Indian endurance racer Akshay Gupta clinches a stunning second-place podium at the Nürburgring NLS despite hurdles in ‘VT2-F 4WD class’.
Introduction
In the world of motorsport, moments of glory are often forged in the most unpredictable conditions. For Indian endurance racer and tech entrepreneur Akshay Gupta, the sixth round of the ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS)turned into one such defining chapter. Racing in the VT2-F 4WD class at the KW 6h ADAC Ruhr-Pokal-Rennen, Gupta, alongside German teammate Alex Schneider and Belgian driver Jarno D’Hauw, delivered a spectacular performance that earned them second place.
But what makes this story remarkable isn’t just the podium—it’s the resilience shown against fog-shortened qualifying sessions, a reduced race duration, and even health struggles within the team. Let’s dive into how Gupta and his teammates turned adversity into triumph.
The Rising Star: Who is Akshay Gupta?
Akshay Gupta is not just any racer. He’s a tech entrepreneur who balances boardroom strategies with racetrack tactics. His story is proof that passion can thrive alongside profession. From India to global racing circuits, Gupta has steadily built a name in endurance racing—an arena where grit, teamwork, and mental strength matter as much as speed.
The Championship: What is ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie?
The Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) is one of the most prestigious endurance racing championships in Europe. Hosted on the iconic Nürburgring Nordschleife—dubbed “The Green Hell”—it pushes drivers and machines to their absolute limits. For racers like Gupta, competing here is like playing cricket at Lord’s or tennis at Wimbledon—it’s sacred ground.
The Challenge: KW 6h ADAC Ruhr-Pokal-Rennen
This particular round, the KW 6h ADAC Ruhr-Pokal-Rennen, was supposed to be a six-hour endurance test. However, the weather had other plans. Heavy fog disrupted schedules and compressed everything into tighter timelines, making the event even more challenging.
The Car: Hyundai i30N in VT2-F 4WD Class
Gupta and his teammates drove the Hyundai i30N, a compact hatchback tuned for endurance racing. In the VT2-F 4WD class, this car had to balance speed, stability, and durability. It’s like running a marathon in a sturdy pair of shoes—you need reliability as much as performance.
Meet the Team: Schneider and D’Hauw
No endurance race is won alone. Gupta teamed up with Alex Schneider from Germany and Jarno D’Hauw from Belgium. Together, they formed a trio that embodied resilience. Schneider’s determination, D’Hauw’s consistency, and Gupta’s adaptability became the foundation for their podium success.
Qualifying Drama: Fog Disrupts the Session
Qualifying was supposed to be 90 minutes long, but thick fog cut it short to just 40 minutes. For a race where grid position can heavily influence strategy, this was a major hurdle. It forced the team to rethink their approach right from the start.
Race Reduced: From Six Hours to Four and a Half
The main race itself, planned for six hours, had to be reduced to 4 hours and 30 minutes due to the same fog. Imagine preparing for a marathon and then suddenly being told it’s a sprint—you need to change gears, literally and mentally.
Schneider’s Health Struggles and Team Dynamics
Adding to the drama, Alex Schneider suffered health difficulties during the race. This forced Gupta to step in earlier than expected. It’s in moments like these where true team spirit shines. Instead of faltering, Gupta rose to the occasion, ensuring that the team remained competitive.
Gupta’s Crucial Stint in the Race
Taking over in the second stint, Gupta handled the car with composure and pace. His driving not only stabilized the team’s chances but also laid the groundwork for a podium finish. In endurance racing, consistency is king, and Gupta delivered exactly that.
The Final Push: Securing the Podium
In the closing stages, Schneider returned to the cockpit despite his health issues, pushing through the final three laps to seal second place. It was a true show of courage and teamwork, proving that endurance racing is as much about heart as horsepower.
Gupta’s Past Triumphs in Endurance Racing
This wasn’t Gupta’s first taste of success. Earlier in the year, he clinched podiums at the Dubai 24 Hours (TCE class)and the Nürburgring 24 Hours (SP3T class) with AsBest Racing. With three major endurance podiums in 2024 alone, Gupta is steadily becoming a force to reckon with in international motorsport.
Balancing Racing and Entrepreneurship
What makes Gupta’s journey even more inspiring is his dual identity as a tech entrepreneur. Balancing the high-speed world of racing with the fast-paced world of technology requires vision, discipline, and passion. It’s like steering two powerful cars at once—demanding, but rewarding.
The Significance of This Podium Finish
For Gupta, this second-place finish is more than just a medal. It’s validation that Indian racers can make their mark on international stages. Each podium finish pushes the boundaries for Indian motorsport, inspiring the next generation of drivers back home.
The Message for Indian Motorsport
Gupta’s success highlights the growing presence of Indian talent in global racing. It shows young motorsport enthusiasts that with determination and support, competing at world-class events isn’t just a dream—it’s achievable.
What’s Next for Akshay Gupta?
With momentum on his side, Gupta is poised for even greater success. Whether it’s more podiums in NLS or other endurance championships, one thing is clear—this Indian racer is only getting started.
Conclusion
Akshay Gupta’s second-place finish at the Nürburgring NLS wasn’t just a race result—it was a story of resilience, teamwork, and passion. Despite fog, shortened race time, and even health hurdles within the team, Gupta and his co-drivers showed what endurance racing is truly about. For Indian motorsport, this podium is another beacon of hope and inspiration. And for Gupta himself, it’s a stepping stone toward even bigger victories.
FAQs
1. Who is Akshay Gupta?
Akshay Gupta is an Indian endurance racer and tech entrepreneur who competes in international motorsport events like the Nürburgring NLS and Dubai 24 Hours.
2. What is the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS)?
The NLS is a prestigious endurance racing championship held at Germany’s iconic Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit.
3. Which car did Akshay Gupta drive in this race?
He drove the Hyundai i30N in the VT2-F 4WD class for STENLE Marketing Team Mertens Motorsport.
4. What challenges did the team face during the race?
They dealt with fog-shortened qualifying, a reduced race time, and Schneider’s health struggles—but still finished second.
5. What are Akshay Gupta’s past achievements in endurance racing?
He has secured podiums at the Dubai 24 Hours (TCE class) and the Nürburgring 24 Hours (SP3T class) earlier in the same year.
