The Project
A New Chapter in Historic Motorsport
The VÖLKEL Racing Team is setting a new focus: in 2026, the team will compete in the DHLM, the new historic endurance racing series at the Nürburgring.
The decision to enter this series was a deliberate one. While modern racing formats at the Nürburgring have become increasingly expensive, the DHLM offers an attractive sporting platform for historic race cars on one of the world’s most iconic circuits.
The setting of the series is especially strong: the DHLM takes place in the context of the Nürburgring 24 Hours, creating high visibility for the team, drivers and car. For VÖLKEL, the Nürburgring is far more than just a race track — it is home ground.
The Race Car
Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC
The original plan was to campaign a Mercedes 500 SLC. However, the regulations quickly made one thing clear: the 500 SEC has the more modern Group A homologation and also allows the use of a manual gearbox — a decisive advantage for racing on the Nordschleife.
5.0 L V8 Engine
The 5.0-liter V8 delivers exactly what historic motorsport is all about: displacement, character, presence and a sound that creates instant recognition on the Nordschleife.
6-Speed Manual Gearbox
The conversion from automatic to a 6-speed manual gearbox is one of the project’s key development steps. It improves drivability, opens up more flexibility in gearing and is far better suited to the car’s sporting purpose.
Complete Safety Equipment
Seats, harness system, roll cage, fire suppression system, safety fuel tank, suspension, wheels and tires: the build consistently follows the requirements of the regulations and creates the foundation for a safe and durable race car.
The Series
German Historic
Endurance Championship
The new historic racing series on the Nürburgring Nordschleife — awarded official DMSB status.
The German Historic Endurance Championship, or DHLM, is a racing series for historic touring cars and gran turismo cars in an endurance format. Racing takes place on the Nürburgring combination of the Grand Prix circuit and the Nordschleife.
The focus is on genuine sporting competition: multi-driver line-ups, strategy over longer distances and the balance of speed, reliability and consistency. That is exactly what makes the series so appealing.
The championship is promoted by KES Race & Events GmbH. It is run under DMSB regulations. For the 2026 season, the calendar includes four championship rounds.
Calendar Note
The Eifelrennen will not be held in 2026 and will be replaced by an additional championship round as part of the ADAC 1000 km Race.
2026 Calendar
The DHLM has official DMSB status. The promoter is KES Race & Events GmbH in cooperation with ADAC Nordrhein and DAMC 05 Veranstaltungs-GmbH. More information at www.dhlm.info
Motorsport History
VÖLKEL Racing
on the World Stage
Before the team lines up in the DHLM, VÖLKEL already looks back on several international motorsport appearances.
Historic Motorsport.
Maximum Visibility.
With the Mercedes 500 SEC, the VÖLKEL Racing Team is bringing a new project to the Nordschleife in 2026 — emotional, distinctive and highly visible in the setting of one of Europe’s biggest motorsport weekends.