Nürburgring, Nordschleife, Green Hell - The cult route has many names. The course was named after the Nürburg, which belongs to the municipality of Adenau. Last but not least, the region around it - the Eifel - is known for its racetrack. For motorsport fans, especially due to the changeable weather. Given the upcoming 24-hour race, which marks its 44th year this year, let's take a look at the history of green hell.
On June 18, 1927 the time had come: the Nürburgring was inaugurated. At that time the course was around 28 km long. Then as now, the route is famous for its varied topography, so that even other tracks try to imitate the ups and downs, such as the Bilster Berg. In 1984, in addition to the long distance, a Grand Prix course was opened. This 4,5 km long track was considered the safest race track in the world at the time and included parts of the Nordschleife. Together that makes a 26 km long overall course, which is only partially used for races such as the 24h of the Nürburgring. So the one gets by without the Mercedes-Arena and has a total length of a little more than 25 km. Nevertheless, the “Green Hell” is - without a doubt - the longest permanent race track in the world.
In order to keep the route attractive, a leisure center was built on the ring in 2009. In addition to a roller coaster, it also offers a shopping center, restaurants, a hotel and a holiday village. But the concept flopped, so that the Nürburgring registered for bankruptcy in 2012. At the beginning of 2015, the automotive supplier Capricorn stepped in as an investor with a two-thirds majority, behind which is a Russian billionaire.
This will be a long way off on the coming race weekend, as the next 24-hour race is due at the Nürburgring. Around 160 vehicles in different classes will compete here. Some, like every year, will only make a few laps, others will fall victim to tiredness and especially darkness. One thing is certain: Anyone who has even a little enthusiasm for racing should come to the Eifel for a race.