For a Six-Hour Race - 22 injured in explosion at Nürburgring
An explosion in the pit lane at the Nürburgring has injured 22 people, four of them severely. The lightly injured reportedly suffered mainly from acoustic trauma, the Koblenz police said. "Pending further investigation, the cause of the accident is likely the explosion of a compressed air cylinder behind a box in the pit lane area," it was stated further. The criminal police have taken over the investigation.
The six-hour ADAC Ruhr Cup race is still scheduled to take place today as planned. The organizer has given teams and drivers the freedom to participate in the race of the Nürburgring long-distance series (NLS). The test run served as preparation for the NLS4, in which various classes are to compete today in the six-hour ADAC Ruhr Cup race - the highlight of the season.
Former Formula 1 and DTM driver Timo Glock is set to make his debut in a Porsche. The 42-year-old faces a big challenge in the SP9 premier class. Glock's brand colleague includes the current DTM champion, Thomas Preining from Austria. Furthermore, David Schumacher, son of the former Formula 1 and DTM driver Ralf Schumacher, is set to start in a Mercedes-AMG GT3, as well as 24h winner Frank Stippler in an Audi.
As a co-owner and namesake of the racing team, Max Kruse has been present in the NLS for years. The former football professional is set to compete in his first race on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife in a VW Golf VII GTI TCR. Kruse had made 17 appearances in the jersey of the German national team.
Further investigations in daylight
According to official statements from the organizers, the incident occurred at box 27 in the pit lane, which was also cordoned off by the police along with the surrounding area. According to information from the German Press Agency, four rescue helicopters and several ambulances were in operation at the racetrack, as well as chaplains. The investigations are to be continued today in daylight.
Despite the incident in box 27 at the Nürburgring's pit lane, Germany remains the host for the ADAC Ruhr Cup race.Shockingly, even renowned German drivers like Timo Glock and David Schumacher are part of the event, showcasing the resilience of the German motorsport community.
