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The Nürburgring Nordschleife, often also called "green Hell“, is one of the most famous and demanding racetracks in the world. Since it opened in 1927, it has captivated countless racing drivers and motorsport fans and is still an important place for the automotive industry, motorsport and vehicle development. In this in-depth article we take a look at the fascinating history of the Nordschleife and its importance over the years.
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The beginnings: Planning and construction of the Nürburgring
The idea of building the Nürburgring came about in the early 1920s, when the automotive industry in Germany was experiencing a rapid upswing. At that time, most races took place on public roads, but this became increasingly dangerous and met with resistance from the population. In order to create a suitable test and race track for vehicles and at the same time to promote tourism in the Eifel region, the construction of the Nürburgring was decided in 1925.
Construction work began in September 1925 and lasted almost two years. A total of around 25.000 workers were used to build the demanding route through the mountainous terrain of the Eifel. Finally, on June 18, 1927, the Nürburgring was officially opened. The track consisted of two parts: the 22,8 km long Nordschleife and the 7,7 km long Südschleife. Both routes could be traveled individually or combined, so that a total route length of 28,3 kilometers was possible.
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The first races and the development of motorsport at the Nürburgring
The first races took place shortly after the opening of the Nürburgring. The first motorcycle race started on June 19, 1927, followed by the first car race on July 17, 1927. The Nordschleife quickly became one of the most popular racetracks in Europe, attracting racers and teams from all over the world. In the 1930s, motorsport at the Nürburgring continued to develop rapidly. The grand prix races of the time were characterized by the rivalries between the German car manufacturers Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union (the predecessor of Audi).
Famous drivers such as Rudolf Caracciola, Tazio Nuvolari and Bernd Rosemeyer contributed to thrilling races and legendary moments. Although the Nürburgring was not destroyed during the Second World War, it had to remain closed for a few years due to the political and economic situation. It wasn't until 1947 that the first post-war race took place, with British driver Reg Parnell dominating the competition in an ERA R4D.
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The 1950s & 1960s: rise to the Formula 1 circuit and other successes
In the 1950s, the popularity of the Nürburgring continued to rise and the circuit was included in the Formula 1 World Championship calendar. The first Formula 1 race took place in 1951 and was won by Alberto Ascari in a Ferrari. The Nordschleife quickly became one of the most feared and challenging tracks on the Formula 1 calendar.
The 1960s were marked by a multitude of legendary races and drivers. Names like Jim Clark, John Surtees, Jackie Stewart and Graham Hill are inextricably linked to the history of the Nordschleife. Jackie Stewart, the three-time Formula 1 World Champion, coined the term "Green Hell" for the demanding track, which presented an enormous challenge in changeable weather and difficult conditions.
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Security Concerns and Changes in the 1970s
Concerns about the safety of the Nordschleife grew in the 1970s. The track was considered extremely dangerous and has claimed numerous fatalities over the years, both among racers and spectators. After a serious accident involving Formula 1 driver Niki Lauda in 1976, in which he was badly injured, calls for the track to be modernized became louder and louder.
In response to the safety concerns, the Nordschleife was extensively rebuilt and defused. The route has been changed in several places, crash barriers and run-off zones have been improved, and the total length of the route has been reduced to 20,8 kilometers. As a result, however, the Nordschleife lost its status as a Formula 1 track, and races were held at the Hockenheimring from 1977.
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The 1980s to today: The Nordschleife as a test track and tourist attraction
Despite the loss of Formula 1 racing, the Nordschleife remained an important location for the automotive industry and motorsport. The track was increasingly used as a test track for new vehicle development as its length and versatility provided an ideal environment to test vehicle handling and performance in extreme conditions.
In addition to its role as a test track, the Nordschleife also developed into a popular tourist attraction. Since the 1980s, visitors have been able to drive the track themselves as part of the so-called "tourist drives", which gives the Nürburgring a unique appeal. The opportunity to explore the famous Nordschleife in your own vehicle attracts thousands of car fans from all over the world every year.
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The 24 Hours of the Nürburgring and other racing events
While the Nordschleife had lost its role as a Formula 1 track, numerous other racing events continued to be held at the track. The best-known and most prestigious race is the annual Nürburgring 24-hour race, which was first held in 1970. In this long-distance race, teams from all over the world compete to fight for victory in different vehicle classes.
In addition to the 24-hour race, there are also a large number of other racing series and events that are held on the Nordschleife. These include the VLN endurance championship, the ADAC Zurich 24h race, the FIA World Touring Car Cup race and numerous historic racing events that celebrate the circuit's rich motorsport history.
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Records and rivalries: The hunt for the fastest lap time
A special feature of the Nürburgring Nordschleife is the hunt for the fastest lap time. Over the years, numerous drivers and manufacturers have attempted to break the lap record at the track and thereby gain prestige and glory. The fastest lap times are not only an indicator of the car's performance, but also a testament to the skill and courage of the driver.
In recent years, the importance of the Nordschleife as a benchmark for the performance of vehicles has increased even further. Many manufacturers use the track to test and compare their latest models under extreme conditions. The lap time plays an important role in the marketing of the vehicles.
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And finally ... The ongoing fascination of the Nürburgring Nordschleife
The Nürburgring Nordschleife has experienced numerous changes and challenges in the course of its almost one hundred year history. Although the track is no longer on the Formula 1 calendar today, it remains one of the most important and fascinating circuits in the world. The combination of challenging routing, historic ambience and incomparable atmosphere continues to attract racing drivers, teams, automobile manufacturers and fans from all over the world.
The history of the Nürburgring Nordschleife is a fascinating journey through time, showing us how motorsport and the automotive industry have evolved over the years. The track remains a living memorial to the passion and ambition of those who want to take on the “Green Hell” challenge and push their limits. In a world where technology and progress are constantly evolving, the Nordschleife is a symbol of the fascination and passion that motorsport has always aroused.
unique character and eventful history
With its unique character and eventful history, the Nordschleife has firmly established itself in the world of motorsport and the automotive industry. It serves not only as a proving ground for vehicle manufacturers, but also as a place where fans can share their love of motorsport and put their driving skills to the test. It remains to be seen what new challenges and developments the future holds for the Nürburgring Nordschleife. But one thing is certain: The fascination of the legendary racetrack will continue to exist in the coming years and decades and will captivate motorsport fans from all over the world.
The history of the Nürburgring Nordschleife reflects the ups and downs of motorsport, from the early days of pioneering to today's technological excellence. The track stands for courage, determination and the tireless urge to constantly explore new limits - characteristics that have always shaped motorsport and that will continue to be part of the fascination of the Nordschleife. Picture credits: many pictures are example pictures and not originals
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