Top Gear's Sabine Schmitz passed away.

March 16th 2021 Sabine Schmitz, uncrowned queen of the Nürburgring (Germ), has passed away.
For me she was one of “Top Gear’s” most liked co-hosts who:

- was the first woman ever to win points in the World Touring Car Championship,

- gave co-host Rory Reid a masterclas which caused him to lose as many pounds as seconds,

- made co-host (and co-pilot) Chis Evans puke,

- beat Jeremy Clarkson’s time in a Jaguar on “The Ring” with a common Ford Transit (almost),

  • was like Michael Schumacher, an animal when on wheels, and the nicest person when not,
    Sabine died of cancer and was only 51 years old. She will be missed.

Quite sad about this :frowning: Wanted to be driven round the ’ring by her but never made it happen.

Sad to hear :frowning:

Really sad news :frowning:

She is still the only woman to have won the 24hrs Nürburgring (twice at that, back to back years!).

That piece on Top Gear of her ragging the transit around the ring will always be one of my favourites, just 8 seconds away from being under 10 minutes was absolutely supreme.

Absolutely the Queen of the green hell.

Aw that sucks. Being from the U.S., I first heard of her from the famous Top Gear episode mentioned here. Truly amazing driver and great personality. As funny as she was in that clip, I can imagine being around her was always entertaining.

Can you imagine what all those boys with their $200,000+ toys must have felt when a young woman in a stripped Ford Transit Van passed them as if they were standing in front of a traffic light!
That young woman was Sabine Schmitz, whose only protection was her race outfit. Who later admitted she has never in her life been so scared of driving fast as on that day.

I remember that episode. Incredible performance indeed.

Thank you for posting the clip. I did not know this video existed.
I downloaded the clip, converted it to a format my computer can handle, and watched it.
Though the occasion (of posting it) is a sad one, I went to bed with a smile on my face.

I’d never heard of her. What an interesting and sad tale. Quote:

That’s some subtle, self deprecating humor there. For those unaware, in the far western German regions, Frikadelli are little meat patties or balls, typically made with Horses ass (flank).

Yesterday I watched a 30min tribute to Sabine Schmitz on BBC-One.
They also put it on line, though I don’t know for how long.

LINK

Jeremy Clarkson said she was “rude” and “humiliated” him (according to the Daily Express).
Must be rather refreshing for him, being on the receiving end for a change.