Patricija Stalidzane returns to NXT Gen Cup after impressive rookie campaign
2024 NXT Gen Cup top-five contender Patricija Stalidzane will return to the championship in 2025. After an impressive debut season, having successfully adapted to electric racing, she now sets her sights on the top of the championship.
Having committed to the 100% electric junior touring car cup in 2024, the former ADAC GT4 Germany driver embarked on a season where consistency was key. Across the 13 rounds of the championship, she secured top-ten finishes in 12 races, including five top-five results.
Her standout moment came at Sachsenring, where the 22-year-old Latvian made history by finishing second—becoming the first-ever female driver to step onto the NXT Gen Cup podium.
Now returning to the grid, Stalidzane is setting even higher goals for 2025.
“I think last year was quite fun and eventful. It was challenging to learn the car, being electric and front-wheel drive, as well as the small tweaks and strategic thinking that come with push-to-pass and no ABS. I was surprised by how truly equal the cars were, which made for incredibly close racing and intense battles every weekend. I really enjoyed learning last year, and now I’m back to put that experience into practice and go for the win this season,” said Patricija Stalidzane.
Stalidzane’s 2025 campaign is supported by MEYLE automotive spare parts, her main sponsor, which is thrilled to continue the partnership.
Bringing Patricija Stalidzane back for the 2025 season is an important step for NXT Gen Cup in continuing to attract young driver talent, while also maintaining the diverse grid of top-performing male and female drivers that has been a hallmark of the championship since its inaugural season in 2023.
“Patricija did a tremendous job in her rookie season, showing both consistency and improving speed throughout the year. With a podium finish and a front-row qualifying result to her name, she proved her potential. We are very excited to see how she can build on that performance this season,” said Fredrik Lestrup, founder of NXT Gen Cup.
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—over 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.