"Queen of the Nurburgring" Sabine Schmitz has died aged 51

It's turning out to be a bad week for motor racing that started with the announcement of the passing of Murray Walker and now the sad news that Sabine Schmitz has died following her battle with Cancer.

Sabine was a racing driver , TV personality and business woman who knew the Nurburgring like the back of her hand and demonstrated that fact when she drove a Transit van around the circuit for Top Gear.


Nobody knew the Nordschleife like Sabine and she held the fastest time around the circuit , anyone who has driven the track either virtually or in real life will know what a challenge it is and what a feat of skill it is to post a quick time on given its complexity so holding the lap record is a true mark of her skill.

Sophia Flörsch, a fellow German female racing driver, said she had been inspired by Schmitz.

"Very sad news for motorsport," she said.

"Sabine is the queen at @nuerburgring. She always will be unreachable in the Green Hell. Seeing her races was inspirational and motivating. My deepest condolences to the family. RIP Sabine."

A tweet posted by the official account of Porsche, whose cars she raced competitively, said: "Very sad to hear that Sabine Schmitz (1969-2021) has passed away. The "Queen of Nordschleife" was a crowd favourite due to her open, humorous way.

"The two-time @24hNBR winner was an icon at the wheel of the #Frikadelli #Porsche. Our sympathy goes to her family and friends."
news.sky.com...

RiP Sabine.
Respect from a virtual racer to a real life racing Queen.

originally posted by: gortex
Sabine was a racing driver , TV personality and business woman who knew the Nurburgring like the back of her hand and demonstrated that fact when she drove a Transit van around the circuit for Top Gear.

LOL, her passing the motorcycle with a van was epic.

a reply to: gortex

R.I.P. Sabine,
Someone so full of life and fun...so sad!

way too young. F cancer...

Sad Rainbows
Jane

a reply to: gortex

Hate to hear this, I know she had long had issues with cancer and was no longer doing instruction or taxi around the track. Loved seeing when she showed up on various racing or motoring shows, could talk smack with the best of them, and back every last bit of it up with skill. RIP.