Julian Würtele to make his racing comeback in NXT Gen Cup
The road to the NXT Gen Cup is not always a direct path from junior categories like karting. For experienced racer Julian Würtele, it marks a return to the driver’s seat after taking time away from competitive motorsport.
With a strong background in both karting and endurance racing, Würtele was forced to step back from competition due to the pandemic. However, the German remained active in motorsport, working as a mechanic and coach in karting. In 2024, he earned his DMSB instructor license—an achievement that reignited his passion for racing.
The NXT Gen Cup caught his attention with its unique concept and race format.
“This is the perfect opportunity for me to return to motorsport. I’ve already raced on two of the tracks on the 2025 NXT Gen Cup calendar, but I’m always eager to take on new challenges and explore new circuits. I can’t wait to get back on the grid. My goal is to fight at the front, just like everyone else, and to keep improving every step of the way,” said Würtele.
With both racing experience and expertise as a driver instructor, Würtele’s addition highlights the diverse and competitive mix of drivers set to compete in the NXT Gen Cup’s third season.
“After some time away from racing, there’s no doubt that Julian’s experience as a driving coach will serve him well. He not only understands racing theory—he has the skills to put it into practice on track. We’re excited to see him in action,” said Fredrik Lestrup, NXT Gen Cup founder.
NXT Gen Cup, the world’s first electric junior touring car cup, will once again race alongside DTM—Europe’s premier and best-known racing series—across four race weekends from April to August.
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.