Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 24h
The GTI celebrates its 50th anniversary since its debut in 1976
The Golf GTI celebrates its 50th anniversary since its debut in 1976. The 50th anniversary model will be unveiled at this year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours.
This year’s ADAC Nürburgring 24-Hour Race, held at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, is expected to attract a total of more than 230,000 fans. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Golf GTI, Volkswagen has chosen the Nürburgring 24-Hour Race as the stage for the world premiere of the anniversary model.
The first-generation Golf GTI was unveiled at the 1975 Frankfurt Motor Show and went on sale in Europe in 1976. Since then, the red “GTI” logo has always honed its performance on the Nürburgring track. Although details have not been revealed at this time, Volkswagen will release a special model of the Golf GTI for the anniversary year in 2026.
Golf GTI aims to repeat its class victory from last year
At last year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours race, Max Kruse Racing’s Golf GTI Clubsport 24h, driven by ace driver Benjamin Leuchter (pictured), won its class. This year, the team is aiming for a consecutive victory.
Max Kruse Racing will enter two Golf GTI Clubsport 24h cars in the 2025 Nürburgring 24 Hours race. Benjamin Leuchter, who has a long track record in touring cars and also serves as a development driver for Volkswagen, has been appointed as the team’s ace driver.
Last year, Leuchter teamed up with seven-time World Rallycross champion Johan Kristoffersson and experienced Nürburgring 24 Hours drivers Nico Otto and Heiko Hammel to win the automatic transmission class. This year, the same driver lineup will be aiming for a second consecutive victory. Fabian Vettel, brother of Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel, will also be driving a second Golf GTI Clubsport 24h.
Max Kruse Racing will conduct winter testing at the Algarve International Circuit in Portugal at the end of February 2025. The team will test their car for this season under racing conditions and adjust tires and settings. Furthermore, the team will also be competing in the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) in preparation for the Nürburgring 24 Hours race.
The 2025 NLS season will kick off with the 70th ADAC Westfalenfahrt 4 Hours, a one-day event, on March 22nd.
