Just a few days before the start of the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, the race weekend in the Eifel is finally picking up speed. The organizers have published the final vehicle classification, prominent participants are making headlines, and the teams are in the crucial preparatory phase for the season highlight of the Nordschleife.
BoP released: Changes to GT3 vehicles
The ADAC Nordrhein's Technical Commission has announced the first version of the Balance of Performance (BoP) for this year's 24h race. Several vehicles have been reclassified compared to the 24h Qualifiers.
BMW is allowed to remove ten kilograms of weight from the M4 GT3, but in return, it receives a reduction in maximum boost pressure in the upper rev range. The BMW Z4 GT3 also benefits from a significant weight reduction of 25 kilograms.
For the Aston Martin Vantage GT3, the maximum boost pressure has been slightly increased, while Ferrari must adjust the rear wing angle of the 296 GT3. Lamborghini's Huracán GT3 receives less weight and a slightly larger fuel tank capacity, but must contend with a smaller restrictor. The McLaren 720S GT3, in turn, gets a bit more boost pressure in the upper rev range, thus gaining additional power.
The new classifications could play an important role, especially in the fight for the overall lead, after the qualifiers already indicated a close balance of power in the GT3 field.
Happinessa cancels Nürburgring start at short notice
Shortly before the race weekend, Vanessa Neumann, also known as „Happinessa,“ also caused a stir. The former Playmate winner and current NASCAR Euro Series driver will not be starting in the 24-hour race, contrary to the original plan.
Neumann was listed in Class V5 with rent2drive in a Porsche Cayman. However, according to her own statements, she withdrew from the project due to changed organizational conditions. The 36-year-old explained that the overall package no longer corresponded to her original vision in the end.
Among other things, a high-profile charity campaign together with OnlyFans was planned for the benefit of the organization „Mom/Dad has Cancer,“ for which Neumann is involved as an ambassador. Despite the disappointment, she is already looking ahead and is planning a possible participation in the 24-hour race in 2027.
Bundeswehr design attracts attention at HRT-Ford
Meanwhile, the Ford Mustang GT3 from HRT is causing discussions and curious glances. The vehicle is competing in the 24h race in a striking Bundeswehr camouflage design. The background is a partnership for recruiting young talent for the armed forces, which is using the major event on the Nordschleife as a platform.
HRT team principal Uli Fritz welcomed the cooperation and emphasized that the Bundeswehr is pursuing new avenues in personnel recruitment. In addition to vehicle design, the Bundeswehr will also be present with its own booth around the race.
The „stealth Ford“ is piloted by, among others, Nordschleife specialist Christopher Mies, who spoke positively about the Mustang GT3 with the Evo package after initial test drives. He was particularly impressed by the car's drivability and performance on the Nordschleife. In the qualifiers, HRT still made it into the top ten despite starting from 28th place.
Scherer Sport PHX relies on experience and Audi power
Scherer Sport PHX is also traveling to the endurance classic in the Eifel with big ambitions. The team is once again starting with the proven Audi R8 LMS and is relying on the driver trio of Ben Green, Christopher Haase, and Alexander Sims.
After winning the 24h qualifiers, the team sees itself as well-prepared. Team principal Ron Moser emphasized that all processes were tested under race conditions and that the vehicle had been further optimized. The team is particularly optimistic about the combination of experienced Nordschleife drivers and the tried-and-tested Audi.
Christopher Haase looks back primarily on the spectacular duels with Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen in the races so far. The Audi driver expects even more intense battles and an extremely high level in this year's starting field at the 24h race.
With 161 cars and numerous top drivers, this year’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring promises to be one of the biggest and most spectacular races in recent years.