Nürburgring Season Opener Delivers Drama

Team LIQUI MOLY and Smyrlis Racing are victorious

NLS2: 58. Barbarossapreis, Nürburgring-Nordschleife 2026 - Foto: Gruppe C Photography

The 2026 season of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie finally roared into life after a weather-disrupted start, with Round 1 of the Porsche Endurance Trophy Nürburgring setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested year. For more on the championship, visit Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie official site

NLS2: 58. Barbarossapreis, Nürburgring-Nordschleife 2026 – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

A competitive field of 29 entries lined up across the Cup 2 and Cup 3 categories, showcasing both experienced racers and rising talent. Spring sunshine greeted teams and fans alike, adding a welcome contrast to the earlier cancellation.

NLS2: 58. Barbarossapreis, Nürburgring-Nordschleife 2026 – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

Young Talent Shines in Cup 2

The standout story of the race came from Team LIQUI MOLY by BLACK FALCON, whose youthful driver trio delivered a composed and confident performance. Ryan Harrison, Raphael Rennhofer and Leon Wassertheurer secured victory in Cup 2 by a margin of just 1.682 seconds, announcing themselves as serious contenders for the season ahead.

NLS2: 58. Barbarossapreis, Nürburgring-Nordschleife 2026 – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

The team’s success highlights the growing influence of development programs like the PETN Talent Pool. Learn more about Porsche’s racing ladder via Porsche Motorsport

Behind them, Mühlner Motorsport locked out the remaining podium positions, underlining their consistency and depth of experience.

Cup 3 Delivers Wheel-to-Wheel Action

In Cup 3, Smyrlis Racing emerged victorious after a race packed with position changes and strategic battles. Alexander Fielenbach and Oskar Sandberg combined precision and pace to take the win, with Sandberg also earning Driver of the Day honors.

NLS2: 58. Barbarossapreis, Nürburgring-Nordschleife 2026 – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

The Nürburgring once again proved why it remains one of the most demanding circuits in the world. For circuit details, visit Nürburgring official website

NLS2: 58. Barbarossapreis, Nürburgring-Nordschleife 2026 – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

Close behind, SRS Team Sorg Rennsport and Schmickler Performance completed the podium after an intense multi-car fight that kept fans on edge throughout the race.

Looking Ahead

With the opening round complete, attention now turns to the next race scheduled for April 11. Teams will be looking to build momentum early in the season, while newcomers aim to prove their opening performances were no fluke.

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