Nürburgring 24 Hours 2009 - June 11th - 14th tbc

night racing on the 'Green Hell'!

24 hour GT racing is a spectacle to behold no matter where in the world it takes place. But throw in a grid of over 200 cars and put them all on the ‘Green Hell’ and things get cranked up a little! This is the recipe for the Nurburgring 24 Hours and Race Tours are offering packages to the event in 2009.

The Nürburgring 24 Hours can trace its origins back to 1953 when the first 1000Km sportscar race took place on the Nordschleife. The 1000Km (that still exists today on the Grand Prix circuit as part of the European Le Mans Series) has always boasted grids of professional teams with big budgets. However such was the fanatical following commanded by the Nordschleife in the 60s, there existed the scope to run a lower spec endurance event on the famous track that would represent a much cheaper alternative. Eventually in 1970 the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring was born and it immediately attracted a plethora of amateur teams and drivers who would race alongside famous names such as Hans-Joachim Stuck and Niki Lauda, both of whom won the event during its first 5 years.

2008 champions Manthey

In more recent times the entry requirements have been lifted to some degree as a result of dwindling numbers in the late 90s. Today, the specifications governing the top class draw many parallels with current FIA GT3 regulations. Viper, 911 GT3, Aston Martin DBRs9, Lamborghini Gallardo; these are all proven names on the Nordschleife in the modern 24 Hours. It is not uncommon to find full factory assaults at this event. Reigning champions Manthey receive partial support from Porsche and their 2008 driver line up of Marc Lieb, Romain Dumas, Timo Bernhard and Marcel Tiemann was testament to this!

the smaller teams are a big part of the Nürburgring 24 Hours

Of course, true to its routes the Nürburgring 24 Hours more than any other event, is not just about the competition at the head of the field. There are numerous smaller outfits fielding Civics, BMWs and VWs of all types, Fiestas and even an original Mini Cooper. The variety is breathtaking and many of the smaller teams hold a special place in the hearts of the legendary Nordschleife fans. On top of all this the event is further enhanced by a number of excellent support races including the Youngtimer & Classic Trophy that boasts a 180 strong grid of classics from BMW M1s to Alpine Renaults.

There really is nothing else like this anywhere in the world!