Track and Race History

The original Nurburgring race track was intended to be a showcase for German automotive engineering and racing talent. The track itself was designed by the Eichler Architekturburo from Ravensburg and began in September 1925. Prior to 1925 ADAC Eifelrennen races were held on public roads around the Eifel mountains in West Germany - which is now the home of the Nurburgring track.

The track was completed in spring of 1927 and the ADAC Eifelrennen races were moved from public roads to the racetrack in an effort to reduce accidents and the level of potential catastrophe. The first German Grand Prix was held in July 1927 when the track consisted of 174 bends, and was only 8 to 9 metres in width. At the time, the lap record was held by Louis Chiron who kept an average speed of 112.31 kmph in his Bugatti.

The full "Ring" consists of 2 parts - the Nordschleife (North Loop) and the shorter Sudscheife (South Loop - 7.7km) or more commonly known as the Grand Prix circuit. After World War II when racing recommenced, the Nordschleife became the home of the German Grand Prix again and a round of the Formula One World Championship, until the late 1960's when the track was deemed to dangerous for the latest generation of F1 car, and in 1970 after the fatal crase of Piers Courage, racing on the full ring was boycotted by F1.

On 5 August 1961 a new track record was set when Phil Hill became the first person to complete a lap under 9 minutes in his Ferrari Formula One vehicle.

Tha annual highlight these days is the 24 Hours Nurburgring event which attracts around 200 cars and 290,000 spectators over the course of the weekend.

Kiwi Team Nurburgring

Kiwi Team Nurburgring is the largest team of New Zealand drivers to enter the 24 hour endurance race of Nurburgring. Current owner Dr Greg Taylor created the original team of 8 drivers behind the wheels of 2 x Honda Civic Type R's in 2006 in what could only be described as very humble beginnings. The team has played host to a number of New Zealands most notable and up coming drivers over the years. As the team grew and interest increased, the addition of a 3rd vehicle in 2009 was another step up for the team in all directions. 2010 at The Green Hell should prove to be another success and perhaps some more class wins for the trophy cabinet.