NORDSCHLEIFE
RCN - ENTRY INTO THE "GREEN HELL"
In 2025, I participated in the RCN (Rundstrecken-Challenge Nürburgring) as a rookie – on one of the most demanding and iconic racetracks in the world: the Nürburgring NORDSCHLEIFE. Or the "Green Hell", as those who love and fear it respectfully call it.
This track pushes you to the limit – physically, mentally, as a driver. And that’s exactly what I love about it. I don’t just want to drive it – I want to understand it, master it, and read it deeper with every lap.
What you are capable of is WHAT COUNTS hereThe Nordschleife isn’t a stage for show-offs. It rewards those who work with focus, precision, and patience. My SIM-racing background made me familiar with the track’s profile early on. And my real-world experience in the 318ti Cup – wheel-to-wheel battles, strategy, tough conditions – helped me adapt quickly to the "Green Hell".
I'd already been fastest in my class on one or two laps – but my primary goal was to truly experience the Nordschleife in its real-world form. Podium finishes weren't the objective, for purely technical reasons – but THE PACE was there. And: I didn't want to get my DMSB Nordschleife Permit (DPN) through a course; I wanted to earn it on the track. Old-school. Anything else was out of the question.
This track pushes you to the limit – physically, mentally, as a driver. And that’s exactly what I love about it. I don’t just want to drive it – I want to understand it, master it, and read it deeper with every lap.
What you are capable of is WHAT COUNTS hereThe Nordschleife isn’t a stage for show-offs. It rewards those who work with focus, precision, and patience. My SIM-racing background made me familiar with the track’s profile early on. And my real-world experience in the 318ti Cup – wheel-to-wheel battles, strategy, tough conditions – helped me adapt quickly to the "Green Hell".
I'd already been fastest in my class on one or two laps – but my primary goal was to truly experience the Nordschleife in its real-world form. Podium finishes weren't the objective, for purely technical reasons – but THE PACE was there. And: I didn't want to get my DMSB Nordschleife Permit (DPN) through a course; I wanted to earn it on the track. Old-school. Anything else was out of the question.
My workplace: BMW 325i, ca. 210 HP, KW racing suspension, 235 Hankook slicks, sports exhaust, 25% differential lock, short-throw quick shifter, roll cage, racing seat with 3-point racing harnesses, automatic fire extinguishing system, kerb weight approx. 1050 kg
Start RCN 1 2025 (Nordschleife + GP short connection). I am the starting driver and am driving my first Nordschleife laps ever
First curve (Sabine Schmitz curve) on the Nordschleife after the GP course
Down into the Hatzenbach
On the carousel
At the end of the long straight stretch - just before Tiergarten
On the home stretch – past the pit
Handover to final driver Marco - my 8 laps (200 km) are over
It's a shame that one can't drive longer in the RCN - more laps would have done me good ...
Teammate Marco is driving - I'm watching from the pit wall. I'm very happy with my very first appearance on the Nordschleife
Team boss Jonas and car chief Fabian after my stint and reviewing my great lap times in the RCN 1