Austrian Philipp Dietrich set for NXT Gen Cup debut
Austrian racer Philipp Dietrich has been confirmed as a full-time driver for the 2025 NXT Gen Cup season. The 21-year-old, with an impressive track record, is now set to make his debut in electric racing.
Dietrich joins the championship following competitive seasons in high-profile series such as ADAC GT4 Germany and TCR Eastern Europe.
“Over the years, I’ve raced in some of the toughest touring car series. I competed in TCR Eastern Europe, where I only had three guest starts due to budget constraints. Still, I finished second in my third race, just a second behind Mato Homola—one of the biggest names in TCR racing. Stepping up to ADAC GT4 Germany in 2024 was an incredible challenge. Rear-wheel drive, a completely new driving style—it was a lot to learn in a short time. The competition was fierce, and while I managed to secure a few points finishes, I never felt fully connected with the car. It was also a season that was brutal in terms of costs. Going into 2025, I wanted to race without constantly thinking about budgets when fighting for positions. I love the battle on track, the pure competition, and I don’t want anything holding me back,” said Philipp Dietrich.
In 2025, NXT Gen Cup will mark a fresh start for the talented Austrian. Committed to the full race calendar, he sets his sights on being a frontrunner when the season concludes in late August.
“I remember standing in the grandstands at Hockenheim last year, watching the NXT Gen Cup season finale. The crowd was still there, the racing was intense, and something just clicked. This is where I belong—cup cars, close battles, equal machinery. It reminded me of my three years in the FIA Suzuki Swift Cup Europe, where I became vice-champion. I loved every second of it. In 2025, it’s time for a fresh start—full send, back to front-wheel drive, and a new focus on the championship,” Dietrich continues. “I can’t wait to be back racing on the DTM weekends, feeling the energy of the fans, and seeing so many familiar faces again!”
Adding such an accomplished driver to the 2025 grid further strengthens NXT Gen Cup’s position as a premier development platform for young talents.
“We are thrilled to welcome a driver of Philipp’s caliber to the grid this season. His experience will undoubtedly bring an exciting new dynamic to the competition. We look forward to seeing how he adapts to this unique form of racing. I am sure he will impress us!” said Fredrik Lestrup, founder of NXT Gen Cup.
The NXT Gen Cup races alongside DTM—kicking off at Oschersleben, 25–27 April. All races will be broadcast LIVE on YouTube.
2025 NXT Gen Cup Calendar
12-13 April - Official Test Days - Gelleråsen Arena - Sweden
25-27 April - Oschersleben - Germany
04-06 July - Norisring - Germany
08-10 August - Nürburgring - Germany
22-24 August - Sachsenring - Germany
About NXT Gen Cup
The NXT Gen Cup is the world’s first 100% electric junior touring car cup where young female and male drivers race the LRT NXT1, a fully electric race car based on the MINI Cooper SE road car - engineered and built by Lestrup Racing Team. The series races together with DTM and is organised through an “arrive and drive” concept, enabling the junior drivers to focus on driving and creating the foundation for a professional racing career.
About DTM
DTM is Europe’s premier and best-known racing series and celebrated its 40th birthday in 2024. As one of the most competitive racing series, DTM features seven prestigious brands in its anniversary season. The DTM has a German core, but a strong international fan base. Races are broadcasted live in 150 territories. The series is also a leader in sustainable motorsport. For the second season, all cars are powered by a sustainable fuel made of 50% renewable components. Not only the cars racing in DTM are in the centre of sustainable projects. For the events itself the ADAC as promoter of the DTM offers innovations like an initiative to reduce plastic waste and a digital carpool solution, which has been recognised and awarded by the FIA.