Indian Racer Akshay Gupta Steps Up to Porsche GT4 for 2026 Nurburgring Championship
In a significant career advancement, Indian racecar driver Akshay Gupta has announced his move to the Porsche Cayman GT4 for the 2026 Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) and the Nurburgring 24 Hours. The 33-year-old from Ahmedabad will join the esteemed Sorg Rennsport team, marking a pivotal shift into higher-tier endurance racing.
Gupta's Transition to Competitive Cup3 Class
Akshay Gupta will pilot the #949 Porsche Cayman GT4 CS in the Cup3 class, which is part of the Porsche Endurance Trophy Nurburgring (PETN). This category is renowned for its intense competition and large entry fields, making it one of the most challenging segments in the championship. After three successful seasons in VT2 production classes with Hyundai and BMW, where he secured six podium finishes and two race victories, Gupta is now poised to tackle the GT4 machinery.
"The last three years in the production classes were a huge learning experience. I wanted to achieve a few milestones before I took a step up in the GT racing ladder," Gupta stated. "GT4 cars are the immediate next step and I am happy to have signed with a strong & experienced team."
Team Dynamics and Championship Ambitions
Gupta will share driving duties with 19-year-old German driver Darian Donkel, his former teammate from Mertens Motorsport in 2025, and fellow German racer Aaron Wenisch. This familiar lineup is expected to enhance team synergy and performance on the track.
Sorg Rennsport, Gupta's new team, is a well-established force in Porsche endurance racing at the Nurburgring, with over 50 class victories in the NLS and RCN series. The team fields 10 entries in the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie, underscoring its expertise and competitive edge.
Gupta has set his sights high for the upcoming season: "My teammates are also experienced and fast, I shared the car with Darian at Mertens & the pit box with Aaron in 2023, so I am familiar with them. I have my sights set on winning the Pro-AM championship this year in the PETN."
Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie Overview and Calendar
The NLS championship features 10 races, including nine 4-hour events and one 6-hour race, culminating in the prestigious 24 Hours of Nurburgring. The Cup3 class, where Gupta will compete, is a one-make series with identical Porsche-supplied cars and limited setup adjustments, ensuring that driver skill is the primary determinant of success.
Notably, the opening race on March 14th, 2026, will see 21 entries in the Cup3 class, highlighting its popularity and competitive nature. Additionally, the season will feature Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen competing in the GT3 class with Winward Racing during NLS Round 2 and the Nurburgring 24 Hours, adding star power to the series.
Akshay Gupta remains the sole Indian driver competing full-time in the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie for a third consecutive season, proudly representing India on the international racing grid.
2026 Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie Race Calendar
- 12th to 14th March, 2026: NLS1
- 19th to 21st March, 2026: NLS2
- 9th to 11th April, 2026: NLS3
- 16th to 19th April, 2026: ADAC 24h Qualifiers (NLS4/5)
- 13th to 17th May, 2026: ADAC Ravenol 24 Hours of Nurburgring
- 18th to 20th June, 2026: NLS 6
- 30th July to 1st August, 2026: NLS7
- 10th to 13th September, 2026: NLS 8 & NLS 9
- 8th to 10th October, 2026: NLS10
Fans can catch the live action on YouTube channels such as @VLNOFFICIAL, @Nurburgring-o5h, and @AutoAddictionMedia, ensuring global accessibility for this thrilling endurance racing spectacle.
