This weekend’s four-hour Nürburgring Endurance Series (NES) race has been cancelled following the withdrawl of 80 marshals on the eve of the event, which was set to run with a field of just 15 cars on the full Nordschleife layout.
A statement from the NES, the rival series to the long-established NLS (formerly VLN), explained that prior to the weekend the organisers had “sufficient commitments from marshals and participants”, before the marshals “cancelled their participation within a very short period of time on Friday at lunchtime.”
The communication goes on to explain that “that the total number of remaining marshals was not sufficient to safeguard the race track in accordance with requirements.”
“Next to motorsport, victims of the marshals’ cancellations primarily are the teams and drivers who had travelled to NES.02,” the NES statement continues, “some from the USA, Canada, Japan and from all over Europe.
For many teams and drivers, it was not just about preparation for the classic 24-hour race, which takes place in four weeks’ time, but for some drivers it was even about their eligibility to compete in the 24-hour race.”
Ralph-Gerald Schlüter, the managing director of NES GmbH, has described the situation, which comes amid a bitter power struggle over control of endurance racing on the Nordschleife, as “bitter and frustrating”.
“The actions of individual players have considerably hindered us and our supporters and have led to commitments that had already been made being cancelled,” he said. “The cancellation of the NES race is bitter and frustrating.
We were well prepared to stage the race but we are powerless in the face of these cancellations by the marshals.
“And particularly regret this development for all the teams, drivers and participants who were looking forward to a good day of racing with us. We would like to expressly thank all the numerous marshals who are unwaveringly willing to work at the NES.”
After significant efforts from the NES to attract the required number of marshals (including the offer of improved renumeration) have ended in this fashion, it is difficult to see a clear path forward for this new series.
The community of ‘Ring racers and the associated businesses that support a vibrant scene at the Nürburgring need a resolution, and fast.
