NLS: Racing driver Juha Miettinen tragically killed in Nurburgring crash
- Marios Gantzoudis
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
The 66-year old was fatally injured in a massive pile-up in the NLS 24h Qualifiers Race one, with the race subsequently cancelled.
Sad news from the Nurburgring, as 66-year old BMW driver Juha Miettinen has passed away, due to injuries sustained in a seven-car crash that occured in the Klostertal area of the track, due to a suspected oil/fluid spillage from another car.
As a direct result of the -now proven fatal- seven car accident, the race officals have declared that Race one of the NLS 24h Qualifiers will not resume today.
The official announcement from the Race control reads as follows:
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 involving several vehicles, race control immediately halted the race to allow for extensive recovery and rescue operations.
"Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, the paramedics were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen (BMW 325i, #121); the driver died in 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."
This sadly proved to be the first driver fatality during a race on the Nordschleife since German Wolf Silvester died during a race in June 2013.
On behalf of the entire DIVEBOMB team, we extend our deepest condolences to Juha's family . Our thoughts are sincerely with them during this difficult time.
