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5 tips from the Nürburgring queen Sabine Schmitz

02.05.2018

   

5 tips from the Nürburgring queen Sabine Schmitz

The Green Hell is more than just a racetrack. With 154 corners spread out over more 20 kilometers, it’s more of a myth embedded in reality than an actual track. To find out more about ‘the Ring’, who else would be talk to but the queen of the Nürburgring herself: Sabine Schmitz. 

You know the track like the back of your hand. To give us an idea how well you know the ‘Ring, can you give us an estimate of how many laps you’ve done around the track? 

I’ve been driving around this circuit for more than 30 years. It would be impossible to give you an exact figure but to give you an idea, I can tell you that I’ve been driving the Ring-Taxi for 19 years. Each year, for invoicing purposes, I have kept track of every lap I did in that car (well actually there were three cars, one car alone wouldn’t survive the punishment), and every year I did around a thousand laps. 

What’s the biggest challenge that drivers face at the ‘Ring?

Everything. It’s not a normal track. There are the changes in elevation, the bumps, most of the corners are blind. Even changes in the weather can be a hazard because the track is so long. There can be sunshine on one side and rain on the other. However, today’s cars make it much easier. You have ABS, traction control, better brakes, stickier tires. I race a Porsche 911 GT3-R with has a sequential gearbox and it’s so easy to drive. 

How many laps does someone need to do to even start to understand the track?

For me it’s hard to judge because I’ve lived here all my life. When I was a child, I went to school in Adenau, on my bike, following the lines of the track. So I knew it before I could even see over a steering wheel. But on average I’d say, when it’s dry, you need at least 50-60 laps around the Nordschleife to start to get an idea where you’re going. But in the wet I’m still learning. 

5 tips from the Nürburgring queen Sabine Schmitz

After all these laps does the ring still scare you a little?

It has to scare you a little bit. But for me it’s mostly all about the fun. Once you understand the track, driving and racing on the ‘Ring is so much fun. But if you’re really afraid to drive here, maybe you’d better just stay home and play playstation (laughs). One thing that is really important is that you respect the track - more so than any other track. You have to respect the track because it’s so unforgiving. Especially when you are racing. 

Do you have a favourite or least favourite corner? 

I love the fast sections of the track. Like Tiergarten or Schwedekreuz. They are really fast and that makes them so much fun, but I really don’t like the tight corners. The ‘Ring also has a few really slow second-gear corners that can really mess up your rhythm.

Should you take your own car to the ring?

You can, but you shouldn’t. The ring is really hard on the brakes and after a swift lap you will overheat your brakes and brake fluid. Your brake fluid will start to boil and when it cools down you may have bubbles in your brake leads. So when you come back from buying coffee and a sticker and start driving home, the chances are that when you put your foot on the brake nothing will happen…

What tips would you give to the first person to drive (or ride) on the Nordschleife?

1 Don’t go on ‘Carfreitag’ (Good Friday). It’s a national holiday that car enthousiasts have turned into a “car holiday”. Thousands of people bring all kind of cars here and drive them on the Nordschleife. It’s just too much.

2 Rent a car: all around Nürburg there are countless of places where you can rent a car of a few hours with the sole purpose of driving the Nordschleife. These cars are prepared specifically for the track and have special brakes. Don’t take your own car unless it’s been prepared properly.

3 Start small: when renting a car it’s tempting to go for a fast car like a BMW M4 or a Porsche. But start with something smaller and slower.

4 Take it slow: don’t try to be a hero – take it slowly. Learn at your own pace. Don’t give in to pressure trying to compete with faster cars. 

5 Look in your mirrors: you’re not the only one on the track. Check your mirrors constantly. Most cars will allow space for slower cars but you have make sure there are no faster cars coming as you go over the apex. 

5 tips from the Nürburgring queen Sabine Schmitz