Club Racing — news

Nearly 170 teams competed in the sixth round of the 2026 Rundstrecken-Challenge Nürburgring (RCN) series, held under ideal conditions on the legendary Nordschleife. The event, dubbed "Rhein-Ruhr," saw a change at the top of the championship standings as Sven Markert and Lars Harbeck (both Berlin, BMW 320i) claimed the series lead. The pair benefited from a fortunate day when their confirmation lap was disrupted by an unexpected Code-60 zone, costing them 250 penalty seconds. However, their rivals faced identical difficulties, allowing the Berliners to secure their fifth H3-class victory of the season. "We simply had luck," Markert explained. "We were quick as usual, but the confirmation time was just not achievable. As new leaders, we're under pressure now, but we'll handle it." The overall victory went to Michael Luther and Markus Schmickler (Barsbüttel/Bad Neuenahr, BMW M4 GT4), who dominated proceedings to claim their third win of the season. David Vogt and Marc Basseng (Waldfeucht/Rosenbach, Opel Astra TCR) finished second and set a new lap record in the RS3A class. Third place fell to Reinhold Renger and Marc Andreas Riedl (Rothenburg/Hamburg, Porsche Cayman GT4 CS). RCN series manager Willi Hillebrand praised the event: "A successful gathering. This was excellent promotion for motorsport. We now trust that the final rounds will prove equally positive and exciting." The series continues to attract family teams, with father-son and father-daughter pairings becoming increasingly common. Notable entries included Guido Witz and his sons Benjamin and Niclas (all Switzerland) in the BMW M240i class, with the family trio aiming to compete in the traditional 24-hour race. The event also saw the return of familiar faces to the Nordschleife, including Marco Schelp (Berlin), who competed before emigrating to New Zealand. In the RCN Light category, Andrea Heim (Gronau, Renault Clio) assumed the championship lead after claiming victory in class 29. Maximilian Weissermel (Oberursel, Porsche Cayman) posted the fastest time of the day in class 30 and moved to second in the standings, while Nikolas Reihsner (Wittlich, BMW M3) dropped to third after encountering difficulties during his confirmation lap.

The FIA Central European Zone Rallycross Championship and Polish Rallycross and Autocross Championships will take place at Autodrom Słomczyn on 12–13 September 2026 as a two-day event. The venue offers comprehensive facilities including a restaurant, spectator viewing areas, and restrooms, allowing visitors to attend without bringing supplies. Saturday's schedule begins with the competition office opening at 08:00, followed by a warm-up session from 09:45 to 09:45. Three qualifying heats run across the day: the first from 10:00 to 12:00, the second from 12:20 to 14:20, and the third from 15:00 to 17:00, with technical breaks between sessions. Sunday features a fourth qualifying heat from 09:30 to 11:30, semi-finals in categories A and B from 12:00 to 13:15, and finals beginning at 14:00. Final classifications will be published at 16:00, with prize presentations at 16:10. Spectators can purchase day tickets for 50 PLN per person at the gate, with children under 12 admitted free. Tickets grant access to the Machine Park and all available viewing points. Payment is accepted in cash and by card. Organisers note that the nearby Słomczyn market operates on Sunday and may cause traffic congestion on the shared access road to the circuit.

