Sabine Schmitz

For the RAF member, see Members of the Red Army Faction.

Sabine Schmitz
Schmitz in 2007
Born(1969-05-14)14 May 1969
Adenau, Rhineland-Palatinate, West Germany
Died16 March 2021(2021-03-16) (aged 51)
Trier, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Other names"Queen of the Nürburgring"[1]
Sabine Reck (name used prior to 2000)
Occupation(s)Racing driver, television personality
TelevisionTop Gear
Spouse
​
(m. 2000)​
[2]

Sabine Schmitz (German: [zaˈbi.nə ʃmɪt͡s]; 14 May 1969 – 16 March 2021)[2] was a German professional motor racing driver and television personality. She was born in Adenau to a family in the hotel and catering business, and raised in one of the villages nestled within the Nürburgring. She initially trained to join the same profession as her parents before choosing to begin a career in racing, working as a driver for BMW and Porsche.

She became known for being an expert on the Nürburgring circuit, being the first woman to win a major 24h race overall, and winning two victories in 24h races during the course of her driving career on the circuit, and became a cult icon on television following her appearance on BBC's Top Gear, making recurring appearances alongside several of the programme's presenters. In March 2021, Schmitz died of cancer at the age of 51, following a diagnosis in late 2017.

  1. ^ "Pioneering female racer Sabine Schmitz passes away aged 51". Formula One. 17 March 2021. Archived from the original on 17 March 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  2. ^ a b Smith, Luke (17 March 2017). "'Queen of the Nurburgring". Motorsport Network. Archived from the original on 17 March 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2017.