Behind the barriers: 11 fascinating Nürburgring facts

If you're even mildly interested in cars, the Nürburgring is the automotive Mecca. It’s where legends are made, tires are tortured, and egos are shattered. This 12.9-mile stretch of tarmac winding through the Eifel Mountains in Germany isn’t just a racetrack - it’s an icon. But there’s more to the Nürburgring than just lap times and speed. Here are ten jaw-dropping facts about the "Green Hell" that might just rev your engine.

1. It was originally designed as a job creation scheme

The Nürburgring wasn’t just built for motorsport glory, it was a government-backed project to combat unemployment in the Eifel region after World War I. Thousands of workers toiled to carve this masterpiece through the countryside, giving the area an economic lifeline.

2. There’s a section called "Corner of Death"

No, it’s not an official name, but locals and old-timers refer to Pflanzgarten II - a fast jump into a sharp left-hand bend as the corner that catches overconfident drivers off-guard. YouTube is littered with crash compilations proving the nickname’s dark humor.

3. It used to have cobblestones

When the track was first constructed, some of its sections were paved with cobblestones, which made it even more terrifying. Imagine racing at speed on a surface better suited to horse-drawn carts! Thankfully, these were replaced by asphalt over time.

4. It has its own post office

Tucked inside the Grand Prix circuit is a Nürburgring post office where visitors can send postcards stamped with an exclusive Nürburgring mark. It’s the perfect souvenir for petrolheads who want their mail to smell of burnt rubber.

5. There’s a hidden rallycross track nearby

Most people think of the Nordschleife or the GP circuit, but few know there’s a little-used rallycross track located near the main complex. It’s a dusty, rugged alternative to the Nürburgring’s polished image, but sadly, it’s rarely in the spotlight.

6. The forgotten Südschleife

While the Nordschleife gets all the glory, few remember the Südschleife, the Nürburgring's southern loop. Built alongside the Nordschleife in 1927, the Südschleife was shorter, less treacherous, and more suitable for smaller events. It was eventually abandoned and overgrown when the Nürburgring’s GP circuit was built in the 1980s, but traces of its tarmac can still be found, hidden among the forests and fields - an eerie ghost of motorsport history.

7. There are underground tunnels beneath the track

Beneath the Nordschleife lies a network of tunnels used for utilities and access during the construction of the track. While they aren’t open to the public, they’re a reminder of the engineering marvel that went into creating this iconic circuit.

8. It was once used for testing jet engines

The Nürburgring isn’t just a playground for cars; in the post-war years, it was occasionally used to test jet engines mounted to car platforms. The long straights and open sections provided the perfect place to measure thrust and endurance. Thankfully, this didn’t become a regular activity—imagine a jet engine-powered car blasting past your track day lap!

9. There’s a tree planted for a fallen hero

At the Adenauer Forst section, a single tree stands as a tribute to British driver Peter Collins, who tragically lost his life during the 1958 German Grand Prix. It’s a subtle but touching reminder of the track’s bittersweet history.

10. The Nürburgring has its own weather

Imagine starting a lap in sunshine, then halfway through being greeted by torrential rain. The Nürburgring’s elevation changes and forested surroundings create microclimates. It's not unusual to have completely different weather conditions on opposite ends of the track.

11. James May once did a lap in 9 minutes… in a van

Top Gear's James May piloted a standard Ford Transit van around the Nordschleife in a surprisingly respectable 9 minutes 59 seconds. Yes, it’s a van. And yes, Sabine Schmitz, Nürburgring royalty, coached him. Schmitz herself famously claimed she could do it in under 10 minutes with a van full of shopping.

The Nürburgring is a place of myths and stories, many of which are still waiting to be uncovered. It’s not just a racetrack; it’s a living, breathing legend full of surprises around every corner - literally. So next time you’re watching a lap video or planning a trip there, remember these hidden nuggets of Nürburgring lore. They might just make you love the Green Hell even more.