The 53rd Garessio-San Bernardo hillclimb will take place on 12–13 September on the historic SS 582 mountain road in Piedmont, with 95 entries confirmed. Organised by Supergara and counting towards the Trofeo Nord, the event serves as the sixth and decisive round of the ACI Sport Slalom 1st Zone Cup, with multiple category titles still wide open and tight point gaps promising high drama on race day. The Garessio-San Bernardo has deep roots in Italian motorsport history, tracing back to its inaugural edition in 1956 when Piero Campanella won in an Alfa Romeo Giulietta SV. The event transitioned from a timed hillclimb to slalom format and now runs over a 4.18-kilometre section of the mountain pass, starting at km 3.37 and finishing at km 7.55. Luigi Taramazzo holds the record for most victories with eight wins, while the roll of honour includes celebrated drivers such as Ada Pace and more recently Fabio Emanuele and Alessandro Polini. The E2 SC category will again be the headline attraction, with Damiano Furnari (Elia Avrio ST 09, 11 points) and Luca Veldorale (Radical SR4, 13 points) locked in a tight battle for outright honours. Behind them, Stefano Repetto and Giuseppe Scozzafava, both in Radical SR4s, sit at 7 and 5 points respectively and remain in contention. Other categories show similarly compressed standings: in Kart Cross, leader "Bomberos" (17 points) faces pressure from Loris and Ivan Cocino; the E2SH Silhouette class is separated by just one point between Palmiro Strizzi (7 points) and challengers Daniele Patete and Mauro Piana (both 6 points); and in the Special Slalom group, Paolo Bordo leads with 12 points over Fortunato Morabito at 9. Among road-going categories, absences of leading competitors create opportunities: in Group A, local driver Marco Strata (Skoda Fabia Evo, 6 points) can move to the top with a solid result, while in Group RS Plus, Gianfranco Vigo (Renault Clio Williams, 5 points) needs only to finish to claim the zone title. The Historic Cars category will add a museum-quality dimension to the event, featuring entries including an Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV6, Ford Sierra Cosworth, BMW 2002 TI, Fiat 124 Abarth, and Innocenti Mini Cooper. Saturday 12 September will host accreditation at Villa Gobbi (15:30–18:30) and technical checks at Piazzale del Peso Pubblico (16:00–19:00). Sunday 13 September begins with additional technical verification, followed by a regularity run at 10:45, official course reconnaissance at 11:00, and three timed runs to determine the winner and award crucial zone championship points.

Słomczyn Autodrome will host the fifth and penultimate round of the Polish Rallycross and Autocross Championships on 12–13 September, drawing over 80 competitors to the circuit. The event will also serve as a qualifying round for the FIA Central European Zone (CEZ) European Championship, adding international significance to the weekend's competition. The SuperCars class alone has attracted nine entries, with multiple championship battles set to reach their decisive phase. In the Seicento Cup, Jakub Kabat holds an eight-point advantage over Maksym Huranowski, while the RWD Cup BMW category promises close racing between young drivers Kacper Sokulski and Krystian Pietraszko, separated by just five points. Łukasz Zoll will attempt to close a seven-point deficit to Czech leader Castorala in another key category. Beyond the Polish championship standings, drivers will also compete for points in the FIA CEZ classification and the Czech Rallycross Cup. Admission is priced at 50 PLN per person per day, with free entry for children under 12. Tickets will be available on-site, with payment accepted in cash or by card.

The Italian Supersalita Championship reaches its conclusion at the 71st Coppa Nissena hillclimb in Caltanissetta, with the season finale set to determine several national titles across multiple classes. GT Racing will field five entries for the decisive weekend, each competing for championship honours or crucial points in their respective categories. Gabry Driver, competing for Best Lap, arrives at the final round still in contention for the GTCUP title. Piloting a Ferrari 458, the driver from Cosenza will contest both runs of the Nissena course with the aim of maximising points in what could prove a decisive battle for the championship. In the TCR category, Selina Prantl from South Tyrol leads the DSG class standings and will seek to secure the title at Caltanissetta. The championship leader is expected to pursue maximum points to confirm her 2026 crown, while also defending her position in the broader group classification. Kristian Fiorucci, racing for Scuderia Città di Gubbio, will continue his development programme in a Peugeot 308 CUP, building on recent progress made at his home event. Salvo Mondino, representing Cosenza Corse, arrives in Sicily with the Racing Start Turbo RS 2.0 TB title within reach. The driver from Lucca will pilot a Seat Leon and faces a critical test to close the gap to the championship lead. Completing the GT Racing lineup is Salvatore Gioè, a local driver who will contest the RS 2.0 TB class in a Mini JCW, aiming to rediscover his rhythm on the challenging Nissena layout.

