Sim racing has become an official stepping stone to real Nordschleife competition. The DMSB will now recognise results from the Digitale Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (DNLS) as valid experience for the Nordschleife Permit B — a move strengthened by Max Verstappen’s recent GT3 debut victory, achieved after extensive DNLS and iRacing preparation.

VLN Sporting Director Christian Vormann, who has served both as Race Director in the real NLS and as part of DNLS race control, emphasised that the virtual championship has proven its worth since its launch in 2020. “We’ve always known that simracing isn’t just a pastime but an accurate representation of reality,” he said.

Verstappen Underscores the Value of Virtual Laps

Max Verstappen’s GT3 debut win at his first Nürburgring NLS race is seen as a clear example of how virtual preparation translates directly to the Nordschleife. The Dutchman completed extensive mileage in iRacing and DNLS before ever racing a GT3 on the real track.

“That he won immediately surprised many people,” Vormann noted. “But he had driven countless DNLS laps. It was no wonder he adapted so quickly.”

How the New Pathway Works

The DMSB will now allow drivers with an International D licence (or higher) to count their participation in the DNLS winter season towards the real-world Permit Nordschleife, Stufe B. To qualify, drivers must complete three of the four DNLS rounds cleanly and in classification, and only one RCN performance test remains required. The traditional route via two RCN races stays available.

Read more about the permit system in our updated explainer.

Real and Virtual Worlds Move Closer Together

Incoming DMSB Head of Sport Robin Strycek highlights that DNLS is already closely integrated with real NLS operations. “This creates a unique connection between the real and digital motorsport world,” he said. With the new permit rules, that link becomes official.

NLS Celebrates 50th Anniversary

The change arrives ahead of a milestone year: the 50th season of the ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie begins on 14 March 2026, opening a ten-race championship that again includes the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers.

You can find the complete 2026 NLS calendar here.