The first half of the NXT Gen Cup season is in the books - and saw a strong female participation: the series has been at the forefront of gender equality since its inception, with six female drivers entering the first rounds and one more set to make her debut at Sachsenring. Here's an overview of their season to date.
The first half of the season of the all-electric NXT Gen Cup is already in the books, with two race events at the Norisring and Nürburgring as part of the DTM support series. As the first 100% electric touring car series reaches the midpoint of its four-event calendar, a double-header at Sachsenring is now planned before the season finale at Hockenheim.
With seven races completed over two weekends, it's already clear who the star of the season is: Calvin de Groot has won four races and finished on the podium in the other three, taking the championship lead with a 46-point gap ahead of Victor Nielsen, with Enzo Hallman in third.
But the series has also been at the forefront of gender equality since its inception, with six female drivers entering the first rounds and one more set to make her debut at Sachsenring. Among them, Patricija Keita Stalidzane’s debut has been a particular highlight, as she has often battled at the front, showing potential for podium finishes on more than one occasion.
There have also been positive signs from young Swede Siri Hökfelt, the electric debuts of twins Alesia and Jacqueline Kreutzpointner, former DTM Trophy racer Sophie Hofmann, and the first steps in motor racing for Chantal Röhner.
With Scottish sportscar racer Jodie Sloss joining the grid this weekend, here's an overview of their season to date.
Patricija Stalidzane
Joining the NXT Gen Cup at the first event at Norisring, Latvian driver Patricija Stalidzane made an early impression, constantly battling in the leading group and aiming for podium positions.
She is currently the best-ranked female driver, sitting 6th in the championship standings and aiming for more.
At Norisring, the former ADAC GT4 Germany driver made a promising debut, showing pace in all practice sessions and qualifying 8th and 6th in the first two qualifying sessions of the season. Patricija fought for the top 5 in all four races, finishing 5th in the first, followed by two P6 finishes and a DNF in the final race of the weekend.
The Nürburgring weekend was another significant step forward, with Patricija again the best female driver on the grid. In the second race, she battled with Stjernelund for a podium spot and finished fourth, coming close to victory.
She finished 6th and 7th in the other two races, climbing to 6th place in the championship - and will be aiming for more in the second half of the season.
Siri Hökfelt
Siri Hökfelt is the only returning female driver this season and had a tricky start with a crash in the first practice session at Norisring, damaging her car and missing FP2, which meant her first laps were in the qualifying session.
Despite this, she made the best of the situation, finishing P14 and P10 in the first two races. As the weekend progressed and conditions changed, Siri improved, finishing P8 in the final race.
"Finally feeling good in the car and a good end to the weekend with more to show. Very thankful to have been enjoying Norisring and learning every step of the journey! But hungry to show more for next race."
At Nürburgring, Siri showed her pace, finishing two of the three races in the Top 10 and starting from the front row for the first time in her NXT Gen Cup career on a wet track.
"What a weekend at Nürburgring! To even drive on the Nürburgring was a dream I never thought I would accomplish a couple of years ago, and for this to be my second time was a surreal feeling."
Siri is currently 11th in the championship standings and is looking to break into the Top 10 at Sachsenring.
Sophie Hofmann
Sophie Hofmann joined the NXT Gen Cup on short notice for the first round at Norisring, making her debut in the all-electric series. She constantly battled for Top 10 positions throughout the opening weekend and at Nürburgring.
At Nürburgring, Sophie experienced a unique situation when a car in front of her picked up and dropped an advertising board, which got stuck on her car.
"Pace was pretty good in Race 3 [Nürburgring], finally the progress I was aiming for. Perfect car/setup, really happy with myself and about to claim some positions to reach my best season result in the NXT Gen Cup."
"Unfortunately, on the way, I picked up a piece of an ad board caused by another driver, and it got stuck to my car for the rest of my race. Anyway, happy with the weekend and looking forward to the next one."
Chantal Röhner
Chantal Röhner made her racing debut in the all-electric NXT Gen Cup at Norisring as part of the DTM paddock.
"This will be my very first race ever, and I’ll start from the bottom, trying to work my way up during the season. I’m incredibly excited for this new challenge and can’t wait to get started, even though I have the utmost respect for the competition."
Despite having no racing license three weeks prior, Chantal made progress throughout the weekend, finishing 15th, 16th, 14th, and 13th in her first races.
"From no racing license 3 weeks ago to my first race weekend. I arrived at the track with no high expectations and had no idea where I would stand. I always try to give my best and am very ambitious, so I’m not satisfied with my result."
At Nürburgring, Chantal continued to gain experience and mileage, showing noticeable progress and becoming more comfortable with the car.
"I had an amazing time, getting more and more comfortable with the car, and I’m really noticing the progress I’ve made. There’s still a lot to learn and work on to reach my goals."
Alesia Kreutzpointner
Alesia Kreutzpointner returned to racing in the MINI at Norisring in the NXT Gen Cup after her 24h Nürburgring debut. She battled with both the track and the car but managed to finish in the Top 16 in all races, with a best finish of P12.
Jacqueline Kreutzpoitner
Jacqueline Kreutzpointner also returned after her 24h Nürburgring debut and completed the six-female driver lineup at Norisring. She fought in the Top 10 and scored a pair of P9 and P11 finishes over the weekend in the electric MINI.
The next race will take place this weekend at Sachsenring, featuring another four races, with Patricija Stalidzane, Siri Hökfelt, Sophie Hofmann, Chantal Röhner, and new addition Jodie Sloss competing at the German track.
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