Sabine Schmitz, ‘Queen of the Nürburgring’, passed away at the age of 51

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Schmitz, commonly known as the ‘Queen of the Nürburgring’, was one of the foremost female drivers in motorsport and a regular guest on the UK TV show ‘Top Gear’.
She died Tuesday after a “courageous battle with cancer,” said A. tweet from Frikadelli Racing, a motorsport team that Schmitz founded with husband Klaus Abbelen, a fellow racing driver.

“Klaus Abbelen and all family members and friends are deeply saddened by the immeasurable loss,” the tweet reads.

Schmitz appeared regularly at the British auto show "Top gear."

Schmitz grew up near the Nürburgring circuit in West Germany. In 1996 she became the first woman to win the famous 24-hour race with a BMW. The following year she repeated the feat.

Schmitz also worked as a driver on the circuit’s “ring taxi”, which offers visitors the opportunity to tour the track as a passenger.

“The Nürburgring has lost its most famous female driver,” the circuit wrote on Twitter.

“Sabine Schmitz passed away much too soon after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful character. Rest in peace Sabine!”

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Schmitz also drove for the Porsche Motorsport team, which posted his own team tribute on Twitter.

“Very sad to hear that Sabine Schmitz (1969-2021) has passed away. The” Queen of Nordschleife “was a crowd favorite because of her open, humorous manner,” the tweet reads. “Our condolences go out to her family and friends.”

Schmitz has regularly appeared on ‘Top Gear’ and the show’s former presenter, Jeremy Clarkson, tweeted: “Terrible news about Sabine Schmitz. Such a sunny person and so full of beans.”
Current host Paddy McGuinness also posted one tribute

“She gave me tips on how to drive a Ferrari really fast and chased me down in a crackling race,” he tweeted. “Brilliantly crazy and a great person! RIP the great Sabine Schmitz.”

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