NLS 1 victim of Eifel weather
The Eifel region once again showed its typical side during the planned season opener of the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Endurance Series: A sudden onset of winter weather ahead of the first race of the new season, the 71st ADAC Westfalenfahrt, led to the event’s cancellation on Saturday. The Falken Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 R with start #44, which was to be driven by Klaus Bachler and Morris Schuring at the season opener, had to remain in the pits for safety reasons.
Although the snow that had fallen at the Nürburgring on Saturday morning had melted again by mid-morning and the race track would have been drivable according to the race organizers’ assessment, the low temperatures ultimately made holding the race impossible. Temperatures in the Eifel region were just barely above freezing, and no significant rise was in sight for the rest of the day. In consultation with all tire manufacturers present, the organizers were therefore forced to cancel this year’s season opener.
📷 © Luc Warnotte at Nürburgring. Falken Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 R #44
“The track was clear of snow and would therefore have been drivable in principle, but the temperatures did not allow for the race to be held safely,” explains Falken driver Klaus Bachler. “At temperatures around freezing, it’s nearly impossible to get the race tires into their optimal operating window and thus build up sufficient grip. This affects not only our team but all tire manufacturers, who, together with race control, decided to cancel the race.”
“I feel especially bad for the fans at the track,” says teammate Morris Schuring. “Despite the adverse weather, many spectators were there, and of course we would have loved to offer them an exciting race. However, safety always comes first, and at such low temperatures, holding the race safely is simply not possible. The race organizers’ decision is therefore understandable and correct.”
At least the Falken fans won’t have to wait long, as the second race of the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Endurance Series will take place as early as next weekend (March 21, 2026). Source: Falken Motorsport
📷 © Nürburgring
Calender for endurance races at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 2026:
14.03. – NLS1
21.03. – NLS2
11.04. – NLS3
18.04. – 19.04. – ADAC 24h Qualifiers (NLS4 & NLS5)
14.05. – 17.05. – 24h Nürburgring
20.06. – NLS6
01.08. – NLS7
12.09. – NLS8
13.09. – NLS9
10.10. – NLS10
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