RCN·16 July
RCN Round 5: 160 entries for Nürburgring Nordschleife time attack
The fifth round of the 2026 Rundstrecken-Challenge Nürburgring (RCN) season will take place on the Nürburgring Nordschleife on 18 June, organised by MSC Bork e.V. under ADAC sanction. The event, titled "Um die Westfalen-Trophy", has attracted more than 160 entries. The start is scheduled for 12:30 from grandstand T13. Competitors will complete 15 timed runs over the 20.793 km Nordschleife circuit, totalling 311.895 km. The format comprises one timed lap for qualification, one confirmation lap, ten sprint runs, two fuel stops with a 50-minute maximum time allowance, and one cool-down lap. Total driving time is capped at 190 minutes. Series leaders Jens Schneider and Robin Reimer (BMW 325i) will compete in class R4, which fields 22 cars and remains the largest class. Second-placed Sven Markert and Lars Harbeck (BMW 320i) contest class H3 with 11 entries, while third-placed Christian Koch (BMW 325i) races in class H4 with 13 starters. Class R2A has 16 entries and class RS3A 11 teams. Notable contenders include Michael Luther and Markus Schmickler (BMW M4 GT4), David Vogt (Opel Astra TCR), Andreas Schwarz (Cupra Leon TCR), Alain Dutronc (Porsche Cayman GT4 CS), Stefan Schmickler (Porsche Cayman), and Eric Petrich (BMW M3). An interesting pairing in class RS8A sees Dirk Maier partnered with Yannik Fübrich, current NLS series leader and former NLS champion, in a BMW M2 Competition. Documentation and technical checks run on Friday 17 June from 15:30–20:00 and 15:30–20:30 respectively. Saturday morning sessions continue from 08:15–11:15 and 08:15–11:30. A drivers' briefing is scheduled for 11:40, with results posted online at 17:00 and the awards ceremony at 17:30.