For These Porsche Owners, Nürburgring Is Life

Living the Nordschleife

We can't even imagine what it's like to grow up next to the legendary Nürburgring. But we like to imagine that it would be awesome. The 90 plus-year-old track has been thrilling and frustrating drivers as long as it's been around, leaving an impression on everyone lucky enough to lap it at least once. Porsche recently took some time to get to know some people who have literally lived their lives at the iconic circuit, and their stories are quite fascinating.   

Photos: Porsche

Lap After Lap

One of those folks is former Top Gear host and professional race car driver, Sabine Schmitz. Her first lap on the track took place on her bike, then her mother's car, and eventually in her own Polo GT. Professionally speaking, Schmitz has scored three overall victories in the legendary 24-hour race and six in the endurance championship over dozens of races.

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about taking a run down the Nürburgring right here in Rennlist.com.

Many Miles

Altogether, Schmitz estimates that she has completed more than 30,000 laps at the Nürburgring. Or, over 372,000 miles. All of her victories have come in Porsches, of course, as part of the Frikadelli Racing Team run by her partner, Klaus Abbelen. The couple lives on a horse farm quite close to the iconic track, so they can get in some practice laps pretty easily.

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about taking a run down the Nürburgring right here in Rennlist.com.

Family Ties

If that isn't enough of a connection, Schmitz's grandmother actually manages the Hotel Tiergarten in Nürburg. One floor below, in the basement of the hotel, is the famous Pistenklause restaurant, owned by Patrizio Persiani. He just so happens to drive a Porsche Cayenne, but has only completed a grand total of six laps on the Nürburgring. But obviously, he's fed plenty of folks that have taken their shot at glory there.

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about taking a run down the Nürburgring right here in Rennlist.com.

Stories to Tell

Then there's the 89-year-old Reiner Strack, who took over as track keeper from his father back in 1958. Strack worked there his entire life until retired in 1995. Which of course means he has some humorous stories to tell "I often used to warn young people, like current racing driver Christian Menzel and Porsche test driver Timo Kluck – drive carefully, lads, I said, it’s slippery in parts," Strack said. "They never believed me, of course. Then they’d end up behind the barrier with their wheels spinning, and then it was back to the start again. But they could drive."

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about taking a run down the Nürburgring right here in Rennlist.com.

Making a Living

For the people that have grown up around the Nürburgring, this place is far more than just another race track. It's a place that's paid their bills, mainly through hungry and thirsty tourists looking for a thrill. And it's a place where countless young folks have been able to make a name for themselves, whether that's on the track or off of it.  

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about taking a run down the Nürburgring right here in Rennlist.com.

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