It’s that time again this coming weekend: the starting signal for the traditional 24-hour race at the Nürburgring will be given on Saturday, 21 June 2025. For Elia Erhart, the GT3 driver from Röttenbach, the legendary endurance race on the Nordschleife is an integral part of the calendar – and this year he enters it with particularly strong momentum. After a promising dress rehearsal at the 24h Qualifiers at the end of May, where the team achieved strong results, Erhart is feeling confident.

Together with the internationally experienced Juta Racing Team, as well as his teammates “Selv” and Alexey Veremenko, the 37-year-old will drive the Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II with start number 8. The trio receives reinforcement from a prominent new addition: former 24-hour overall winner Pierre Kaffer will not only act in an advisory role but will also take a turn at the wheel. Together, the quartet pursues a clear goal: to achieve top results through consistent performance in the Pro-Am category.

Elia Erhart ready for the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring

Strong dress rehearsal with the qualifiers

The team already demonstrated its competitiveness at the Nordschleife during the preparatory event. Despite adverse weather conditions, Erhart and his colleagues achieved a remarkable eighth place in the overall classification in the first race, as well as second place in the Pro-Am category. The starting stint by the experienced Frank Stippler in particular drew attention, as he moved the Audi temporarily to the front of the field.

Erhart took over the wheel during a physically and mentally demanding phase of the race – and showed strong nerves. Despite challenging track conditions, the Röttenbach native drove consistently fast lap times and kept the vehicle under control even in critical situations. “In dry conditions, the car felt excellent from the beginning, and there was also confidence in the rain – not least thanks to the new rain tyre compound from Goodyear,” Erhart explained afterwards. Fortunately, a spin caused by aquaplaning at the airport section had no consequences. “After a year's break from the Nordschleife, it was of course a special pressure situation to take over in a race. I am therefore all the more happy that everything worked fine.”

Objectives clearly formulated: Consistency as the key

The team is pursuing a clear strategy for the main race next weekend: “After the strong performance in the qualifiers, we want to push again. With a little luck and the necessary consistency, even a place among the top 15 overall is realistic,” says Erhart. At the same time, he emphasises how important it is to complete the full 24-hour race distance without any technical issues or accidents.

Pierre Kaffer strengthens the driver quartet

With Pierre Kaffer’s commitment, Juta Racing is also making a strong statement. The winner of the 2019 24h Race brings not only extensive experience but also great routine on the Nordschleife. “I am very pleased to be back at the start of my home race with the Audi R8 LMS GT3 – a car with which I share many memories,” says Kaffer. “The overall victory in 2019 with Phoenix Racing was certainly one of the highlights of my career.” For Erhart, the cooperation with his long-time companion is a stroke of luck: “Pierre was immediately enthusiastic about the idea of joining us – also because Frank Stippler is involved in another project this year.”

Starting shot on Saturday – NITRO to broadcast live

The 24-hour race at the Nürburgring begins on Saturday, 21 June at 16:00. Before that, three qualifying sessions, a top qualifying, and a warm-up are on the agenda. The TV channel NITRO will broadcast the entire endurance classic live and in full on free-to-air television.

For Elia Erhart and the Juta Racing Team, one thing is clear: the conditions are right – and now meticulous preparation is set to pay off with a successful performance on the big Eifel stage.

Source: EFP-Racing
Photos: RACEPIX

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