Frikadelli Racing’s team boss isn’t done yet. After his farewell attempt at NLS8 ended early with a gearbox failure, Klaus Abbelen will return for NLS9 this weekend to take another shot at history. The 65-year-old is aiming to become the first GT3 driver to complete a full four-hour Nürburgring race on his own.
“It was a lot of fun to finally drive that long on my own,” Abbelen said. “Four hours alone on the Nordschleife is both a challenge and a dream I want to fulfil. Last time it was not possible, but the support from our fans showed me how much joy this brings. That is why I want to try again.”
Family and fans behind the effort
Abbelen is not short on support. His son and Frikadelli COO Sven Kohnen pointed to the encouragement that followed NLS8, where Abbelen was honoured as Driver of the Day and presented with the chequered flag used to wave home the team’s 2023 Nürburgring 24 Hours victory.
“We are extremely grateful to the ILN and NLS organisers for the recognition Klaus received,” Kohnen said. “The award and the flag mean a great deal to him and to us. And of course, thanks to the fans who gave him the strength to go again. The team is now working flat out to have the Ferrari ready for NLS9.”
One more run
Abbelen has already been celebrated as if he had taken his final bow, yet the Nordschleife still has one more run in store for him. NLS9 is set to be the final outing for Klaus Abbelen, closing a career that has always been inseparable from the Nordschleife.
Read our NLS8 farewell tribute here.
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