Viktor Nielsen victorious in NXT Gen Cup as investigations still ongoing at Sachsenring
The first race day of 100% electric NXT Gen Cup at the iconic Sachsenring delivered two thrilling heats, with title contender Viktor Nielsen claiming both victories to heat up the title battle. The first two races of the double-header provided plenty of thrills, with the results from Race 2 still under investigation after an action packed race.
Starting from the second row in Race 1, Viktor Nielsen was one of five drivers battling for victory on the final lap, using his push-to-pass perfectly to secure the win by half a second.
Race 2 delivered another thrilling showdown, with five cars going door-to-door through the final corner. As two cars went off track at the finishing line, the Danish racer claimed his fourth win of the season.
“It was a great day. I’m still buzzing after the second race. It was so crazy. I was in third place until the last corner and ended up crossing the line first. I’m really happy with how things went. Let’s keep the momentum going tomorrow. There are two new races and more points to chase,” said Viktor Nielsen.
Championship leader Calvin de Groot struggled with speed in the opening practice sessions, but by qualifying, the 20-year-old was back on form, securing second place. In the races, the Dutch driver fought hard at the front, earning another podium finish with third in Race 1.
“It was a hectic day. People were pushing each other, I was pushing someone, and they were pushing me. I made a lot of mistakes in timing and positioning while trying to pass others. It wasn’t the perfect day, but I know I’m fast and I’ll be back fighting tomorrow,” said Calvin de Groot.
Enzo Hallman once again battled at the front, securing his third second-place finish of the season in Race 1. The Swede finished third in Race 2 but spun and hit the wall after contact with another driver at the finish line. The incident is still under investigation by Race Control.
Lukas Stiefelhagen bounced back after a challenging weekend at the Nürburgring, finishing second to Viktor Nielsen in Race 2.
“It was a good final race. I led for a long time but unfortunately lost it in the last corner. I believe I have the pace, and aim for a strong qualifying to secure good points from there,” said Lukas Stiefelhagen.
Belgian guest driver Nicolas Bever impressed in qualifying, grabbing pole position by four hundreds of a second ahead of old team-mate Calvin de Groot.
Patricija Stalidzane, who started from pole on the reversed Race 2 grid, was once again fighting at the front as the top female driver, claiming a top five finish in Race 2.
As the results from Race 2 are still under investigation, an amended result list is expected on Sunday morning. Potential penalties and updated championship standings will be communicated as soon as possible.
The Sachsenring double-header continues tomorrow, as another qualifying and two races will be decided during the DTM weekend. All action will be broadcast LIVE on the NXT Gen Cup YouTube channel.
Schedule - NXT Gen Cup - Sachsenring
Times in CEST
Sunday August 8th
08:45 – Qualifying 2
12:15 – Race 3 (20 min)
16:30 – Race 4 (20 min)
Points and results
Standings
Results
2024 NXT Gen Cup entry list
# – Name – Nationality
2 – Greaham Hofmans - Netherlands
3 – Linus Stjernelund – Sweden
4 – Patricija Stalidzane – Latvia
5 – Nicolas Bever – Belgium
6 – Jodie Sloss – Scotland
7 – Enzo Hallman – Sweden
8 – Chantal Fugel – Germany
9 – Lukas Stiefelhagen – Netherlands
10 – Bennet Ehrl – Germany
12 – Filip Bartoš – Czechia
17 – Alexander Spetz - Sweden
21 – Siri Hökfelt - Sweden
24 – Calvin de Groot – Netherlands
35 – Benjamin Mazatis – Germany
47 – Sophie Hofmann – Germany
50 – Victor Nielsen – Denmark
91 – Matthias Killing – 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 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.