The legendary Nürburgring race track in Germany serves as an automotive Mecca for gearheads the world over. From early Formula 1 notoriety thanks to epic competition between the likes of Louis Chiron (of Bugatti fame), Sterling Moss, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, and James Hunt to modern-day manufacturer testing, the track has remained a central element within car culture. But perhaps no single manufacturer has the same connection with the Nürburgring as does Porsche.

Put To The Test

Porsche Nurburgring 2
via Porsche Newsroom

Porsche has long used the Nürburgring to test the power and handling of its cars. Most recently, the Taycan electric vehicle and the 919 Hybrid Evo stand out as ways that the historically significant route has helped to transform the role of emerging technology in automotive development. And yet, as a recent Porsche Newsroom feature explores, the famous track isn't just about the supercars that set lap records—the human factor is just as important.

Man (And Woman) And Machine

Porsche Nurburgring 4
via Porsche Newsroom

Even most ardent Porsche fans probably picture rugged men behind the wheels of their favorite cars—teeth gritting, forearms straining to control any snap oversteer. And yet, one of the most accomplished Porsche drivers when it comes to Nürburgring experience is a female. Sabine Schmitz was born to parents who ran the Hotel am Tiergarten, less than a mile from the track.

Now, at age 47, Schmitz has completed over 30,000 laps on the track, which translates to about 372,000 miles. Included in those figures are three overall victories in 24-Hour races and six endurance championships—all behind the wheel of Porsche cars.

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Services And More

Porsche Nurburgring 3
via Porsche Newsroom

The Nürburgring's culture helps it to stand out among the world's most alluring destinations for fans of motorsport. Former track keeper Reiner Strack, now 89 years old, took over duties from his father in 1958 and remained in charge until his retirement in 1995. His advice? "Drive carefully, lads!" Another familiar face to Nürburgring pilgrims is Joachim Retterath, who operates the gas station at Döttinger Höhe. Retterath believes he has about 100,000 toy cars on his premises to sell to day-dreamers, be they adults or children.

Of course, Porsche also points out the role of Ron Simon, who runs RSR, a company that specializes in track time. Simon says, "I have 13 different Porsche models at the start. They simply don’t break – not on the Nordschleife, and not on the Eifel tours that we organise." Not bad for a guy who takes cars out on a course where the "acceleration factor" is rated at 1 to 100, meaning that one mile on the 'Ring is akin to 100 miles of normal driving.

Sources: Porsche, Car and Driver

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