ADAC Hockenheim Historic 2026 // A grand stage for historic racing legends
- The 21st ADAC Hockenheim Historic 2026 was a resounding success
- Around 46,000 visitors over three days, a fantastic atmosphere in the stands
- More than 500 participants delivered top-class classic motor racing
The smell of burnt rubber and petrol, a mesmerising soundtrack across all frequencies, stunning racing cars from a wide variety of categories and eras, an impressive crowd and a fantastic atmosphere in the paddock and in the stands – the “ADAC Hockenheim Historic – The Jim Clark Revival” delivered everything racing fans could have hoped for from one of Europe’s most significant classic car events, even in its 21st edition. In glorious spring weather, around 46,000 visitors flocked to the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg over the three days of the event to immerse themselves in the magic of racing days gone by.
The Golden Era of Touring Car Racing
As usual, the programme left nothing to be desired, with a particular focus this year on the various forms of touring car racing. The ‘Golden Era’ touring car series alone thrilled fans with an impressive field of over 50 cars from the former DTM, STW and DTC series. Admittedly, the results at the ADAC Hockenheim Historic are traditionally of secondary importance. Yet Altfrid Heger, who celebrated both day victories in the Audi 200, two-time class winner Kris Nissen (BMW M3 E30) or DTM veteran Roland Asch, who steered his Ford Sierra Cosworth to fifth place on Sunday, would certainly take a more nuanced view of this.
Asch, a six-time DTM race winner and now a sprightly 75 years old, emphasised the family-friendly atmosphere of the Jim Clark Revival: “It’s so lovely here! It’s incredible how many spectators have come back. Everything is open; the fans get as close to the action as at hardly any other event. The atmosphere is brilliant. Last night we had a barbecue together in the paddock – just like in the old days. The races were great fun too. Unfortunately, I couldn’t keep up with Altfrid and Kris. I got the tyres wrong; they were too soft. With my experience, I should have known better.”
A fantastic atmosphere in the stands
As for the atmosphere: the fans clearly relished the special ambience. Without exception, every racing car was given a send-off with applause during the cool-down lap. The merchandise stalls were just as busy as the diverse attractions of the ADAC Experience Zone, the large marque club meet-up, the Jim Clark special exhibition and the attractive display areas on the pit roof, where, among other things, 17 legendary Opel racing and rally cars built between 1903 and 2025 were on display. The start-finish area during the public grid walk ahead of Saturday’s BOSS GP race was absolutely packed.
But of course, it was the drivers on the 4.5-kilometre Grand Prix circuit who attracted the most attention. Take, for example, the protagonists of the DRM Revival led by Peter Mücke, who won the first race on Saturday in his Ford Capri Turbo and was in the lead in the second race when his 700-horsepower beast gave up the ghost. This cleared the way for Nico Send, who, in his fiery orange Kadett C, left the likes of a BMW M1 or Porsche 911 Turbo in his wake and, together with Michael Sadurski in the Ascona 400, secured a one-two finish for Opel. Or the CLASS ONE Revival powered by Carbon, in which motorsport fans were able to revel in memories of the heyday of Class 1 touring cars in the DTM.
Formula 1 up close at the Hockenheimring
Anyone who’d ever wanted to experience a real Formula 1 car in the pits or on the track got their money’s worth at the BOSS GP and Raceclub Germany, which alone put three Toyota GP cars from 2006, 2008 and 2009 on the track. The Historic Racecar Association, in turn, paid tribute with its various monoposti to Wolfgang Graf Berghe von Trips, who was killed in a fatal accident at the 1961 Italian Grand Prix in Monza. And the Lurani Trophy, as well as the DMV Formula Vau – featuring an excellent line-up of 52 cars – demonstrated why Formula Junior and Formula Vau have produced big names in international formula racing for decades.
Sports cars and GTs have traditionally played a key role at the ADAC Hockenheim Historic. Whilst the Golden Era Classic Cup was dedicated exclusively to Porsche cars, Raceclub Germany fielded a range of prototypes and GTs. The Gebhardt Ginetta Nordic Championship and the Velom Sportscar Supercup by Interwetten SCC bridged the gap to the modern era, with the latter boasting former Formula 1 driver Christian Klien in its ranks. “The sheer variety of cars here is brilliant,” enthused the 43-year-old Austrian. “It reminds me of my first visits to races as a child. Everything that looks good and makes a noise is racing here. You can see from the large crowds just how well this mix is going down – simply brilliant!” Klien’s enthusiasm wasn’t even dampened by the fact that his PRC-WPR broke down on Saturday with gearbox problems and the Cosworth V8 engine refused to cooperate the following day.
Date set for the 22nd edition
At the end of three thrilling days of classic racing, the Hockenheimring management also gave a positive assessment. “The ADAC Hockenheim Historic has long been one of the most popular and successful events on the Hockenheimring calendar,” said Jorn Teske, one of the managing directors of Hockenheim-Ring GmbH alongside Jochen Nerpel and Tim Brauer. “What makes the event so special is the high level of emotion that is an integral part of it. The concept of the open paddock goes down extremely well with the public, as it offers exciting glimpses behind the scenes of historic motorsport. Likewise, the varied supporting programme ensures that the event offers top-class entertainment for visitors of all generations, far beyond the races themselves.” And Jochen Nerpel emphasised “the strong partnership with the ADAC, which, now in its third year, ensures that the event continues to grow and develop. The large crowds prove the success of the event concept. Our thanks go to the teams and participants, our partners and the countless helpers on and off the track, without whom staging such an event would not be possible.”
The next date has already been set: the 22nd edition of the three-day motorsport festival will take place from 7 to 9 May 2027.
All information and race results at: www.hockenheim-historic.de
