At the Nürburgring 24-hour race (June 1-2, 2024), the GT3 cars usually battle for overall victory. The heart and soul of the Eifel classic are the teams in the smaller categories that fight for class victories. Here, real private teams with the ‘screwdriver mentality’ that is popular with fans meet Cup vehicles, exotic cars like the Dacia Logan and numerous exciting driver pairings.
Aside from the overall victorious SP9 class with 26 GT3 vehicles from eight brands, there is also a lot to marvel at on the starting grid at this year’s 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. Established motorsport stars from all over the world compete in the classes, as do young drivers with famous surnames.
24h Nürburgring: Schumacher meets Vettel
Schumacher meets Vettel – that only happens at the Eifel classic! Fabian Vettel, the 25-year-old brother of the four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel is about to make his second start at the Nürburgring 24-hour race after 2019. At that time, the Heppenheim native even took sixth place overall in a GetSpeed Mercedes-AMG GT3.
In the years that followed, things became quieter on the race track for the younger Vettel brother, but now Fabian is returning: He is competing in the 24-hour race in the SP11 class for the Dörr Motorsport team, known from the DTM. Vettel shares a KTM
David Schumacher before debut at 24h Nürburgring
Meanwhile, David Schumacher is about to make his racing debut in the 24er. The son of former Formula 1 and DTM driver Ralf Schumacher now has his permit in his pocket and has chosen a Mercedes-AMG GT4 from Schnitzelalm Racing for his Ring debut. Schumacher competes in the SP10 class, where he alternates with David Thilenius, Moritz Wiskirchen and Tim Neuser at the wheel of the #111 Mercedes.
Nürburgring: Scheider and Glock start together
The #145 BMW M4 GT4 from the SP8T class could join the list of fan favorites: Here the two former DTM drivers and good friends Timo Scheider and Timo Glock are competing in a race together for the first time. ‘T&T’ share the BMW with veteran Jeroen Bleekemolen and Peter Cate from Great Britain. The newly minted permit holder Glock can at least learn something from Scheider on the Nordschleife: The now 45-year-old celebrated overall victory in 2003 in an Opel Astra V8 Coupe.
In the SP8T category, Scheider, Glock and Co. will meet, among others, the ambitious women’s quartet from Giti Tire Motorsport by WS Racing. Carrie Schreiner, Fabienne Wohlwend, Beitske Visser and Pippa Mann also rely on a BMW M4 GT4 for the famous Eifel race.
Robert Wickens before the premiere – 46th start for Volker Strycek
Speaking of the DTM: Former Mercedes works driver Robert Wickens provides further touring car flair. The Canadian, who has been paralyzed and in a wheelchair since his accident at the 2018 IndyCar race in Pocono, is on the provisional starting list. Wickens drives the factory-supported #831 Hyundai Elantra N TCR from Target Competition in the TCR class. He shares the hand-throttle-powered car with Harold Gottsacker, Maison Filippi and Mark Wilkins. At the NLS opener at the beginning of April, Wickens made headlines with a serious accident.
While the former DTM driver is about to make his racing debut at the Nürburgring 24-hour race, Volker Strycek is practically part of the inventory. The 66-year-old is taking part in this year’s 52nd edition for the 46th time. To the great regret of many fans, the overall winner from 2003 is not starting with the iconic Foxtail Manta this time, which is ‘only’ competing in the 24h Classic. Instead, Strycek climbs into the #496 Seat Cupra Leon of the VT2 front class.
VW celebrates 50 years of golf at the Nürburgring 24-hour race
Old school vibes are also exuded by Volkswagen, which has unfortunately discontinued its factory motorsport activities, but is using the stage of the 24-hour race to celebrate the 50th birthday of the Golf. A Golf GTI entered by Max Kruse Racing will celebrate its racing debut at the 24h, bearing the starting number #50 to mark the anniversary.
Six-time WRX champion Johan Kristoffersson and Benny Leuchter are among those behind the wheel. The celebrations also include a trio of Golf GTIs in the supporting race of the 24h Classic and a world premiere: the new Golf GTI Clubsport will be presented at the Ring on Friday.