BMW M2 Racing Secures Dedicated Cup Class for 2026 NLS Season

BMW confirms that the new M2 Racing will debut with its own cup class in the 2026 NLS season, continuing the tradition of BMW one-make racing at the Nürburgring.

BMW M Motorsport has officially confirmed that the debuting BMW M2 Racing will have its own cup class in the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) starting in 2026. For the new car, this is a symbolic step, continuing the legacy of the BMW M235i Racing, M240i Racing, and M2 CS Racing, which have all been part of Nürburgring racing history.

Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH, emphasized that the new model is affordable, powerful, easy to maintain, and delivers the typical M precision and drivability, making it ideal for its own class on the Nordschleife. Björn Lellmann, Head of Customer Racing, added that this is exactly the application the new entry-level race car was designed for. The car has already passed its first tests, including the 24-hour race, proving its readiness for a full season.

The upcoming 50th NLS season will start on March 14, 2026, and anticipation is building around the new BMW M2 Racing Cup. History shows that BMW cup cars have often delivered spectacular racing and even series champions – as in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2024.

Meanwhile, BMW M Motorsport continues to score wins worldwide. At the ADAC GT Masters round at the Salzburgring, Tim Zimmermann and Leyton Fourie took a crucial victory, closing in on the championship lead. In North America, Random Vandals Racing and Turner Motorsport are strengthening BMW’s dominance with the M4 GT3 EVO and GT4 EVO, consistently finishing on the podium. Justin Rothberg, competing in GT America, celebrated his sixth win of the season and extended his championship lead.

Other highlights include Ryder Quinn and Steve Jakic’s breakthrough overall victory in GT4 Australia and BMW works driver Jesse Krohn’s commanding win in Brno during the GT Cup Series. BMW teams are also impressing in GT World Challenge Asia, the GT4 European Series, and at the 24h Zolder as part of the Belcar Series.

All of this sets the stage for an exciting 2026 season, with the M2 Racing expected to play a starring role. BMW is clearly focused on both honoring its traditions and expanding its presence in customer racing, offering drivers and teams even greater opportunities for success.