This year, motorsport fans will receive an early Christmas treat. On December 19, 2026—just days before Christmas—the Digitale Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (DNLS) will kick off its eighth season. Further races are scheduled for January 9, February 20, and March 13, 2027. Each of the four races will last three hours, with professionals from real-world motorsport and top sim racers competing for victories and titles on the virtual Nordschleife. For some participants, there is more at stake than just points: as in the previous year, a DNLS season can count toward the requirements for the real-world DMSB Permit Nordschleife (DPN). A total of 8,000 euros in prize money will be awarded in the Porsche Esports Endurance Trophy Nürburgring (PEETN). The champions will be honored during an NLS race at the real-world Nürburgring in 2027.
With Season 7, the DNLS entered new territory. For the first time, the DMSB recognized virtual racing as a qualifying credential for the Nordschleife permit, and the DNLS served as the inaugural platform for this. This regulation remains unchanged. Drivers who hold at least an International D-License (Circuit) may have one DNLS season credited toward the driving experience requirements for the DPN (Level B). To qualify, they must complete three of the four races without incurring any penalties and must be classified in the final results. Additionally, participation in an RCN performance test (Leistungsprüfung) is required.
“The anticipation for Season 8 is huge, for us in the team as well as for the teams and drivers we have spoken to in the past few weeks,” says VLN sports director Christian Vormann, who, in addition to his role as NLS race director, is also active in race management at the DNLS. “We are proud that the DNLS is also counting for the DMSB Permit Nordschleife this winter. In doing so, we continue to build a real bridge between virtual and real motorsport.”
Raphael Rennhofer shows how well the route from the simulation to the real Nordschleife can work. The Austrian was DNLS champion in 2024/2025 and recently won the PEETN twice in a row. This year he fought for the junior title in the real NLS and was only narrowly defeated in the end. This makes him one of the drivers who combine both worlds perfectly.
In terms of competition, Season 8 holds great promise. Last year’s champions are looking to defend their titles. All eyes are on BS+COMPETITION, in particular: the team secured maximum points in all four races within the BMW M2 class, ultimately emerging as the overall DNLS champion across all categories. In the GT3-based SP9 class, Falken Simracing returns as the defending champion—a title they clinched in the final race by a margin of just one point. Meanwhile, EMM Esports enters the PEETN category as the reigning champion.
More than five dozen vehicles across four classes took part in Season 7. The SP9 class features GT3 cars from Aston Martin, BMW, Ford, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche. In this class, at least one driver per vehicle must have a background in real-world motorsport; consequently, the cockpit is frequently shared between professional GT racers and sim-racing specialists. In the PEETN category, all competitors drive the Porsche 911 Cup, which traditionally results in very tight margins. The SP10 class is reserved for GT4 vehicles from Aston Martin, BMW, and Mercedes-AMG. Rounding out the field is a one-make series featuring the BMW M2 Racing.
The racing takes place in the iRacing simulation, with all events broadcast via livestream. NLS commentators provide live coverage of the races. Cookies and mulled wine on the sofa take the place of the trackside bratwurst—everything you need for a great race day during the Advent season.
The official regulations, approved by the DMSB, will soon be available at vln.de/dnls.
DNLS Season 8 Schedule
DNLS1: Saturday, December 19, 2026
DNLS2: Saturday, January 9, 2027
DNLS3: Saturday, February 20, 2027
DNLS4: Saturday, March 13, 2027
