The motorsport world is in mourning following the death of Finnish veteran racer Juha Miettinen, who was killed in a multi-car accident during Race 1 of the ADAC 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The 66-year-old amateur driver was a beloved figure in the endurance racing community and a regular competitor on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Details of the Accident
The Incident: Approximately 25 minutes into the four-hour qualifying race, a massive collision involving seven vehicles occurred in the Klostertal section (near the Karussell) of the circuit.
The Cause: While an official investigation is ongoing, eyewitness reports and fellow drivers suggested a possible fluid leak or oil spill on the racing line, which caused multiple cars to lose grip simultaneously at high speed.
Emergency Response: Race control immediately issued a red flag to stop the event. Miettinen, who was driving the #121 BMW 325i (E90) for Keeevin Sports and Racing, had to be extricated from his vehicle. He was rushed to the circuit’s Medical Center, where resuscitation attempts were ultimately unsuccessful.
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Other Drivers: Six other drivers were involved in the pile-up. They were transported to local hospitals for precautionary checks, but officials confirmed that none of their injuries were life-threatening.
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Race Suspension and Tributes
Due to the severity of the accident, organizers officially cancelled the remainder of Saturday’s race.
High-Profile Participation: The event had garnered significant international attention due to the participation of three-time F1 World Champion Max Verstappen. Verstappen, who was not involved in the crash, later shared his condolences, reminding fans of the inherent dangers of the sport.
Memorial Plans: A minute of silence has been scheduled for Sunday, April 19, during the grid formation at 1:00 PM local time to honor Miettinen’s legacy.
Industry Reaction: Major organizations, including SRO Motorsports Group and BMW M Motorsport, have issued statements standing in solidarity with Miettinen’s family and the ADAC organizers.
In Loving Memory: Juha Miettinen
Juha Miettinen (1960–2026) was known as a true “Nordschleife-Liebhaber” (Nordschleife lover).
A Familiar Face: He spent decades competing in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS), RCN, and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
Final Message: Just hours before the race, Miettinen posted on social media expressing his excitement for the “taste of that Nürburgring 24H feeling.” Fans have since flooded his final post with emotional tributes, calling him a role model and a genuine friend to the racing community.
