Falken Motorsports will continue to compete in the Nürburgring Endurance Series and the 24h race
Falken Motorsports' goal for 2026 is clearly defined: the team wants to pick up where it left off in previous years. Falken Motorsports dominated the past season in impressive fashion, racking up a total of five victories in the NLS, including four one-two finishes, twelve podium places, and two pole positions. This record was enough to win the NLS Speed Trophy, which the team had already won in 2024 and successfully defended last year.
This means that Falken remains one of the most successful and popular participants at the Nürburgring. The brand has been present at the 24h race almost continuously since 1999 and has established itself not only in sporting terms but also as a fixture in the event environment. Participation in the legendary endurance classic and selected NLS races is planned for the 2026 season.
At the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 R, Falken Motorsports is focusing on continuity and experience: Klaus Bachler, an old acquaintance, is returning. The 34-year-old Austrian has regularly competed for Falken on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in the past and has already celebrated several victories. This season, Bachler will share the cockpit with, among others, former DTM driver Morris Schuring, who has been part of the Japanese tire brand's driver squad since the beginning of 2025 and triumphed in his debut in Falken colors. The Dutchman already celebrated an overall victory at last year's NLS opener together with Sven Müller, who is also back in the lineup for 2026 and has been a fixture in the team for several years.
The quartet is completed by Tim Heinemann, who has been racing for Falken since 2022 and has made a name for himself as one of the fastest GT3 drivers on the Nordschleife. Together, the team brings a mix of experience, Nordschleife know-how, and a winning mentality, providing the best conditions for another successful season in Falken colors.
Falken Motorsports is also focusing on continuity in terms of appearance: the striking design of the Porsche 911 GT3 R remains virtually unchanged, as does the traditional start number 44. This refers to the house number of Falken Europe's first German location in Offenbach and thus symbolizes the brand's close ties to Germany.
In addition to the popular Porsche entry, Falken will also continue its collaboration with Max Kruse Racing in the 2026 season. The racing team of former professional soccer player Max Kruse has been relying on Falken racing tires since 2021 and has already celebrated numerous class victories on the Nordschleife over the past four years. Just last year, Falken also extended its partnership with the 24h race at the Nürburgring, which now runs until 2028. In the Nürburgring Endurance Series, the Falken logo will continue to be featured on all race cars as part of the sponsorship commitment.