Nurburgring, Ford Mustang GT3 incredible first win in the NLS

NLS Race 8 at Nurburgring yesterday saw the Ford Mustang of Haupt Racing Team take the victory, crossing the finish line. #6 Porsche GT3R from Falken Motorsport was forced to retire.

Proof that Ford has built a highly competitive car came with yesterday’s Race 8 of the NLS Germany. Sure, a bit of luck helped the Ford Mustang GT3, but at the checkered flag, it was the one to cross first.

Round 8 of the NLS championship at the Nürburgring Nordschleife delivered thrills and surprises right up to the final lap. Making history was the Ford Mustang GT3 of Haupt Racing Team, which secured its first overall victory in the series with the Kolb–Stippler duo, completing 28 laps in 4:02:55.721. This marks the first-ever overall win for the American brand in the Green Hell.

A strong display of consistency and strategy by the Mustang, which capitalized on the retirement of the Falken Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 R—the winner of the previous day’s race—after it went off track despite dominating the early stages.

Right behind them, the other Falken Motorsport Porsche with Heinemann and Leuchter finished in second place. Their performance was solid but not enough to threaten the eventual winners. Rounding out the podium was the BLACK FALCON Team EAE Porsche 911 GT3 R, once again confirming itself as a key contender in the PRO-AM class.

Audi and Aston Martin outclassed by Porsche and Ford.

Also finishing in the top 5 were the Audi R8 LMS GT3 from JUTA Racing and the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 EVO of Walkenhorst Motorsport, both delivering consistent performances, though lacking the pace to challenge the front runners.

Worth noting is the seventh place overall and class victory in CUP2 for the #948 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup of LOSCH Motorsport by Black Falcon, ahead of the sister car #921 from Mühlner Motorsport.

It was a race full of twists and turns, once again proving just how unpredictable and spectacular the Nordschleife can be. The NLS championship now heads toward its next round on September 27, with another 4-hour race marking the penultimate event of the 2025 season.

Verstappen set for GT3 debut at Nurburgring

Max Verstappen is officially set to make his debut behind the wheel of a GT3 car, most likely the Ferrari 296 GT3—one of his personal favorites. After successfully completing the mandatory DMSB (Deutsche Motor Sport Bund) licensing steps at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, the Dutchman is now ready to move up a category. And what a leap it is: Verstappen will compete in the Platinum class, reserved for Formula 1 drivers and officially affiliated factory drivers.

His GT3 debut will take place the weekend following the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Baku, where he’ll face an even tougher challenge—battling against the McLarens of Piastri and Norris.