The season opener of the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie has been cancelled. Low temperatures and snowfall had initially delayed the start of qualifying. Track conditions improved, but the temperatures did not. The tyre manufacturers involved in the NLS advised the VLN against holding the 71st ADAC Westfalenfahrt. Race control ultimately followed this recommendation.
The final cancellation at 10.45 am was preceded by two team manager meetings at 8.30 am and 10 am, during which VLN officials sought feedback from the teams. “Even though the decision ultimately lies with us, it was important to us to discuss the situation with the participants,” says Christian Vormann, VLN sporting director. “Following a track inspection, race control decided that the circuit was drivable. The run-off areas were clear of snow and the track was slowly drying out. Opinions among the teams were mixed. A vote resulted in a narrow majority in favour of going ahead with the event. In the end, the warning from the tyre industry tipped the balance in favour of cancellation.”
The second round of the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Langstrecken Series takes place this coming weekend. On 21 March, Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, among others, will return to the Green Hell in a Mercedes-AMG GT3. Tickets are available at vln.de/tickets.
