Sabine Schmitz

Sabine Schmitz (Known as "Sabine Schmitz")

["racing_driver","queen_of_the_nurburgring","television_presenter","bmw_driver"]

Born May 14, 1969

Adenau, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

Passed Away Mar 16, 2021 Trier, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

Lifespan 51 years old

26 views

Notice / Correction

"I tell you something, I do that lap time in a van!"

Archival Overview

Celebrated German professional racing driver revered worldwide as the "Queen of the Nürburgring", who became the first woman to win the 24 Hours of Nürburgring overall (1996) and delighted millions as a spirited presenter on BBC's Top Gear.

Biographical Record

Sabine Schmitz grew up at the Hotel am Tiergarten in Nürburg, located directly inside the boundary of the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit. Beginning to lap the 20.8-kilometer "Green Hell" in her mother's car as a teenager, she completed an estimated 30,000 laps over her lifetime, mastering every bend, dip, and crest in all weather conditions.

In 1996, Schmitz made international motorsport history by becoming the first female driver to win the grueling 24 Hours of Nürburgring overall, driving a BMW M3 with Johannes Scheid, repeating the victory in 1997. She became famous as driver of the "Ring Taxi", giving thrilling high-speed passenger laps. In 2004, she vaulted to worldwide television stardom on BBC's Top Gear, memorably driving a Ford Transit diesel van around the Nordschleife in just 10 minutes and 8 seconds, later becoming a regular Top Gear co-presenter in 2016.

Key Life Milestones

June 16, 1996

First Female Winner of 24 Hours of Nürburgring

Became the first woman in history to win the prestigious 24 Hours of Nürburgring endurance race overall in a BMW M3.

December 12, 2004

Top Gear Debut in a Ford Transit Van

Electrified global television audiences on Top Gear by piloting a diesel transit van around the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Nürburg Cemetery
Nürburg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

                         GPS: 50.3422, 6.9511                    

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