Sabine Schmitz, often referred to as the Queen of the Nurburgring, has passed away from cancer at the age of 51.
She was the first woman to win the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, doing so in 1996. She won the race twice as part of a long, successful career that also saw her become a fixture on Top Gear.
She and her husband, Klaus Abbelen, founded Frikadelli Racing. The team made the announcement on social media.
“Sabine Schmitz (14.5.1969 – 16.3.2021) passed away yesterday (Tuesday) after her brave fight against cancer. She was 51 years old. Klaus Abbelen and all relatives and friends are deeply saddened by the immeasurable loss.”
Schmitz was a local made good, having grown up in Nurburg, near the track. According to reports, she estimated that she’d lapped the track more than 30,000 times.
She was diagnosed with cancer in 2017, and had hoped to return to racing in 2020, but her illness prevented her from doing so.
The Nurburgring also posted a tribute on social media: “The Nürburgring has lost its most famous female racing driver. Sabine Schmitz passed away far too early after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful nature. Rest in peace Sabine!”
Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson also posted a touching social-media tribute to his colleague, who was one of a cast of rotating Top Gear hosts in 2016: “Terrible news about Sabine Schmitz. Such a sunny person and so full of beans.”
RIP Sabine Schmitz.
[Image: Frikadelli Racing Twitter]
Ruhe in Frieden, Sabine.
Too soon, indeed. Taking the Ring Taxi with her as the driver was one of my dreams.
Me too, sadly
Truly sad. I had hoped she would still be there when I could make it to the Ring.
F*** cancer.
Bummer… way too soon. She was funny and clearly very talented. With the Top Gear crew she brought a different viewpoint that worked to counter balance the other 3 guys. You could tell she truly enjoyed her job of driving fast around the ‘Ring.
Very sad news. I thought she was the guest on TG.
:-(
She always seemed very fun and personable, and it was a joy to watch her drive.
I loved her on Top Gear, especially the Nurburgring Van challenge…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KiC03_wVjc
So full of life and spirit.
Add my voice to the chorus of “eff cancer!”
That woman could drive:
Just awful news. Far too young.
What a loss. I knew it was coming, but still.
Sad day for her family and friends. She was a talented driver.
Condolences to her partner and family. Such a delightful personality, she really lived life well.
Everything I know about her I learned from her episode on Top Gear. She seemed so genuine, so fun loving. I hope the Ring goes dark in her honor.
Everything I know about her I learned from her episode on Top Gear. She seemed so genuine, so fun loving. I hope the Ring goes dark in her honor.
The Ring has lost its most famous driver. Period. Full Stop. She was the best.