The Italian Supersalita championship will conclude this weekend at the 71st Coppa Nissena in Caltanissetta, Sicily, on a 5km high-speed course. The event takes place under heightened safety protocols following a fatal accident at Monte Erice the previous weekend, with organisers committed to ensuring best-practice precautions throughout the competition. Multiple Italian hillclimb champion Simone Faggioli enters as the dominant favourite, piloting his Nova NP 01-2 C Judd. A victory would secure his 20th Italian hillclimb title. Stefano di Fulvio (Nova NP 01-2 C Honda Turbo) and local driver Francesco Conticelli (Nova NP 01-2 Zytek) are among the principal challengers in the top category. Other contenders include Luigi Fazzino (Osella PA30 Zytek Evo), Samuele Cassibba (Nova NP 01-2 C Judd), Franco Caruso (Nova NP 01-2 C Zytek), Mirko Torsellini (Norma M20FC Zytek), Achille Lombardi (Osella PA30 Judd), Vincenzo Conticelli (Osella PA30 Zytek Evo), Mario Massaglia (Nova NP 01-2 C Honda Turbo), and Swiss driver Fabien Bouduban (Norma M20FC Zytek). In the 2-litre E2-SC category, Francesco Leogrande (Osella PA21 4C LRM Turbo) is favoured, alongside Salvatore Micciche (Osella PA2000 LRM Turbo), Luca Ligato (Osella PA2000 Evo Honda), and Andrea Pezzani (Osella PA2000 Evo Honda). The 1.6-litre E2-SC class features Michele Puglisi (Nova NP 03 C Aprilia) as a leading contender, with Mirko Sulsenti (Bulla Sport BMW), Carmine Falcione (Nova NP 03 Aprilia), Emanuele Schillace (Nova NP 03 C Aprilia), and Antonino Salamone (Nova NP 03 C Aprilia) among rivals. In touring car competition, Manuel Dondi (Fiat X1/9 Alfa Romeo) and Marco Gramenzi (Alfa Romeo 4C Judd) lead the E2-SH field. TCR entries include Antonino Scorza (Cupra Leon TCR) and Selina Prantl (VW Golf GTI TCR). The E1 class features Giuseppe Aragona (VW Golf MK7 Proto), Alessandro Tortora (Peugeot 106 Maxi Turbo), Pietro Ragusa (Renault 5 GT Turbo), Davide D'Acri (Citroën Saxo VTS 16V), and Valerio Magliano (Peugeot 106 GTI 16V).

The 71st Coppa Nissena – Trofeo Michele Tornatore – 1° Memorial Livio Alessi – Memorial Luigi Campione will take place in Caltanissetta this weekend, with preliminary operations beginning Friday 11 September. The historic hillclimb is organised by the Automobile Club Caltanissetta and will be broadcast live on ACI Sport TV throughout the weekend.

The 71st Coppa Nissena – Trofeo Michele Tornatore – 1° Memorial Livio Alessi – Memorial Luigi Campione will take place in Caltanissetta, Sicily, from 11–13 September, serving as the decisive round of the 2026 Italian Hillclimb Championship. The event, organised by the Automobile Club Caltanissetta, has attracted 174 registered competitors who will contest the 5.450-kilometre course on the SS122 state road, running from Ponte Capodarso to Villaggio Santa Barbara. The hillclimb will also count towards the 14th round of the Italian South Mountain Speed Championship, the Italian "Two-Cylinder" Championship, and the Sicilian Historic and Modern Hillclimb Championship. Preliminary operations begin on Friday 11 September with administrative checks from 14:00 to 19:00 at Stadio Tomaselli-Pian del Lago and technical inspections from 14:30 to 19:30 at the Pala Cannizzaro sports complex. Driver briefings are scheduled for 16:30 and 18:30. Saturday 12 September will be reserved for official reconnaissance runs on the full course, with two sessions starting at 09:00 and continuing sequentially. The competitive action takes place on Sunday 13 September, with Race 1 commencing at 09:00 and Race 2 following immediately after. Both runs will determine the outcome of both the Coppa Nissena and the Italian Hillclimb Championship. ACI Sport TV will provide daily coverage on Friday and Saturday at 21:30, with live broadcast of Sunday's races from 11:00 (Race 1) and 14:00 (Race 2) on Sky channel 228 and Tivùsat channel 52, as well as via ACI Sport TV's social media channels. The event has received backing from local authorities and regional institutions, with a public engagement programme including a road safety roundtable on 22 September and a historic vehicle convoy event on 11 October.

Imperial Racing Division will field four drivers at the 71st Coppa Nissena, the final round of the Italian Supersalita Championship, as the season draws to a close. The Sicilian hillclimb will serve as the decisive event for several title contenders aiming to secure championship honours. Salvatore Tortora, piloting a Peugeot 308 run by AC Racing, arrives at Caltanissetta as the RS Cup championship leader. Representing Scuderia Ateneo, Tortora needs only to complete one of the two runs to clinch the title and add another significant Italian accolade to his record. Antonio Aquila of Scuderia Vesuvio will mount a challenge from second place in both the RS and RS 2.0 Turbo classifications, driving a Seat Leon prepared by SP Racing. The Calabrian driver will attempt to overturn the championship standings across the two decisive runs. Gianni Loffredo, also representing Scuderia Vesuvio, will seek a strong result in the RS 1.6 Turbo class, aiming for a podium finish in the absolute standings. Antonio Scorza completes the Imperial Racing Division lineup, driving a Cupra TCR fielded by the Abate brothers. Scorza holds second place in the TCR class and will target crucial points to consolidate his position and conclude what has been an inconsistent season on a high note.

