Prolog ONBOARD
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The field of drivers was strong, but the conditions were anything but easy at the season opener in Neuhaus-Schierschnitz. The sky had opened its floodgates on race day, so that the demand has risen again considerably. But none of the 150 participants was impressed by the capricious weather and all went into their personal fight against Mother Nature and the competitor, who was also highly motivated at the start of the season, with full enthusiasm.
The MC Isolator had given everything and significantly extended the lap, so that now the adjacent sand pit – thanks to a change of ownership – has finally found its way into the track layout. The additional sections created there for the final increased the demand even more.
In the prologue, an electric car set the best time for the first time in the history of the HESG. To be fair, it has to be said that the fastest driver up to that point, Leon Hentschel, was given a three-minute penalty on his Beta because he had skipped a small section. Thus, Arvid Meyer on his Stark Varg got the best time. The reigning runner-up Henry Strauss placed third and still had some starting difficulties.
Group race
Full throttle in the first run and the tension was hard to beat, as the top riders constantly changed their positions, so you never knew who would take the victory. At first, Arvid Meyer led the field. However, the Stark Varg driver struggled with the battery management of his machine and had to stop one lap before the end of the race. However, Meyer took it calmly and then explained that he still lacked some experience in dealing with the electrical system in this situation.
After the placings had stabilized somewhat on the ten-minute lap, Henry Strauss launched the decisive attack. With an extremely fast lap of 9:51 minutes, last year“s runner-up was able to pull away from the field and finally won the first group race ahead of Marc Wulf and Matthis Millich. Both Wulf and Millich had decided at short notice to compete regularly again this season and already laid a solid foundation for the season with their podium finishes.
The second group race was also hot. Here, the experienced Beta driver Leon Hentschel was able to prevail against the competition. The serial record winner used his immense experience on the difficult course and won the race ahead of the two newcomers and returnees Florian Geisenhofer and Luca Kropitsch, who were also able to set a strong exclamation mark with their podium finishes.
Exciting final
The final started in the afternoon at 4:15 p.m. and was played over a distance of 55 minutes plus one round. In contrast to the previous race day, there was no wash cycle from above, so that the numerous spectators were able to watch an exciting race on the extended track largely dry.
At the top, the expected duel between Leon Hentschel and Henry Strauss developed. At first, the youngster Strauss was able to take the lead. However, Hentschel remained relaxed as usual and waited for his chance, which was to come in the further course of the race. Leon Hentschel grabbed Henry Strauss and took the lead, even though Strauss was able to catch up again one lap before the end. But the sum of the small mistakes on this difficult track ensured that Leon Hentschel was able to maintain his lead and ultimately secure victory at the season opener of the AUNER HardEnduroSeries Germany 2026.
Third place on the demanding lap went to Marc Wulf, who also got off to a strong start to the season. Arvid Meyer finished fourth and showed an impressive catch-up race. After his problems in the group race, the Stark-Varg driver fought his way through the field from further back and even came close to the podium.
Results FINAL
- Leon Hentschel Beta 1:09:23,421
- Henry Strauss KTM 1:09:45,032
- Marc Wulf KTM 1:14:15,983
- Arvid Meyer Stark 1:16:21,841
- Felix Bopp GasGas 1:17:20,085
Thus, the first scan of the competitors in the 2026 season had taken place. Everyone now knows whether they still have to step up for the second run or are good enough in the feed. Because in two weeks it will continue with the second run in Reetz on 28.03.2026.
Quelle / Source / Pictures / Bilder: HESG
