German Truck Championship
The 40th International Shell ADAC Truck-Grand-Prix at the Nürburgring marked a turning point in the history of truck racing. Following Saturday evening’s final race, Sascha Lenz became the very first champion of the new TGP Championship, a series launched this season to promote truck racing in Germany beyond the traditional Nürburgring event.
After three meetings and twelve races, the German driver received his trophy in front of several thousand spectators during a ceremony held in the Müllenbachschleife, the traditional venue for the major celebration held during the iconic Nürburgring weekend.
A new era for Truck Racing
Created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Truck-Grand-Prix, the TGP Championship aims to develop truck racing in Germany, following the successful examples already established in France and the United Kingdom. After rounds at Hockenheim and the Lausitzring, the season finale at the Nürburgring concluded a first edition that organizers considered highly successful.
The championship is also supported by several major industry partners, including Renault Trucks, Shell and Goodyear. The series showcases more sustainable solutions through the use of Shell Renewable Diesel fuel, a Renault Trucks Pace Truck and Goodyear tyres made with 55% sustainable materials.
Complete domination
On the sporting side, Sascha Lenz left very little room for suspense. Driving his factory-backed MAN truck, the German driver won all four races of the opening weekend at Hockenheim before confirming his dominance at the Lausitzring despite strong competition from John Newell and Steffen Faas.
Overall, Lenz claimed victory in 10 of the 12 races held throughout the championship, securing the title even before the final round of the season. An impressive display of dominance that sees his name written into the history books as the first-ever TGP Championship winner.
With such a successful inaugural season, the TGP Championship appears to have found its place on the European Truck Racing scene and could quickly become a must-attend series for both drivers and fans. Perhaps as early as next season, French drivers will head across the border to challenge their German rivals and help grow the size of the starting grids. One thing is certain: 2027 will be worth watching.
