.

Numbers & Records

Length: 25.378 km, ~170 turns
Elevation change: +300 m between Bergwerk & Schwedenkreuz
52nd running: 24–27 June 2025
Grid: 208 cars, 18 manufacturers
Qualifying lap record: 6'57.882 (Porsche 911 GT3 R)

Legendary Corners & Hidden Traps

Fuchsröhre: 180 km/h dive, spine-compressing G-load.
Schwedenkreuz: blind downhill left—hit the kerb on faith alone.
Karussell: concrete bowl that shreds suspension.
Flugplatz: every driver must “fly” here at 260 km/h.
Wippermann: rapid bumps that rattle seat and sanity.

Heroes of the Night

Toyota Gazoo stole 2023 with its GR Supra GT4, but 2025 saw Porsche strike back: Manthey’s #22 911 GT3 R took pole and fended off BMW M4 GT3s and Audi R8 LMSes. Strategy, reliability and raw courage decide everything—one mis-step costs hours.

Preparing for the Inferno

Teams study forecasts like scripture: fog, rain, even hail lurk behind every pine. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup II tyres undergo four-hour heat cycles, Balance of Performance shifts in real-time, and high-power LED lamps become essential weapons after dusk.

Nightfall Storyline

After sundown, 15 km of darkness come alive. Pit stops turn into seven-second ballets for tyres and 25-second fuel fills. Driver stints run 90 minutes, juggling core temps and sleep deprivation while fans camp on cliffs and impromptu grandstands.