NLS2 Weekend Primer: Teams Gear Up for Action After Cancellations
Following the cancellation of last weekend’s NLS season opener due to freezing conditions, teams regrouped for the anticipated 4-hour NLS2 race scheduled for Saturday. Practice sessions on Friday provided crucial opportunities for teams to accumulate track time ahead of the race.
Technical Challenges and Debuts
Mercedes AMG, which had withdrawn both Team Ravenol and Verstappen Racing entries from the season opener, faced early setbacks during practice as the Verstappen car experienced suspension issues, forcing an early pit. A spare unliveried AMG was later utilized to allow Dani Juncadella to log additional laps.
New entrants in the series included KCMG, fielding a Mercedes AMG driven by experienced pilots David Pittard and Jesse Krohn, alongside Japanese talents Sho Tsuboi and Nirei Fukuzumi in the #47 car.
Noteworthy on track was HWA’s retro Mercedes 190 Evo, slated for the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours. Unfortunately, it ended its session prematurely, requiring a flatbed for recovery.
BMW Motorsport’s M3 Touring
In a significant reveal, BMW M Motorsport debuted their M3 Touring to public scrutiny, with Jens Klingmann and Uno de Wilde at the wheel. This vehicle will compete in the SPX class.
In a direct competitive context, the KTM Bow GTX, operated by Reiter Engineering and featuring drivers Miklas Born, Arne Hoffmeister, and Julien Apothéloz, also made an appearance.
Porsche’s Strategic Approach
Schnabl Engineering’s newly re-liveried Porsche 911 GT3R, utilizing Dunlop tires, is poised to be a competitive threat. Dorian Boccolacci and Nico Menzel are set to pilot this entry, presenting a refined contrast to the flashier debuts from other manufacturers.
As the teams prepare for NLS2, expectations are high for an eventful race with intricate strategy and dynamic driving expected to define the competition.
