The ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie kicks off its 49th season next weekend with the 70th ADAC Westfalenfahrt – and brings with it an exciting new feature: For the first time, the ‘Driver of the Race’ will be crowned after each race – comparable to the ‘Man of the Match’ award in team sports.
An NLS race always writes its own story. Whether spectacular moves, special fairness or outstanding performances – when more than 300 protagonists enter the race, there are many unforgettable moments. In cooperation with the drivers’ association of the ILN (Interessengemeinschaft Langstrecke Nürburgring), one participant who has stood out in particular will be honoured at the end of each race. The decision-making committee – consisting of representatives of the race organisers, the ILN Drivers’ Association and the track announcers – will select the winner immediately after the end of the race. The winner is then honoured on the podium, and the trophy for the ‘Driver of the Race’ is donated by the ILN.
‘On the one hand, the people from race control are of course the guardians of the rules, but they already have a lot of petrol in their blood and are extremely enthusiastic about good sport,’ explains Dirk Adorf, who is one of the originators of the new award. Adorf, a member of the Drivers’ Working Group and Race Consultant at all NLS races in Race Control, contributes his experience from countless racing events. ‘In the past, we have often been very enthusiastic about campaigns. We are now turning this into an honour and I can confirm this from my active career: As a driver, you’re really keen on something like this.’
Christian Vormann, Head of Sport at NLS and permanent Race Director, welcomes the innovation: ‘I can remember many situations where we in Race Control spontaneously said: “He deserves a medal for that”. In future, we will honour these special moments with a trophy. My thanks go to the ILN for supporting this idea.’
Tickets for the opening race of the ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie are available for 25 euros (children up to and including 14 years free of charge) at vln.de/tickets and at the box offices. They include admission to the open grandstands on the Grand Prix circuit, the exclusive spectator areas Brünnchen and Pflanzgarten, the paddock, the pit lane and the starting grid.
