Driver dies following multi-car crash in Nürburgring 24h Qualifiers race

After a lengthy red flag following a serious seven-car crash and barrier damage, Nürburgring race officials reported that Juha Miettinen (BMW 325i, #121) succumbed to his injuries after being treated in the nearby Medical Center.

Official statement from race control:

"During today’s first race of the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers, a serious accident involving seven competitors occurred in the early stages. 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 paramedics were unable to save the driver involved, Juha Miettinen (BMW 325i, #121), after he had been extracted from the vehicle; the driver passed away at the Medical Centre after all attempts at resuscitation proved unsuccessful.

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 deceased motorsport competitor during the grid formation for Sunday’s race at 13:00."

Juha Miettinen

Photo by: Juha Miettinen Instagram

Update 2: 

Max Verstappen, posting to his personal Instagram stories, had this to share about the crash:

"Shocked by what happened today…

"Motorsport is something we all love, but in times like this it is a reminder of how dangerous it can be.

"Sending my heartfelt condolences to Juha's family and loved ones.

Update 1: 

The accident occurred on the third lap of the race at the exit of Klostertal, in the right-hand corner near the entrance to the steep section. A total of seven vehicles were involved.

Cars affected were numbers #27 (Wahl/Rönnefarth/Dumarey/Böckmann, Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3), #111 (Becker/Spölgen, BMW 325i E90), #121 (Miettinen/Berghult, BMW 325i E90), #410 (Croci/Larbi/Ackermann/Le Bihan, Porsche Cayman GTS), #448 (Klinkmüller/Beckwermert, Porsche Cayman CM12), #503 (Tamm/Egger/Hökfelt, Toyota Supra), and #992 (Griesemann/Griesemann/Adorf/Holzer, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Manthey 992.1).

The accident blocked the track in the corner at the entrance to the steep section, causing a traffic jam of vehicles. Later, several cars were guided back toward the pits against the race direction via the Nordschleife.

There is still no confirmed information about the cause of the accident. A possible oil spill may have led to the crash involving the seven vehicles.

At the time of the interruption, the pole sitters in the Gamota BMW #23 (Zsigo/Kranz/Jahn) were leading ahead of the Abt Lamborghini #84 (Engstler/Bortolotti/Niederhauser) and the Schnitzelalm Mercedes #11 (Heyer/Härtling/Fitje).

Due to the cancellation, the race will not be classified.

According to current information, the program of the 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers is expected to continue as planned on Sunday.

After morning qualifying (8:15–9:45 a.m.), a top qualifying session will follow from 10:40 to 11:40 a.m., in which cars from the top classes will compete individually for the best grid positions.

The four-hour race is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m. All times local.