German race car driver Sabine Schmitz has died after a years-long battle with cancer. She was 51.
According to ESPN, Schmitz had been diagnosed with cancer back in 2017. She continued racing until 2019, despite her ongoing health issues.
Schmitz, who also appeared on U.K. television seriesTop Gear, is remembered best for being the only female race car driver to win the annual 24-hour race at the German race track Nürburgring, which is known for its difficulty. She won the race first in 1996, and again with her BMW team in 1997.
Sabine Schmitz.Mike Marsland/WireImage
“The Nürburgring has lost its most famous female racing driver,” the German race track wrote on Twitter. “Sabine Schmitz passed away far too early after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful nature. Rest in peace Sabine!”
The athlete also worked for the racing circuit’s ring taxi, driving tourists on a lap of the course — which was located near where Schmitz grew up,CNN reported.
Tributes poured in for the late driver on Wednesday, including from Formula One, which wrote, “Pioneer, champion, Queen of the Nurburgring.”
Sabine Schmitz.Eric Gilbert/Motorsport Images/Shutterstock
“Sabine Schmitz was a unique, much-loved and cherished member of our sport’s family, and a force of nature for inspiring a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts,” the motor racing league said.
Top Gear’s Chris Harriscalled Schmitz a “true legend"in a heartfelt blog post about her death.
“She was a bundle of energy, one of those people whose resting facial expression was a huge grin, and she was so much fun to be around and to work alongside,” Harris remembered. “She had been battling cancer for some time, but I suppose we just assumed that it being Sabine – unstoppable Sabine – she would win that one as well.”
source: people.com
