NLS - Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie

The Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), formerly known as VLN, is one of the most iconic endurance racing championships in the world, held exclusively on Germany’s legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife. The series combines the full 20.8-kilometer Nordschleife with the modern Grand Prix loop, creating a circuit length of more than 24 kilometers per lap, making it the longest permanent race track on the planet. Founded in the 1970s, the championship has developed into a proving ground for both professional manufacturers and amateur privateers, offering a unique mix of factory GT3 cars, cup cars, and touring classes competing simultaneously. Each race typically runs for four to six hours, demanding not only outright speed but also consistency, traffic management, and mechanical reliability. With grids often exceeding 100 cars, the NLS has become an essential testbed for GT racing programs from Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-AMG, Audi, and many others, while also providing an entry point for drivers seeking the mandatory Nordschleife permits needed to race GT3 machinery at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Its mix of professional talent, gentleman drivers, and challenging conditions—ranging from sudden rain to dense traffic—cements the NLS as a truly unique stage where endurance, skill, and strategy converge on the “Green Hell.”