Verstappen’s Presence Helps Draw Near-Record Field for N24

TL;DR

Max Verstappen's participation has led to a near-record entry of 161 cars for the N24 race, the largest grid in over a decade. This surpasses the previous record of 165 cars set in 2014.

Key points

Max Verstappen's presence boosts N24 entry to 161 cars
Largest starting grid in over a decade
Previous record was 165 cars in 2014
Race organizers changed rules to increase capacity
Teams are sharing garage space due to crowding

Max VerstappenN24

Verstappen’s Presence Draws Near-Record Field for N24Gruppe C Photography

When the green flag drops at the Green Hell, it’ll see a field larger than any in 12 years, thanks to the presence of four-time F1 champ Max Verstappen.

“With 161 cars entered, this will be the largest starting grid in over a decade—the last time more teams were represented at the endurance classic in the Green Hell was in 2014, with 165 cars,” The ‘Ring said in a statement.

Race organizers amended their own rules to pump capacity from the 150-car maximum that had been on the books. Teams had to agree to even more crowded garages to accommodate the bigger field. Garages at the N24 are already jammed, with several teams sharing garage space on top of each other.

You could come up with many reasons for the surge in entries, but, really, it’s the Max Factor. Who wouldn’t want to say they raced against the F1 hero?

Verstappen will drive the Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen RacingAMG GT3, pictured below with Lucas Auer, Jules Gounon ,and Daniel Juncadella—three teammates who rank among the absolute best, both in terms of their track record and their Nordschleife expertise, N24 said.

race cars competing on a track during a racing event

Last year’s winning ROWE BMWNurburgring 24

“Together, they form a lineup that is likely to set the benchmark for many competitors,” the ‘Ring said.

If all goes well, it could be the team’s first win on the track. At the Nordschleife Lang Strecke (NLS) season opener, the team initially secured victory before a disqualification due to tire count cost them the win; at the 24h Qualifiers in mid-April, they continued their preparations with further laps in the lead, before a technical fault led to a retirement.

But the rest of the field isn’t planning to just roll over and let Max win. In the top classes—SP9, SP-Pro, SP-X, and AT1—there are a total of 49 cars all fighting for the desired places in the three-stage top qualifying.

Q&A

How many cars are entered in the N24 race this year?

This year, 161 cars are entered in the N24 race.

When was the last time the N24 race had a larger starting grid?

The last larger starting grid was in 2014, with 165 cars.

What changes were made to accommodate the larger field at the N24?

Race organizers amended their rules to increase the capacity from a 150-car maximum.

Who is the notable driver contributing to the increased interest in the N24 race?

Four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen is the notable driver contributing to the increased interest.