RCN season climax looms at Nürburgring endurance round
The penultimate round of the Rundstrecken-Challenge Nürburgring 2026 takes place on 26 September over the full 24.358 km Nordschleife layout, with nearly 160 entries and several class titles still undecided.
The RCN season approaches its climax with the "Preis der Erftquelle" endurance event scheduled for Saturday, 26 September at the Nürburgring. Organised by SfG Schönau e.V. under ADAC sanction, the race will run 16 laps of the combined Nordschleife and GP-Kurzanbindung variant, totalling 389.728 kilometres. The field comprises nearly 160 entries across multiple classes, with the race commencing at 12:30 on the GP-Strecke start line.
The 16-lap format consists of one qualifying lap, two confirmation laps, 12 sprint laps, and one cool-down lap. Refuelling takes place in the pit lane during sprint laps only, with a mandatory 10-minute pit stop window; each second under this time incurs a 10-point penalty. Maximum race duration is 225 minutes. Class R4 fields the largest contingent with 24 cars, followed by R2A with 16 starters, H4 with 11, and H3 and RS4 each with nine entries.
Several championship battles remain unresolved heading into the penultimate round. In class H3, Sven Markert and Lars Harbeck (Berlin, BMW 320i) lead the standings after a consistent season. The R4 class title fight centres on Jens Schneider and Robin Reimer (Engelsbrand/Schömberg), who face strong competition from Sascha Steinhart (Hilden, BMW 325i) and Jan Buchwald (Menden, BMW 325i), both capable of race wins. Christian Koch (Wickede, BMW 325i) holds third in the H4 class standings.
The RCN Gesamtsieger-Cup sees a close contest between Michael Luther and Markus Schmickler (Barsbüttel/Bad Neuenahr, BMW M4 GT4) and David Vogt (Waldfeucht, Opel Astra TCR). In RCN Light, Andrea Heim (Gronau, Renault Clio) and Maximilian Weissermel (Oberursel, Porsche Cayman) lead. Michel Luther commands the Senioren-Cup, while Lisa Ganser and Sophie Hoenjet (Würselen/Boos, Seat Leon Cupra) head the Ladies Trophy. The Junior-Cup is led by Lukas Schwenk (Volxheim, Renault Megane RS).
RCN series manager Willi Hillebrand commented: "We are moving slowly towards the season finale. If the weather cooperates, we will experience an exciting event and see the first championship decisions."
Documentation and technical scrutineering run from 16:00–20:30 on Friday, 25 September, with further checks available from 08:15 on race day. The drivers' briefing is scheduled for 11:30, with results posted online at 17:00 and the podium ceremony at 17:30.