Despite a ban on large public gatherings through August in Germany, the Nürburgring Endurance Series (formerly known as VLN) hopes to run its summer races on the Nordschleife behind closed doors.
This is not a done deal; Sportscar365 reports that government approval would be required. If the series gets permission to resume, it would be among the first “real” racing series to return to the track in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The series, contested by a variety of BMW teams, is the home of the M240i Racing Cup class.
Of course, even without spectators, the circuit would be populated by the substantial number of participants in the popular series; at this writing, procedures for protecting drivers, team members, and officials have not been revealed.
The ban on public gatherings, announced in both Germany and Belgium, is affecting other series as well; the DTM events at the Norisring in July and Zolder in August are at risk, and the June Formula E race in Berlin has been canceled, or at best postponed. But the FIA WEC says that the 24 Hours of Spa set for August 15 is still on the schedule. At this point all race dates must be regarded as tentative.—Brian Morgan
[Photo courtesy BMW Motorsport.]