The Nürburgring 24 Hours is one of the most iconic endurance races in the world, especially among fans of closed-wheel motorsport. Since its debut in 1970, the event has grown into a cornerstone of GT and touring car racing. Originally created as a more accessible alternative to the prestigious 1000km Nürburgring, an event reserved for World Sportscar Championship competitors, the 24h quickly gained popularity among professional teams, drivers and motorsport enthusiasts alike.
Each year, the race draws over 300,000 spectators to the legendary “Green Hell,” with fans coming from all over Europe and beyond. The grid features a mix of GT3, GT4, Porsche Cup, TCR, one-make BMW classes (like the BMW M2 Cup), and other production-based cars, creating a unique and diverse racing environment.
BMW, Porsche, and Audi have historically dominated the top class (SP9/GT3), with BMW holding the record for most overall wins. On the driver side, Pedro Lamy, Marcel Tiemann, and Timo Bernhard each boast five overall victories in SP9, making them the most successful in the race’s history. Just behind them are Marc Lieb, Romain Dumas, Fritz Müller, Marc Duez, and Peter Zakowski, all with four wins.
The race takes place on a 25.378 km configuration that combines the full Nordschleife with the GP circuit, excluding the Mercedes Arena. Instead, drivers navigate a tight right-left section, typically taken in first or second gear.
The Nürburgring 24h in sim racing
For such a demanding event, top-tier hardware makes a difference. Fanatec offers a wide range of high-performance sim racing equipment ideal for Nürburgring endurance racing:
Recommended Fanatec gear for the Ring
- Steering Wheels:
- Wheel Base:
- ClubSport DD+: Delivers 15Nm of torque and ultra-precise force feedback, now enhanced by iRacing’s FullForce support
- Pedals:
- ClubSport Pedals V3: Equipped with a load cell brake for consistent and precise braking performance
Whether you're chasing glory at the real Nürburgring or competing virtually, the right tools and preparation are essential to survive and succeed on motorsport’s most unforgiving stage.
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