Biography of Sabine Schmitz

Sabine Schmitz (born 14 May 1969 in Adenau; died 16 March 2021) was a German racing driver and television presenter. She was closely connected with the Nürburgring, won the 24-hour race on the Nordschleife twice and became familiar to a wider international audience through appearances on Top Gear.

Growing up at the Nürburgring

Schmitz grew up in Nürburg in a hotelier family. The Nordschleife was part of her everyday surroundings. She learned the circuit early and later turned that closeness into a professional strength: precise driving, track knowledge and a direct way with cars became central to her public image.

24 hours on the Nordschleife

On 16 June 1996, Schmitz won the Nürburgring 24 Hours with Johannes Scheid and Hans Widmann. According to Guinness World Records, she was the first woman to win the race. Another overall victory followed in 1997. Both wins came in a BMW M3 run by Scheid Motorsport.

Ring Taxi and television

Many people also encountered Schmitz through the BMW Ring Taxi, in which she drove guests around the Nordschleife. In Britain she became especially visible through Top Gear, first with appearances around the circuit and later as a presenter. Her often-used nickname “Queen of the Nürburgring” referred to this connection of racing, track knowledge and public presence.

Teams and later years

With Klaus Abbelen, Schmitz was also active around Frikadelli Racing. She remained connected with endurance racing and the Nürburgring for many years. In 2020 she publicly stated that she had been diagnosed with cancer in 2017.

Death and commemoration

Sabine Schmitz died on 16 March 2021 at the age of 51. On 11 September 2021, the Sabine-Schmitz-Kurve was inaugurated at the Nürburgring. The corner lies at the edge of Nürburg and permanently links her name with the Nordschleife where she grew up.