NLS-Light: No GT3, no problem

The Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) returns this weekend with a one-off round that breaks from tradition. Branded NLS-Light, the race excludes all GT3 and higher-performance categories, handing the spotlight to GT4, TCR, and club-level cars. With 59 entries, the four-hour event offers a rare chance for undercard teams and new drivers to take centre stage on the Nordschleife.

GT3 break in a packed endurance calendar

This event follows a dense period in the international calendar, with many teams and drivers completing a three-week run from Le Mans to the Nürburgring 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours. With SP9, SP-X, SP-Pro, and Cup 2 cars all absent, NLS-Light offers a scaled-back format with lower operational costs and greater accessibility.

Held outside the championship, it removes points pressure and licensing barriers, with National A licence holders eligible for the first time in a full-length NLS race.

“NLS-Light is a welcome event to give interested teams an opportunity to get a feel for the NLS with low entry barriers,” says organiser VLN’s managing director Mike Jäger.

Max Kruse Racing leads AT charge

Among the most prominent entries is Max Kruse Racing, fielding two VW Golf GTI Clubsport 24h cars and an Audi RS3 LMS in the AT class. Benjamin Leuchter is joined by Heiko Hammel, Nico Otto, Timo Hochwind, Christoph Lenz and Jasmin Preisig.

“Our goal is to fight for the overall win,” says Leuchter. “We’re going on full attack.”

Their main competition in AT comes from the Girls Only BMW M4 GT4 of Carrie Schreiner and Janina Schall. Both teams aim to capitalise on the absence of GT3 cars with overall victory a realistic target.

GT4 and Cup 3 set the pace

SP10 (GT4), SP8T and Cup 3 (Porsche Cayman Trophy) are among the fastest categories on the grid. Black Falcon enters its BMW M4 GT4 Evo for American trio Judson Holt, David Ogburn and Denny Stripling. Schmickler Performance and Plusline Motorsport add more M4 GT4s to the SP8T field, while the Toyota Supra GT4 returns with Ring Racing.

Cup 3 features seven Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport machines, with entries from Adrenalin Motorsport, Renazzo Motorsport and Schmickler Performance. The class includes both Pro and Am line-ups, offering a closely matched group of contenders.

Pittard returns, new faces join

Aston Martin works driver and 2023 24 Hours of the Nürburgring champion David Pittard will also be back at the Nordschleife, this time racing a Toyota Supra entered by Jaco’s Paddock. He is joined by long-time co-driver Graham Wilson and Andreas Ecker. Pittard typically races in GT3 but uses this weekend as a lower-pressure outing.

“I’m looking forward to NLS-Light,” says Pittard. “I’m racing with my long-time teammate Graham Wilson. It’ll be his first race of the year, so the format without the fast classes is a good way to ease him back in.

“We’re racing with Jacos Paddock in the new Toyota Supra. I did my Nordschleife permit with the team in 2018 and we’ve become good friends since. I rent cars from Jaco when I need one, and I also coach his customers. We have a good relationship.”

Rent2Drive has entered the Porsche Cayman ‘Fluffy’ for young locals Marcel Weber and Richard Schäfer. Paul Winter makes his NLS debut in the BMW 325i with EiFelkind Racing, stepping up from RCN thanks to NLS-Light’s relaxed licence requirements.

Veteran names also appear on the entry list, including Reinhard Sesterheim and Stephan Epp in a pair of Renault Clios. A single Porsche 997 Cup car in H4 for Axel and Max Friedhoff rounds out a varied and grassroots-heavy field.