Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 24h
Two Golf GTIs compete in the Nürburgring 24 Hours
Two Golf GTI Clubsport 24h cars prepared by Max Kruse Racing will be competing in this year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours race.
On June 20th, just before the start of the ADAC Ravenor Nürburgring 24 Hours final, Volkswagen will make the world premiere of a special edition Golf GTI, boasting the most powerful performance in GTI history. 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the debut of the first-generation Golf GTI, and the new Golf GTI will be sold as a commemorative model.
Volkswagen will be entering two Golf GTI Clubsport 24h cars in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, with the Golf GTI Clubsport 24h being prepared and raced by Max Kruse Racing, based in Duisburg, Germany.
The No. 19 car will be driven by Volkswagen test driver Benny Leuchter, seven-time rallycross champion Johan Kristoffersson, Heiko Hammel and Nico Otto, while the No. 76 car will be driven by Jasmin Preissig, Fabian Vettel, Timo Hochwind and Christian Gebbert.
Uses alternative fuel developed in collaboration with Shell
This race will use Shell E20, a bioethanol fuel jointly developed by Shell and Volkswagen.
The two Golf GTI Clubsport 24hs will be entered in the “AT3” class for alternative fuel vehicles. They will run on Shell E20, an innovative bioethanol fuel jointly developed by Shell and Volkswagen. This fuel is resistant to knocking and efficiently extracts power from the Golf GTI’s 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder TSI turbo engine, while significantly reducing CO2 emissions and significantly extending driving range.
The Golf GTI Clubsport 24h, which boasts a maximum output of 397 PS and a top speed of 265 km/h, has been updated from last year’s specifications. Max Kruse Racing, which was in charge of development, has made improvements to the aerodynamics, significantly improving efficiency levels. Development driver Benny Leuchter, who will be driving the No. 19 car again this year, explains the evolution as follows:
“Due to changes in vehicle class regulations, the minimum weight of the Golf GTI Clubsport 24h has increased by 30 kg. To compensate for this, we have increased maximum power by approximately 50 PS. By moving the rear wing rearward, we have improved the airflow in the rear section. This has reduced air resistance while maintaining the same level of downforce.”
Johan Kristoffersson, who teams up with Leuchter, added the following about the evolution of the Golf GTI Clubsport 24h:
“By using lightweight parts, we have improved weight distribution. The GTI has a low center of gravity, which further improves performance. Improving reliability was also a priority for us as we are running the 24-hour race. We have adopted lightweight wheels made by Protrac, and their lighter weight reduces the rotating mass, which reduces the load on the bearings. The improved durability will hopefully increase our chances of completing the 24-hour race.”
