Audi one-make cup held during iconic endurance race for the first timeRookie Sheldon van der Linde traveling to the Eifel as overall leaderFormer Bundesliga goalkeeper Heinz Müller on grid as guest driver

The Audi Sport TT Cup is celebrating a premiere: for the first time, two rounds of the Audi one-make cup will be held in conjunction with the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. As part of the supporting program for the classic event in the Eifel, one race each will be held on Friday, May 27, and on Saturday, May 28.

Following the successful season opener at Hockenheim, the young talents will be on the grid during the supporting program of the 24-hour race. However, they will not be racing across the Nordschleife, but on the Grand Prix circuit. “The visit to the 24-hour race is a highlight on our race calendar,” says Philipp Mondelaers, Project Leader Audi Sport TT Cup.

The 24-hour race at the Nürburgring has been held on various configurations of the track since 1970, and on the entire circuit since 1984. At that time, none of the permanent drivers in the Audi Sport TT Cup had been born. Their average age this year is only 20 years. The second-youngest driver of the line-up – merely 16-year-old Sheldon van der Linde – is traveling to the Eifel as the overall Cup leader.

Drivers to be battling for victory in the guest entrants’ classification include Heinz Müller. In his active career, the former professional goalkeeper contested 65 Bundesliga matches for FSV Mainz 05. For years, he has been a motorsport enthusiast. Müller, who was trained as a vehicle mechanic, has competed in a number of hobby races and in the “Tuner Grand Prix” at Hockenheim, and clinched victories.

Audi Sport TT Cup events at the Nürburgring will kick off with free practice on Thursday, May 26, starting at 10:00, followed by a 30-minute qualifying session at 18:00. Race one will start on Friday at 11:55. On Saturday, race two will begin at 09:55. Both races will be covered by live streaming at www.audimedia.tv.