This year, the new GT racing series is focusing on amateur and gentleman drivers, new BoP approaches, and greater fan engagement through the “Fan Cam” and “Heroes Arena.”
The GT Summer Series will give German GT racing a new platform starting in the 2026 season. Behind the project is Gedlich Racing, which has made a name for itself in recent years with the Winter Series in Southern Europe. Now, the proven concept is to be transferred to the summer and to Germany for the first time—with a clearly defined goal: amateur and gentleman drivers will take center stage.
The 2026 calendar comprises five events within six months and, according to the organizers, has been deliberately tailored to the needs of teams and drivers. Appearances are planned at well-known German racetracks and selected international circuits.
A longer summer break is intended to provide additional planning security.
The series is integrated into the ADAC Racing Weekends, which promises organizational stability and an established environment. A central feature of the GT Summer Series is its sporting approach. Unlike many existing GT formats, the regulations are explicitly aimed at non-professional drivers. Professionals are also allowed to compete, but they must expect technical restrictions.
At the heart of the concept is a driver-specific balance of performance that takes into account not only the vehicle but also the status of the driver. The aim is to give amateurs a realistic chance of achieving competitive placings.
“We know from experience exactly what amateur drivers expect,” explains series organizer Stefan Lehner. Accordingly, the technology should offer more freedom while maintaining the performance density in the field. The GT Summer Series is thus deliberately positioning itself as an alternative to increasingly professionalized GT championships.
The organizer is also pursuing new approaches away from the track. The Heroes Arena is a central area in the paddock that will put drivers, teams, and partners more in the spotlight. Driver presentations, interviews, and other activities are planned there. The idea behind this is to give the participants more visibility—not just during the limited driving time on the track.
All GT Summer Series races will be broadcast live.
The classic livestream will be supplemented by a fan cam, which will provide insights from the paddock throughout the day. The focus will be less on glossy images and more on immediate impressions from the pits, team tents, and conversations with drivers. The season opener is scheduled for April 17-19, 2026, at the Hockenheimring. Classes are open for GT3, GT2, GT4, Cup, Challenge, and Supertrofeo vehicles. Registration is already open. To help teams keep track of costs, the organizer is providing a budget planner—another indication of the target audience the new series is aiming to attract.
GT Summer Series 2026 calendar
April 17–19, 2026: Hockenheimring (Germany)
May 29–31, 2026: Oschersleben (Germany)
June 25–28, 2026: Nürburgring (Germany)
August 27–30, 2026: Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium)
October 2–4, 2026: Hockenheimring (Germany)
Gedlich Racing Test Days 2026
April 17, 2026: Hockenheimring
May 28, 2026: Oschersleben
July 14, 2026: Nürburgring Sprint Circuit
July 15, 2026: Red Bull Ring
July 16, 2026: Oschersleben
August 18, 2026: Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit
September 29-30, 2026: Portimao
October 1, 2026: Hockenheimring
