Frontrunner Lukas Stiefelhagen takes aim at new NXT Gen Cup title run
Following a stellar breakthrough season in 2024—marked by a race win, podiums, and consistent top-five finishes—Lukas Stiefelhagen is returning to the 100% electric NXT Gen Cup full-time in 2025.
The now 17-year-old Dutchman stunned the NXT Gen Cup paddock in 2023 by securing pole position and a top-five finish during his one-off race weekend at Ring Knutstorp, despite never having raced at the challenging Swedish circuit or driven the LRT NXT1 race car before. He then raised the bar further in 2024, claiming a victory at the season opener at Norisring. Stiefelhagen ultimately finished fourth in the championship, with four podiums and top-five finishes in more than half of the races on the calendar.
“2024 was only my second year in car racing. NXT Gen Cup, in cooperation with DTM, gave me my first taste of international competition. Being able to race at challenging circuits under the DTM umbrella, while promoting electric racing, is what made me return to the championship in 2025,” said Lukas Stiefelhagen.
Stiefelhagen, who will also compete in the BMW Racing Cup for team Witte Raaf Racing in 2025, has established himself as both a carbon-neutral racing driver and a sustainability ambassador for the Dutch motorsport association KNAF. His return to NXT Gen Cup—in cooperation with his partners OG Clean Fuels, Vetico, Interbaro, Urban Events, LKQ, and Fleets—further reinforces his dedication to sustainable racing.
For NXT Gen Cup, retaining a driver with Stiefelhagen's experience and talent adds considerable depth to an already highly competitive field.
“Over the past two seasons, Lukas has impressed us not only with his racecraft but also with his approach to sustainable racing. Last year, he proved himself as a frontrunner, and we have no doubt that he will be fighting for victories at every round this season,” said Fredrik Lestrup, NXT Gen Cup founder.
Lukas Stiefelhagen will contest the full 2025 season in NXT Gen Cup, the world’s first electric junior touring car cup, beginning with the season opener at Oschersleben alongside DTM on 25–27 April.
Interested in joining NXT Gen Cup? Learn more here.
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.