Nürburgring VLN
The Nürburgring represents one of motorsport's most legendary and challenging facilities, located in Nürburg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany within the Eifel mountains. Conceived as a labor project to stimulate the economically depressed region during the 1920s, the circuit was designed by architect Gustav Eichler drawing inspiration from the famed Targa Florio road race. Construction commenced in 1925 with the track officially opening June 18, 1927 hosting the ADAC Eifelrennen as its inaugural event. The complex features two distinct racing circuits: the legendary Nordschleife (North Loop) built in the 1920s spanning over 20 kilometers through dramatic terrain, and the modern Grand Prix Strecke constructed in 1984 meeting contemporary safety standards. Jackie Stewart famously christened the Nordschleife "The Green Hell" following his remarkable 1968 victory drive through torrential rain and dense fog, a nickname that endures today reflecting the circuit's fearsome reputation among drivers worldwide. After Niki Lauda's near-fatal accident at Bergwerk corner in 1976, Formula 1 deemed the original Nordschleife configuration unsafe for World Championship competition, leading to the construction of the separate modern GP circuit while the Nordschleife continued hosting endurance racing, manufacturer testing, and tourist driving sessions establishing its unique dual-purpose character.
The VLN configuration (now officially designated NLS - Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie) represents a combined layout integrating a shortened section of the modern Grand Prix Strecke with the complete 20-kilometer Nordschleife, creating an endurance racing circuit measuring approximately 25.360 kilometers total length. This combination layout begins on a portion of the GP circuit before transitioning onto the legendary North Loop, enabling organizers to conduct endurance racing that utilizes both the technical modern circuit section with its contemporary safety infrastructure and the historic challenging Nordschleife in a single continuous lap. The VLN/NLS championship features remarkable diversity in competitor classes, with fields regularly exceeding 113 cars per race ranging from amateur enthusiasts campaigning small road-legal vehicles equipped with basic safety equipment including roll cages and harnesses, to professional factory-supported teams fielding state-of-the-art GT3 machinery representing manufacturer motorsport programs. The series' accessibility combined with the legendary circuit creates a unique motorsport environment where privateer racers can share the same track with works teams, all circulating the Green Hell simultaneously across multiple speed differentials requiring exceptional awareness and racecraft. The VLN configuration preserves the Nordschleife's character while incorporating modern pit facilities and safety equipment from the GP circuit section, balancing tradition with contemporary racing requirements for successful endurance competition.
Class Podiums
Nürburgring VLN is 20.7 km, 186 turns, clockwise. Fastest recorded lap: 7:15.500 (Renault Megane 4 RS Trophy-R 2019 (w/DZSS)).
Frequently asked questions
How long is Nürburgring VLN?
Nürburgring VLN is 20.7 km (12.9 mi) long.
How many turns does Nürburgring VLN have?
Nürburgring VLN has 186 turns.
Which direction does Nürburgring VLN run?
Nürburgring VLN runs clockwise.
What is the lap record at Nürburgring VLN?
The fastest recorded lap at Nürburgring VLN is 7:15.500 in a Renault Megane 4 RS Trophy-R 2019 (w/DZSS).