Max Verstappen Set for Nurburgring NLS Debut Amid Permit Restrictions

Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 world champion, is set to make his debut in the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) this weekend, attracting significant attention to the 65th ADAC ACAS Cup. His participation marks a crucial step in his ambition to compete in top-tier GT3 machinery on the legendary Nordschleife, though initial efforts will be hampered by strict permit regulations.### Why it matters:Verstappen's entry into the NLS is a major draw for endurance racing and the Nordschleife. While his immediate goal isn't a class win, his participation is essential for obtaining the necessary "Permit A" to race higher-powered GT3 cars, signaling his long-term commitment to the challenging circuit.### The NLS Series: * The Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) is an endurance championship held exclusively on the iconic Nurburgring Nordschleife. * The 2025 season features 10 races over eight weekends, with this weekend hosting a double-header: the 65th ADAC ACAS Cup on Saturday and the 64th ADAC Reinoldus-Langstreckenrennen on Sunday. * Most NLS races, including this weekend's, are four hours long, contested by teams of two to four drivers.### Verstappen's Entry Details:Verstappen is expected to race for the Lionspeed GP team, driving a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 CS. * Cars: He is slated to share the #89 Cayman in the SP7 class and potentially the #980 Cayman in the Cup 3 class. * Class: SP7 is a GT4-dominated class for 3.5L to 4.0L engines, placing him below the leading SP9 GT3 category. His focus will be on class finishes rather than overall wins. * Teammates: He will share driving duties with his sim racing teammate Chris Lulham, along with Belgian GT driver Matisse Lismont and American IMSA regular Kyle Tilley. * Future Plans: Verstappen previously tested a GT3 car at the Nürburgring in May under the pseudonym Franz Hermann and is anticipated to make his SP9 GT3 debut on September 27.### The Permit A Challenge:Verstappen's debut will be restricted by the DMSB Permit Nordschleife (DPN) system. * The Restriction: Lacking the higher-level Permit A, Verstappen's Porsche Cayman GT4 CS must be artificially detuned. The car, which typically produces 425hp, will be restricted to just over 300hp due to a minimum 4.2kg per hp power-to-weight ratio limit for first-time Nordschleife participants. * Impact: This detuning means Verstappen will not be able to compete for class wins or set lap records this weekend. * Earning Permit A: To obtain Permit A, drivers must achieve two classified race results. * Verstappen plans to meet this requirement by competing in two different cars (the two Caymans) within Saturday's race. * He must complete 14 laps and cover at least 20% of the race distance in each car for his contribution to qualify. This typically means two stints of seven laps each in a four-hour race. * Purpose of the System: Introduced in 2015, the permit system aims to ensure drivers gain experience in slower cars before moving to faster machinery, promoting track safety and respect. * Controversy: While supporters credit the system with improving race flow, critics argue it's an unnecessary hurdle. MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi notably refused to race on the Nordschleife due to these regulations. * Verstappen's Goal: His ultimate objective is to earn Permit A to compete in the top SP9 GT3 class, potentially with his own team.### How to Watch:Fans can watch all NLS series rounds, including Saturday's 65th ADAC ACAS Cup, live and for free on Motorsport.tv. * Qualifying Broadcast: Starts at 8:15 AM CEST local time. * Race Broadcast: Kicks off at 11:15 AM CEST local time, with the race beginning at 12:00 PM.