Pure Group A: The flair of the DTM’s glorious past at the Hockenheimring

Half a dozen DTM legends, and that twice over: the ‘Pure Group A’ pilot project, presented by Tourenwagen Legenden, is taking shape. Six BMW M3 E30s, a further six Mercedes-Benz 190Es, two Ford Sierra RS 500 Cosworths, one Opel Omega Evo 500 and one Alfa Romeo GTV 6: This comprehensive cross-section of the eventful history of Group A from 1982 to 1992 will be on display at the premiere on the first weekend of October 2026 at the Hockenheimring.

Two sprint races, each lasting 25 minutes, are on the programme as part of the ADAC Racing Weekend – the first on Saturday afternoon at 3.10 pm, the second on Sunday afternoon at 4.05 pm.

The format is identical to that of the Touring Car Legends – and that’s not all, as series organiser Thorsten Stadler explains: “For this pilot project, we’re using the technical regulations of our tried-and-tested Classes 2 and 3. Next year, as a second step, we’ll be presenting a standalone set of regulations with a class structure based on historical precedents. This framework is largely set in stone, though we remain open to suggestions and ideas.”

The field of entrants for the Pure Group A pilot project is led by German touring car icon Harald Grohs. Following his class victory at the Touring Car Legends event as part of the Zandvoort Historic Grand Prix (19–21 June 2026), the Essen-based driver will once again be at the wheel of Heinz F. Pott’s BMW M3 E30.

On 29 March 1987, he secured the first internationally acclaimed triumph for the new hope from Munich on the Small Circuit at the Hockenheimring. His bag of tricks was considered boundless at the time. His way with words was unrivalled, just like the uncompromisingly tough approach of the professional in his usually open jet helmet. ‘The others were absolutely astounded!’ he says to this day with a smile.

Topic of the week

Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring: track – hit or miss?

The people of Madrid had set their sights high for their city’s first Formula 1 World Championship race since 1981. But have the high expectations for the new Madring mixed-circuit track really been met?

Mathias Brunner

Read More

“I always love returning to the scene of my first major success with the M3,” says Grohs, now 82, looking forward to his outing at the Hockenheimring. “For me, that’s the epitome of a touring car.”

Both Pure Group A races will be available to watch via the official ADAC Racing Weekend livestream on YouTube. The Touring Car Legends, the GT Summer Series and the Porsche Sports Cup Germany round off the programme.