Chantal Röhner to make racing debut in NXT Gen Cup at Norisring

24-year-old Chantal Röhner will make her racing debut in the NXT Gen Cup this weekend at Norisring, becoming the second female driver to join the field of the second season of the all-electric touring car championship.

Photo courtesy: NXT Gen Cup

German 24-year-old driver Chantal Röhner is set to make her racing debut this weekend in the all-electric NXT Gen Cup, as the series launches its second season at Norisring in support of DTM.

Röhner just recently took her international racing license, and had previous experience of the German Wintercup series at Sachsenring, with NXT Gen Cup representing a major step in her career.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to make my racing debut in NXT Gen Cup! Ever since I started driving, I've loved MINIs and I'm over the moon that my first race will be in an electric MINI," she commented. "My ambitions for the first race is above all to gain experience, get to know the car and improve my skills".

NXT Gen Cup is the first all-electric touring car championship and offers a competitive platform to up and coming drivers willing to specialize in electric motorsport. The series contested its first campaign in 2023, sharing the paddock with elite GT series like DTM and ADAC GT Masters; it will return on the support package of DTM in 2024, with a 12 race calendar, spread out over four race meetings.

"My overall ambitions for the season is to consistently improve my performance, achieve personal bests and compete for top positions", Röhner continued. "I’m going to learn from each race and want to demonstrate steady progress throughout the season. My goal is to stand on the podium at least once."

With nine drivers now confirmed for the opening weekend at the iconic Norisring, Chantal Röhner becomes the second female driver to sign up to the 2024 season, joining 17-year-old Swede Siri Hökfelt, who returns to the championship for the second year.

"It's crucial for drivers of both genders to race on equal terms in motorsport because it promotes fairness, diversity, and the growth of the sport," Chantal said.

"Equal opportunities ensure that talent and skill are the primary determinants of success, fostering a more inclusive and competitive environment. Women need to know that it is not about who they are, but what they can do. And I intend to show what I can do this season, that's for sure."

The 2024 NXT Gen Cup calendar features some of the most famous circuits in Germany, including the Norisring street circuit, Nürburgring, Sachsenring and Hockenheim, which will round out the season in October. Norisring and Sachsenring will be double-headers, with four races per weekend instead of the regular two.