Sabine Schmitz RIP

[churchie386]

Just read about her untimely passing.
https://www.pistonheads.com/news/genera ... 2021/43895

She was the first female winner of the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Granted it wasn't in an Alpina, but she was driving a BMW (E36 M3).

And here's foottage of a G20 B3 taking on the 'ring - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsIOF2PJQbc - I suspect in her hands it would be even quicker.

[Rav]

Thanks for sharing. I started to see this sad news on social media about an hour ago. I couldn't believe it! Legends do not die.

She was 51 years young and certainly a role model for my two teenage daughters. She was one of the very few females in motor racing who actually reached out to the young.

A sad day.

[music]

Yes indeed. A great personality, full of beans and practical jokes, a very talented driver and no mean skier either. Chris Harris, Tiff Needell and so many more expressing their sadness and paying tribute. One of my best memories was of her putting Clarkson in his place in a tranny van at The Ring. Couldn't have happened to a nicer fella! Always remember the good times in life.

[JohnW]

Always happy and enjoying what she liked best. I’ll miss the cheerful German lady too, not forgotten x.

[simon13]

Sad day, i was lucky enough to get a lap with her in the E60 m5 ring taxi. this picture was back in 2010. It was all by pure chance, one of the ring taxi drivers called in sick this day and she lived right near the track and came to "work" on her day off. My seat was also a cancellation, she was quick witted from the few times i met her at the ring

[Frosty]

I remember seeing her pulling up in the ring taxi when I was with some mates on a bike tour and were doing a few laps - passenger door opens and a fella just rolled out was not in a good state - she found it hilarious.

Same age as me really makes you think about life - RIP to a true talent.

[B10BRW]

Very sad news indeed, a great talent and a very bubbly lady, she will be sorely missed.

[ali]

I've always been a huge fan of Sabine and I think one of her best 'Ring laps ever was in the Transit van trying toi get round in under 10 mins. She was flying past Porsche, BMW etc etc but could only manage 10.08 but the effort and the skill she displayed was incredible.

[ScooBeeFive]

As everyone has said, incredibly sad news and a real shock. I'd read last year that she had cancer and the outlook wasn't great, but i just wasn't expecting this. Whilst I never met her, I'd seen her around in the 'Ring car park back in the day and been overtaken by her in the E39 M5 Ring Taxi. Happy days. Was great to see her on Top Gear in more recent years - she had an amazing personality. It's just a real loss, she was far too young.

[music]

So much associated with Der Ring. Why not name a corner or piece of track after her?