When the temperatures start dropping here in the Netherlands, you know that the end of the car season is coming. Still, a lot is going on, like Deutsche Autofest/Bimmerworld. It was the time of year again for car enthusiasts, especially those into the German brands, to visit TT Circuit in Assen for another day packed with only the best of the German car culture, hot lap sessions, drag races, and, of course, the best of Shine. It was typical Dutch weather, with a lot of grey clouds and some drizzling rain, but that didn’t take the fun away.

Text: Benjamin Wefer
Pictures: Benjamin Wefer,

As it became a tradition, 402 Automotive combined the two small events, German Car Fest and Bimmerworld, into one big show this year as well. The track Paddock was split into two, offering something for every taste, from a Porsche 922 GT3 RS to a tuned Opel Corsa. And of course, from a 1975 BMW T11 to the newest versions.

But the Deutsche Auto Fest/Bimmer world had a lot more to offer than just a paddock filled with only the best of the German car industry. Like previous years, the Ruskenhoek was turned into the drift arena, where spectators had the opportunity to see several drift cars performing breathtaking stunts. And, for visitors seeking a little more adrenaline, they could have been in the passenger seat of the Drift Taxi experience.

One of the Drifters, Matthijs Panninga from Drift Finesse, provided some breathtaking drift stunts. What can you expect? “Well, a lot of smoke and a lot of drifting,” Panninga replied. I always start the tour by asking the passenger if it’s their first time, to break the ice and make them feel comfortable, well, till I popped it in first gear. After the adrenaline kicks in and they start enjoying it, I will push it even more! For minutes, Panninga pushed his BMW to the maximum on the drift parcour, giving the spectators an unbelievable moment. Not only was Drift Finesse on the drift parcours, but Brick House Drifting and several other teams were also present.

Next to the drift taxi, visitors had the opportunity to participate in a supercar drive. Just outside the main entrance, the Time Out Experience team offered a unique opportunity: spectators could pay to take a 20-minute drive in a 2017 Porsche 911 GT3 with IPE exhaust or a Nissan GT-R.

To keep adrenaline levels high, spectators could move between the drift arena and the main stand, where quarter-mile races were taking place. Three hours of pure thrill, pure German horsepower, and around 60 drivers enlisted themselves to compete to be the fastest. Once again, Leo “Burnout King” Honders was the race master, operating the Christmas tree.

It’s remarkable to see that more female car enthusiasts are at the start line during these events. Among them was a young female competitor, in her 2017 BMW 320i with license plate “Nouw En”. She has owned this beauty for only three months. Still, she has already started making it her own by adding the M package, which includes the grill, sideskirts, spoiler, and mirrors. Additionally, the engine has been upgraded to a stage 2, producing around 330 horsepower. `This is my third drag race event and second one with this car. I really love the adrenaline rush; one day, I want to compete on an official quarter-mile track.

Numerous close races entertained the spectators. But, at the end of the day, only the fastest three will still stand. And this time it was all BMW in the finals.

Once the drift and quarter-mile races were over, it was time for the hour of power and the car display. The display moment has become one of 402 signatures, where only the day’s best or most unique cars will be in front of the grandstand for a photo opportunity.

Once the track officials cleared the track after the display moment, car owners seeking more excitement than a straight line could have signed up for the hot lap sessions. Drivers receive an introduction to track behavior from the instructors, and then they can take a shot at the track, going as fast as they can. It was great to see that not only the car enthusiasts driving fast cars took this opportunity, but also the regular daily drivers and classic car owners did as well.

And what’s a car show without knowing who has the shiniest ride of the day? At both Bimerworld and German Car Fest, car owners could enlist themselves and compete for the title of Best of Shine. On Bimmerworld, presenter Marek Dębicki introduced each competing car to the crowd and interviewed the owner, allowing them to share the car’s history and modification list. Five cars were selected in the Bimmerworld area as the best of shine. Among those winners were this BMW M2 widebody and a fully customized BMW 1 Series.

At the Deutsche Auto Fest area, presenter Roland introduced each competing car. In total, there were five cars selected as the best of shine. Among those five, there was a Volkswagen T1 Bus, a 1974 Volkswagen Beetle (13), and a 1985 Volkswagen Golf 1.

The 2025 car season is coming, but it couldn’t end without the traditional Deutsche Auto Fest/Bimmerworld—a day packed with drifting, racing, hot laps, and much more. The next Deutsche Autofest/Bimmerworld is already known, which will be on 11th October 2026. Make sure you add that to your calendar, and see you next time! Enjoy the Media Gallery.

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