Hyundai Motor to Continue Its Nürburgring 24-Hour Race Journey with 11th Consecutive Entry
- Hyundai to compete in the 2026 ADAC RAVENOL 24H Nürburgring race on May 16-17, continuing its 11-year participation streak since 2016
- ELANTRA N TCR model sets sights on sixth straight TCR class victory
- Two ELANTRA N1 RP cars with pre-production engines compete in the SP4T class
- Full driver lineups announced, including elite TCR champions and top international talent from Hyundai Motor’s junior driver programs
Press material
Hyundai Motor Company today announced its participation in the prestigious 2026 ADAC RAVENOL 24H Nürburgring race, continuing its successful journey at the iconic circuit.
Taking part for the 11th consecutive year, the company’s high-performance Hyundai N will enter with three cars: one ELANTRA N TCR in the TCR class and two ELANTRA N1 RP cars in the SP4T class. The vehicles will be driven by an international roster of talent, including drivers from the U.S. and Korea, alongside seasoned European champions.
This participation is set to not only highlight the race-proven performance of Hyundai N but also underline its commitment to transferring cutting-edge motorsport technology to its production models.
Returning to the Nürburgring for our 11th year is a proud moment that underscores our long-term commitment to high-performance engineering. The Nürburgring circuit is the heart of Hyundai N, serving as the ultimate proving ground where our technologies are race-proven, relentlessly tested, and ultimately equipped in the N models our customers drive every day. This year, as we aim for a historic sixth consecutive TCR class victory, we are also excited to debut our next-generation high-performance engine in the Elantra N1 RP cars, demonstrating the continuous evolution of our customer racing platforms.
What Are Hyundai Motor’s Main Objectives for the Race?
Hyundai Motor aims to build on its historic success at the 24H Nürburgring race, having competed at the event every year since 2016. This year, the company will look to build a successful story on its success in the 2025 event by securing a sixth consecutive victory in the TCR class.
A second key objective is the pre-market validation of Hyundai N’s next-generation core powertrain. Two ELANTRA N1 RP cars, equipped with a new pre-production engine, will compete in the SP4T class. By entering these vehicles in one of the world’s most demanding endurance races, Hyundai Motor is set to publicly validate the new powertrain’s performance and durability in extreme conditions. This effort helps build global anticipation and demonstrates the engine’s capabilities before its planned integration into future road-going N models.
Why Is This Race Important for Hyundai N?
The relationship between Hyundai N and the Nürburgring runs deep. Hyundai N takes its name from the Nürburgring, where Hyundai Motor operates a technical center, as well as the company’s Namyang R&D Center in Korea. Known as ‘The Green Hell,’ the Nürburgring provides a challenging proving ground for all of Hyundai N’s high-performance vehicles. Continuous participation in the 24-hour race provides invaluable data that directly influences the performance, durability and driving dynamics of every N production vehicle, validating the lineup’s three core pillars: ‘Corner Rascal,’ ‘Everyday Sports Car,’ and ‘Racetrack Capability.’
This international lineup not only demonstrates Hyundai N’s global reach but also its commitment to nurturing the next generation of motorsport talent.
Hyundai N Teams at 24H Nürburgring
Car |
Team |
Class |
Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
ELANTRA N TCR |
Hyundai Motorsport N #1 |
TCR |
Mikel Azcona, Marc Basseng, Manuel Lauck, Nico Bastian |
ELANTRA N1 RP |
Hyundai Motorsport N #2 |
SP4T |
Mikel Azcona, Manuel Lauck, Mark Wallenwein, Youngchan Kim |
ELANTRA N1 RP |
Hyundai Motorsport N #3 |
SP4T |
Mark Wallenwein, Gyumin Kim, Woojin Shin, CJ Sepulveda |
What is the pre‑production engine used in the ELANTRA N1 RP?
Powering the Elantra N1 RP is a prototype engine featuring improved power and response characteristics with enhanced race capability while meeting current emissions standards. The objective is to test the new engine’s endurance.
The tradition of race proving production engines began in 2016 when a prototype 2.0T Theta engine was fitted to a i30 test vehicle that successfully completed the 24H Nürburgring Race of that year. This engine entered production the following year in 2017 with the i30N and helped expand a full lineup of N performance cars as well as opening an era of TCR dominance recording multiple championships and starting a popular one make race series in Korea.
What is the 24H Nürburgring Race?
Held annually at the Nürburgring in Germany since 1970, the 24-hour race is widely considered one of the world’s most demanding endurance competitions. This year’s event, including qualifiers, will take place from May 14-17, with the main race beginning on May 16.
- The Track: The race is contested on a grueling 25.378-kilometer track that combines the legendary Nordschleife (‘Green Hell’) with the modern Grand Prix circuit.
- The Challenge: Drivers and their vehicles are pushed to their limits over 24 hours of non-stop racing through variable weather, day and night conditions, and a complex mix of traffic.
- The Field: Approximately 150 cars compete across various classes, from top-tier GT3 race cars to production-based touring cars, creating a unique and intense racing environment.
