For more than three decades, the Youngtimer Trophy has stood for historic motorsport with character. What once began as an idea of dedicated enthusiasts has long since developed into one of Germany’s most competitive historic racing series. The mix of legendary race cars, exciting class battles, and traditional race tracks captivates fans and drivers alike.
Youngtimer Trophy: More than three decades of motorsport passion
The roots of the series date back to 1992, when Egon Meurer and Hans Schnock laid the foundation for a new platform for historic racing cars. On June 12, 1993, the final shot was fired: As part of the ADAC 24h Race, the Youngtimer Trophy made its first run on the Nürburgring. More than 70 vehicles took to the start at that time. One of the most prominent participants was Walter Röhrl, who spectacularly drove the Austin Healey 3000 – known as „the Pig“ – around the Nordschleife. The first winners in the history of the series were Wolfgang and Günther Schrey in the Porsche 911 Carrera RSR.
A wide variety of brands creates unique competition
A special feature of the Youngtimer Trophy is its enormous variety of vehicles and classes. More than 50 different classes cover a wide range of motorsport eras and provide exciting competition within the respective categories. For the championship, it is not only the overall ranking that counts, but above all the direct comparison with the class competitors.
For spectators, the race track transforms into a rolling motorsport museum. The range of vehicles extends from the compact NSU TT to Ford Escort and Opel Kadett C, to the spectacular Porsche of the Group 5 class. Touring cars from the early DTM years such as the BMW 635 CSi, BMW M3 or Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 also regularly compete for top positions. New this season, homologated vehicles up to model year 2000 are also allowed to participate on an invitation-only basis.
2026 season with legendary race tracks and classic highlights
The calendar for the 2026 season also again offers numerous highlights for drivers and fans of historic racing vehicles. Following the opening event at the ADAC Racing Weekend in Hockenheim, the ADAC Nürburgring Classic is already one of the major highlights of the season.
In the coming season, the Youngtimer Trophy will be featured at events such as the Historic Grand Prix Zolder in Belgium and the Spa Historic Competition in Spa-Francorchamps. The appearance at the traditional Formula 1 circuit in Spa is one of the most emotional and challenging events of the year. The season finale will finally take place as part of the ADAC/RGB Season Finale at the Nürburgring GP track.
