Sabine Schmitz Gets a Nurburgring Corner Named After Her
The Queen of the Ring, Sabine Schmitz, who died from cancer on March 16, 2021 at the age of 51, is getting a fitting tribute.
One of the corners of the legendary Nurburgring—a track she lapped more than 33,000 times—will now bear her name following a petition signed by 50,000 fans.
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Turn 13, which many recognize as the first curve of the Nordschliefe (north loop), will be officially known as Sabine-Schmitz-Kurve and inaugurated at the six-hour race of the Nurburgring Endurance Series on September 11.
"A cheerful laugh, an open ear for every fan and the Nordschleife in the heart—that's how Sabine Schmitz is remembered,” Nurburgring's official website mentions. “Born and raised at the Nurburgring, she has spent most of her life around and on the Nordschleife. For more than 30 years she has successfully pushed vehicles to the limit here or even driven her grandmother over the track to the hairdresser. In total, there were more than 33,000 laps done."
Schmitz became the first and only woman to win the Nurburging 24 Hours in both 1996 and 1997. She also drove 'Ring taxis to take guests around the course and also founded the Frikadelli Racing team with her husband Klaus Abbelen.