Remembering Sabine Schmitz, Former Porsche Racer, Top Gear Host
Sabine Schmitz accomplished more in her short 51 years on this earth than most do, and she did it with plenty of charisma.
These days, there just aren’t that many people who are universally loved, capable of bringing a smile to anyone’s face on a whim. Sabine Schmitz was such a person, as her witty personality and excellent sense of humor were always a joy to watch. On top of that, Schmitz was a really, really good driver who routinely wowed us with her skills both on TV and while participating in various motorsports events. Unfortunately, cancer has taken her from us far too soon, at the age of 51.
Schmitz is also often called the “Queen of the Nurburgring” because she knew the track arguably better than anyone else. But that’s not a huge surprise given the fact that she literally grew up at the track. Her parents ran a restaurant situated within the Nordschleife loop, and Schmitz planned on working at the family business in her younger days. But all it took was was trip to another track for Schmitz to realize what her true calling would be.
#NLS – 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 pic.twitter.com/ZHXbC1R6Wk
— Porsche Motorsport (@PorscheRaces) March 17, 2021
Schmitz proceeded to lap the iconic German track tens of thousands of times in a number of ways, whether it be piloting a diesel van around it on Top Gear, giving tourists a ride as a ‘ring taxi driver, or winning actual races. She became the first woman to win the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring in 1996, then did it again in 1997. One year later, she became the first woman to win the VLN Endurance Championship.
In 2006, Schmitz and Klaus Abbelen drove the #97 Porsche 997 911 in VLN and finished third in the 24-hour race in 2008. Schmitz was still competing in VLN as a Porsche works driver in 2017, the year she was first diagnosed with cancer. Regardless of her struggles and treatments, Schmitz was still making regular appearances on Top Gear as well, a show that she also broke barriers on by becoming one of just three non-British citizens to host.
Rest in peace you wonderful, powerful, hilarious person. pic.twitter.com/nwXgBwZsbE
— chris harris (@harrismonkey) March 17, 2021
As if often the case, Schmitz’s time on this earth was cut way too short, though we can reflect on it and confidently say that her time here was well-spent. Sabine Schmitz accomplished more in her 51 years than most people do in a lifetime, and judging by the reaction to her passing, she also attracted far more fans than most, too.
Photos: Porsche, Top Gear
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