Every motorsport enthusiast is
aware of the notorious Nürburgring Nordschleife in the German region of Eifel
mountains. It is considered to be the most dangerous track in the world,
famously named as ‘The Green Hell’ by F1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart. This
weekend Formula 1 returns to the Nürburgring circuit, after a 7-year absence,
as the Eifel Grand Prix. However, the current grand prix circuit, although
remarkable in its own right, just does not compare with the Nordschlefe. Yes,
Formula 1 did race on the Nordschleife but completely banned it from its
calendar in 1976. Let us have a look at why the track gets its reputation and
also how it has changed over the years.
Early in the 20th
century racing was becoming extremely popular all over the world and Germany
was no different. However, like today there were no dedicated circuit for cars
to race on. So, races like the Eifelrennen used to take place of public roads.
The races were exiting, providing thrill for the drivers and for the
spectators. But the races also caused controversies since, cars often used to
go off road and into someone’s house or damaging roadside objects. It was also extremely
dangerous for the spectators due to the lack of governance of the races.
Then came the WW1 and the
recession. 1920s was a tough time for Germany, unemployment was high, not to
mention the Treaty of Versailles. However, the demand for motorsports did not
die. To make racing safe and enjoyable for everyone, German officials came up
with a plan to build a circuit in the Eifel mountains. The circuit was based on
the idea of Italy’s Monza and was supposed to be an unemployment relief project
thus giving the economy a boost and also to showcase German engineering.
Construction of the circuit began in 1925 with thousands of workers under the
guidance of Gustav Eichler. After spending equivalent of $146m in today’s money
the circuit was completed in 1927. First motorcycle race took place on 18th
of June 1927 followed by cars the day after. And ever since then races have
been taking place at the Nürburgring to this day. The success of the project
was also proved great for the neighbouring towns, as the racing attracted
spectators to the region. It was also made to be a public toll road which also
generated revenue.
The original Nürburgring consisted
of 3 different parts, the Nordschleife, the Sudschleife and the Zielschleife.
All together the length of the original track was 28 kilometres with 174
corners. The Zielschleife connected the northern and southern loops together. The
track is situated in the mountains, surrounded by trees, looping around the
Eifel Castle; featuring sweeping curves, variable surfaces, rapidly changing weather, dramatic climbs,
crests and drops, and a straightaway over a mile long where terminal speeds can
be reached. And With a capacity of 150,000 people at the track, it is truly a
unique motorsport venue.
Racing at the Nürburgring took a
pause during the WW2. But when racing returned it also hosted Formula 1 grand
prix in its inaugural season in 1951. What started off as an amazing spectacle and
a great challenge for the best drivers on the planet racing in Formula 1, it
quickly became a nightmare. Number of F1 drivers lost their lives driving the
fastest cars at their limit. Sir Jackie Stewart after winning the German GP in
1968, therefore named it ‘The Green Hell’. Soon F1 cars became too fast for the
circuit and drivers refused to race at the Nürburgring in 1971 until the track
was made safe. Dangerous bumps and jumps were smoothed out, safety barriers and
run off areas were added to the track and F1 was back at the Nürburgring. However,
in 1976, the horrific accident involving F1 great Niki Lauda, who almost died
when he was stuck in a burning car inhaling toxic fumes, unable to get help
from the marshals, F1 banned the track all together.
After losing a place on Formula 1
calendar Nürburgring built more traditional grand prix circuit. F1 started
racing again at the Nürburgring but now on the new GP circuit rather than the
Nordschleife. Soon after the circuit also started hosting other motorsport
events as operating the circuit became more and more costlier. Still
Nürburgring was struggling, but then came the German auto industry to the
rescue. In the late 20th century demand for sports cars was high and
given the Nürburgring’s offerings of all types of driving conditions, it became
the place for the research and development for car manufacturers. Even today
the track is used for testing the newest cars.
The Nürburgring is still a host
for number of races including DTM and 24 hrs endurance race. It also being a
public road, has given birth to a whole new industry. Many companies have set
up businesses that offer insurance, rental cars and guidance to drive on the
track to petrolheads. Any enthusiast can test their skill at the Nürburgring
for very small amount. However, a crash on the track can set you back thousands,
paying for damages to the track and other cars, and for emergency services required
to sort out the accident.
Nürburgring with its incredible
history and its importance will always be a legend in the motorsport industry. Although
many changes have been made to track and the surroundings, Nürburgring remains
a track like no other.
© DPA/Press Association Images
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