ADAC Hopes for a Boost from the New Sports Promotion Act

The Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC) sees the recently adopted draft of the Sports Promotion Act as offering a glimmer of hope for greater recognition of non-Olympic sports as well. Thomas Voss, Head of Motorsports, Classic Cars, and Events at the ADAC, points to the social and economic significance of major motorsports events and sees this as an opportunity to give motorsports greater consideration in government sports funding.

“I believe sports need to redefine themselves in some areas first,” Voss said on the sidelines of the Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Sachsenring in response to a question from the German Press Agency. Until now, he noted, much of the focus has been on promoting Olympic sports. “Nevertheless, I believe that non-Olympic sports—which include motorsports—should not be overlooked,” he emphasized. Motorsports, in particular, are socially and economically successful and are experiencing “enormous growth rates.”

More Than Just Sporting Events

Voss highlighted the importance of major motorsports events such as the Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Sachsenring, which is expected to draw around 250,000 spectators this weekend, or the 24-Hour Race at the Nürburgring, which most recently drew around 350,000 visitors. These events are not just sporting events, but also drivers of tourism and the economy. “The three largest individual sporting events in Germany are motorsports events. That should be recognized,” said Voss. If the Sports Promotion Act helps achieve that, then “that’s all great.”

The Bundestag approved the draft Sports Promotion Act this week. At the heart of the reform is the establishment of an independent elite sports agency based in Leipzig. Starting in 2027, it will, among other things, coordinate support for federations and athletes, further develop national training centers, and independently allocate government funding. The goal of the reform is less bureaucracy and more medals in German elite sports.