Calvin de Groot grabs early championship lead after intense NXT Gen Cup premiere at Norisring
It was an intense weekend of electrifying racing when the 100% electric NXT Gen Cup premiered alongside the DTM at the legendary Norisring. The full grandstands at the Nuremberg street circuit enjoyed ultra-tight competition as the 16 LRT NXT1 race cars provided plenty of action during its four races.
15-year-old Swedish sensation Linus Stjernelund impressed once again by taking his first NXT Gen Cup pole position during Sunday morning qualifying.
However, it was Calvin de Groot who had the edge in the third race at the Norisring. The Dutch racer claimed his maiden win after two second-place finishes on Saturday. De Groot was once again in the fight at the front in the final race, finishing second to complete his streak of podium finishes.
The 20-year-old leaves Norisring as championship leader.
“It was a good, consistent weekend with a lot of second places. It was my first time at a street circuit, and I had to build up my confidence. By the end, I think I was the fastest on track. The car felt great, and we kept improving it throughout the weekend. So, I am really, really happy with how it turned out,” said Calvin de Groot.
Victor Nielsen continued his fine form from Saturday to grab third in the opening race. The Dane shone again in the reverse grid race four, taking his second win of the weekend and jumping to second in the standings, 14 points behind Calvin de Groot.
“I feel really good, especially now after the win. At the beginning of the weekend, things didn’t look so good, but coming away with two wins and another podium is fantastic. I will try to stay at the top spot at Nürburgring, but as I said all weekend, it’s a challenge in this tight championship,” said Victor Nielsen.
Early pace-setter Lukas Stiefelhagen challenged Calvin de Groot for the win in race three but had to retire in the final race after making contact with the Norisring walls. The Dutchman dropped to third in the championship, 30 points behind his countryman.
Enzo Hallman ended the weekend in third place after an eventful race where he, Linus Stjernelund, and Alexander Gustafsson came together on track. The Swede positioned himself in the championship fight, now sitting fourth after the double-header weekend.
"It was a bit of a tough weekend; we didn't quite have the speed we wanted, but two podiums are still okay. It was a fun weekend overall, but I aim to return with more speed next time,” said Enzo Hallman.
Returning driver Alexander Gustafsson maintained last season's consistency. The Swedish former CrossCar champion challenged for top spots in race four but lost positions after clashes with Enzo Hallman and Linus Stjernslund, placing fifth in the standings with a solid points haul.
Fellow Swede Linus Stjernlund showed impressive speed as he drove the Hankook-shod LRT NXT1 for the first time this weekend. The sim racing star sits sixth in the championship.
Patricija Keita-Stalidzane ended the premiere weekend as the top female contender among the six-strong female field at Norisring.
The NXT Gen Cup will continue its electrifying second season as the series heads to the Nürburgring, one of the most legendary tracks in the world, continuing its journey alongside DTM from August 16-18.
Points and results
2024 NXT Gen Cup entry list
# – Name – Nationality
2 – Greaham Hofmans - Netherlands
3 – Linus Stjernelund – Sweden
4 – Patricija Keita-Stalidzane – Latvia
7 – Enzo Hallman – Sweden
8 – Chantal Röhner – Germany
9 – Lukas Stiefelhagen – Netherlands
10 – Jacqueline Kreutzpointner – Germany
11 – Alesia Kreutzpointner – Germany
12 – Filip Bartoš – Czechia
19 – Alexander Gustafsson – Sweden
21 – Siri Hökfelt – Sweden
23 – Laurenz Rühl – Germany
24 – Calvin de Groot – Netherlands
35 – Benjamin Mazatis – Germany
47 – Sophie Hoffman – Germany
50 – Victor Nielsen – Denmark
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 is celebrating 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.