The tenth edition of the Altofonte Rebuttone slalom will take place on 13 September in Sicily, drawing 46 competitors to the 3.8 km course laid out across provincial roads connecting Altofonte and Piana degli Albanesi. The event carries validity for both the Sicilian slalom championship (round 14) and the fourth Challenge degli Emiri series (round 3 of 2026), alongside the Memorial Presidente Gaetano Armanno and Coppa Ninni Mulè trophies. Among the field are several leading regional specialists. Salvatore Catanzaro from Sciacca has claimed four consecutive slalom victories this season in his Gloria B5 Evo with Suzuki engine, while Francesco Bigione from Marsala and Riccardo Cerniglia from Misilmeri are also expected to contend. Other notable entries include Nino Di Matteo, winner at Mussomeli this year, piloting a Gloria C8F Evo Suzuki. In the Challenge degli Emiri standings after two rounds, Gianfranco Barbaccia from Belmonte Mezzagno leads the Modern class with 34 points in a Fiat 126 Proto, ahead of Gianni Carfì on 29.5 points. Three-time Italian slalom champion Angelica Giamboi from Messina heads the Women's category with 27 points in a Fiat X1/9 Coupé Dallara, while Fabio Cardella from Trapani leads the Historic class on 31.5 points in a Peugeot 106 Rallye. The event is part of a broader "Festival dei Sapori & dei Motori" (Festival of Flavours and Motors) running from 11–13 September, celebrating local olive oil and regional gastronomy. Preliminary scrutineering for competitors and vehicles takes place on 12 September from 15:00 to 19:30 in Piazza Falcone e Borsellino. Racing begins on 13 September with three timed runs plus reconnaissance for qualified drivers. The event will also honour Giuseppe Bisconti and Karol Greco, two young drivers who died in a serious accident at the 68th Monte Erice hillclimb the previous Sunday.

Island Motorsport, led by Eros Di Prima, will field five competitors at the 71st Coppa Nissena Historic hillclimb near Caltanissetta, Sicily, on 12–14 September. The event counts towards the Sicilian Historic Hillclimb Championship and follows the team's participation at Monte Erice the previous weekend. In the fourth grouping, Giuseppe Gulotta returns to competition after a seven-year absence, driving a Stenger BMW on the 5,450-metre course along the SS 122 between Ponte Capodarso and Villaggio Santa Barbara. Fellow Nissena driver Stefano Parisi makes his first appearance of the season in a Lancia Delta Integrale, while Alfredo Altopiano switches from his usual Ascona to an Opel Kadett GTE. Among the classic category entries, local veteran Beppe D'Anca will pilot an Osella PA20/S BMW. In the modern category, which also counts for the Italian Supersalita Championship and the Southern Italy Mountain Speed Championship, Fabrizio La Rocca makes his 2026 debut in the Racing Start Plus group with a Peugeot 308 GTI. The event begins with administrative procedures on Friday 11 September, followed by two reconnaissance runs on Saturday to allow drivers to establish optimal setup and settings. Two official timed runs on Sunday will determine final classifications.

The 71st Coppa Nissena will serve as the final round of the 2026 Italian Supersalita Championship, taking place from 11–13 September at the Caltanissetta circuit. Organised by the Automobile Club Caltanissetta, the event will award the national hillclimb titles across multiple categories, including the two-cylinder class and the Sicilian championship for modern and historic vehicles, with coverage provided by ACI Sport TV. Angelo "The Doctor" Loconte will contest the demanding and high-speed Nissena layout in his Mini Cooper JCW (RSTB 2.0 class), prepared by AC Racing. The driver aims to secure third place in his class standings and fend off rivals' challenges during the season finale. Loconte competes under the Gretaracing banner. The event takes place in a sombre atmosphere following serious incidents at the previous round at Erice. Loconte acknowledged the gravity of those events, stating that the thoughts of victims and injured will weigh on competitors' minds throughout the weekend. The championship battle will unfold across three days: Friday 11 September features technical and sporting checks, Saturday 12 September includes two official practice runs over the approximately 5,450-metre course, and Sunday 13 September hosts the two competitive races, both broadcast live on ACI Sport TV.