Norisring kicks off 2024 NXT Gen Cup season with electric double header
NXT Gen Cup, the world’s first 100% electric junior touring car cup, launches its thrilling second season this weekend at the iconic Norisring together with the prestigious Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) in an intense double-header.
A strong field of 16 junior talents from Sweden, Denmark, Czechia, Latvia, Netherlands, and Germany will battle on track in the electric LRT NXT1 race cars. The season curtain raiser features both returning drivers and new talents gearing up for the challenge.
"This weekend marks a proud moment as we begin our second season, now racing alongside the DTM. The move to Germany represents a new chapter in our journey towards sustainable electric junior motorsport," said Fredrik Lestrup, founder of NXT Gen Cup.
"We have a strong field of talented drivers from diverse backgrounds, all united by their passion for motorsport and their drive to win. This season, we continue to push the boundaries of traditional motorsport and nurture the next generation of racing stars.”
Returning drivers include 17-year-old Dane Victor Nielsen, a front-runner last season who secured a podium at Oschersleben last summer.
"I'm really glad to be back, the first season really left me with a taste for more. We have worked hard during the winter on the areas which I know I need to improve on. While I know the competition will be even tougher this year and there will be a lot of new tracks to learn, I feel optimistic and I aim to fight for the top," said Victor Nielsen.
Swedish racer Enzo Hallman (16) claimed six podiums on his way to fourth overall last year. The former Swedish karting champion returns aiming for the 2024 title.
"It feels amazing to continue racing in the NXT Gen Cup and be a part of the championship's international expansion. I almost have to pinch myself when looking at the calendar, seeing which arenas we are going to race on this year. Almost all tracks will be new to me, so it won't be easy, but my goal is to fight for the title,” said Enzo Hallman.
Another returnee is former CrossCar champion Alexander Gustafsson who finished eighth overall last year.
In late March, eight test sessions were held over two days at Italy's Misano track. The junior field completed over 800 laps in various conditions in the 100% electric LRT NXT1 race cars. Dutch newcomer Calvin de Groot (20) impressed by topping seven of the eight sessions.
"I'm thrilled to join the NXT Gen Cup and the pre-season test earlier this year really left me with a taste for more. Of course, testing is one thing and racing is another. I will work hard and try to get as close as I can to the top in the first race weekend and take it from there,” said Calvin de Groot.
The 2024 season features no less than six strong female drivers, with last year's top female finisher, Swede Siri Hökfelt, joined by German drivers Chantal Röhner and Sophie Hoffman, Latvian driver Patricija Keita-Stalidzane and twins Jacqueline and Alesia Kreutzpointner.
“Equal opportunities ensure that talent and skill are the primary determinants of success, fostering a more inclusive and competitive environment. Women need to know that it is not about who they are, but what they can do. And I intend to show what I can do this season, that's for sure,” said Chantal Röhner.
The LRT NXT1 race car, based on the MINI Cooper SE model, features a 30kWh battery, 230hp, and push-to-pass functionality. Hankook Ventus TD tires and ABB E-mobility's charging solutions remain integral to the series' sustainability commitment.
The 81st Norisring street race, a cornerstone of the DTM series, will be held in Nürnberg this weekend.
Organised by the Motorsport Club Nuremberg, the event transforms public roads into a thrilling temporary race track. Supported by 600 volunteers dedicating 10,000 hours, the race includes temporary stands for 25,000 spectators and 12km of safety fencing.
The Norisring race weekend starts with testing and the first qualifying session on Friday, followed by the opening rounds of two races on Saturday. Qualifying and another two races will conclude on Sunday.
The NXT Gen Cup season premiere will be broadcast LIVE on YouTube, featuring expert commentary and insights.
Schedule - NXT Gen Cup Norisring
Times in CEST
Friday July 5th
09:00-09:20 – Test 1
12:40-13:00 – Test 2
16:45-17:05 – Qualifying
Saturday July 6th
10:05 – Race 1 (15 min)
15:40 – Race 2 (15 min)
Sunday July 9th
08:45 – Qualifying
12:00 – Race 3 (15 min)
17:00 – Race 4 (15 min)
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.
