Nürburgring Track

 



History of the Nürburgring

How the ring came to be

The Nürburgring Nordschleife, in Germany, stands tall with a rich history that makes it arguably one of the most formidable circuits in the world.

A RACE TRACK IS BORN

In the early 1920s, the German government aimed to create a national circuit to propel the country's auto industry and motorsport scene. A plan was drafted to build a track around the village of Nürburg, in the Eifel region. On the drawing board, the design was ambitious: a 'mountain, racing and test track'.

The construction began in 1925, employing some 3000 workers. Two years later, the result was 22.8 kilometers of challenging tarmac known as the Nordschleife ("North Loop") and a separate 7.7 kilometer Südschleife ("South Loop"). The first race took place on June 18, 1927.

THE GOLDEN ERA

The Nordschleife quickly gained a reputation as a challenging and dangerous circuit. The track comprised over 170 corners, a variance in elevation of about 300 meters, and changing weather conditions. This made the track earn the name "Green Hell".

In the 1930s, the Nürburgring became a prominent platform for Germany's auto industry, with manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union (precursor to Audi) showcasing their prowess. A young Bernd Rosemeyer, driving an Auto Union Type C, made a mark here with a series of victories.

Post-World War II, the Nordschleife hosted numerous Formula 1 races. The 1961 German Grand Prix is especially noteworthy for being the longest F1 race in history, with a total distance of 346.159 kilometers covered over 15 laps.

SAFETY CONCERNS AND CHANGES

Safety concerns began to rise in the 1960s and 1970s, with the track's layout leading to several fatal crashes. The tragic accident of Niki Lauda during the 1976 German Grand Prix was the tipping point, and Formula 1 decided to move away from the Nordschleife.

In response, major modifications were made to the track to improve safety. The GP-Strecke ("Grand Prix track") was added in the early 1980s, designed to meet FIA's safety standards. However, the classic Nordschleife was retained for car testing, and it remains a beloved challenge for drivers and teams around the world.

THE NÜRBURGRING TODAY

Today, the Nordschleife is considered a mecca for motorsport enthusiasts. It is open for 'Touristenfahrten' or public driving sessions, where anyone can try conquering the Green Hell.

Racing events still take place, the most prominent being the 24 Hours Nürburgring, an endurance race that tests man and machine to their limits. The track also continues to serve as a crucial testing ground for car manufacturers, who often boast about their vehicles' "Nürburgring lap times".

The Nürburgring Nordschleife is a testament to the history and spirit of motorsports, encapsulating the thrill, danger, and pursuit of speed.

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