The first of the two races during the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers weekend was red-flagged and later called off this afternoon, after a major incident involving seven cars.
Tragic news then emerged in the aftermath that one of the seven drivers, Juha Miettinen, had passed away after being extracted from his BMW 325i.
The bulletin from race control this evening reads:
“During the first race of the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers (18 April 2026), a serious accident involving seven competitors occurred in the early stages of the race. Following the collision between several vehicles, race control immediately halted the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations.
“Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, the emergency medics were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen (BMW 325i, #121), after he had been extracted from the vehicle; the driver died at the Medical Centre after all attempts at resuscitation proved unsuccessful.
“The other six drivers involved were taken to the Medical Centre and nearby hospitals for precautionary examinations. None of the injured are in a life-threatening condition.
“The race will not resume on Saturday evening. The thoughts of everyone involved in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring are with the bereaved family of Juha Miettinen.
“A minute’s silence will be held in memory of the late motorsport competitor during the grid formation for Sunday’s race at 13:00.”
In reaction to the news, the SRO Motorsports Group released the following statement:
“SRO Motorsports Group extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Juha Miettinen, who lost his life at the ADAC 24H Nürburgring Qualifiers earlier today.
“It also stands in solidarity with the event organisers, ADAC and all those affected by the tragic incident.
“SRO’s thoughts and prayers are with Juha’s family and friends, as well as the other drivers involved, at this difficult time.”
BMW M Motorsport has released a statement too, which reads:
“Heartbreaking news from the Nürburgring. We are shocked and deeply saddened by the fatal accident of Juha Miettinen. We lost a member of the BMW racing family under tragic circumstances. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Miettinen was also a longtime friend of DSC photographer Jochen Van Cauwenberge, who has paid tribute this evening.
“Juha was a kind, cultivated guy that loved the ‘Ring, spoke more languages than you could count and always had a smile on his face in the paddock,” Van Cauwenberge writes.
“He was extremely passionate about Porsche and the Nürburgring. He drove all kinds of Porsches there, from 964s to the latest RS models (see below), and raced with his friend Dan in a stock 325i. He always had maximum fun in whatever car he was driving.”
DSC sends its sincere condolences to everyone affected.