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For thirteen years I have visited and driven on the infamous Nordschleife at the heart of Germany. Driving on the old northern loop provides an automotive experience that cannot be found elsewhere. Danger is lurking behind every turn, making the experience both exciting and addictive. Since Rudolf Caracciola won the first race here on the 19th of June in 1927, it has refuses to indulge in FIA- requirements. This has also preserved and saved the tracks soul. Even in the turmoil with greedy owners and unrealistic building projects in recent years, Nurburgring as a brand has grown stronger and therefore secured its existence. During the years I've been here I have heard the legend about a forgotten part of the course - Südschleife.
TEXT & PHOTO: © CHRISTER LUNDEM
TEXT & PHOTO: © CHRISTER LUNDEM
There are only a few parts of Südschleife preserved today. It used to be 7.5 kilometres long. It was built at the same time as Nordschleife, but today is forgotten by most. This track was once even more dangerous than Nordschleife. Trees surrounded it and the drivers claimed that they saw ghostswho crossed path when they were out driving. During 1970 -71 Nordschleife was upgraded, the south loop was more and more forgotten. The death knell came when today's Grand Prixtrack was built in the early eighties, the majority of the track was destroyed and all but forgotten about.
In the fall of 2012, I had a few hours to kill and brought my camera on an expedition. I found a magical serene place. Dark trees around the track oozed untold stories.
The silence was the same as if a race had just ended a few hours ago. I saw no ghosts, but the feeling of someone lurking out there; watching me from the dark was really enough. I really hope that the Germans see the value of this forgotten peace of tarmac. No one needs exactly that space - please let it rest in a dignified manner. If you want to set out on your own and meet the spirits of the past, it is not difficult to find. Drive past the old pits and the new buildings with direction to Barweiler. With the Grand Prix track on your right hand side, turn to Scharferkopf on the left. It is near where the Grand Prix track crosses the road. Be aware you may end up feeling touched and privileged.
Respect the legends, rest in peace Südschleife.
In the fall of 2012, I had a few hours to kill and brought my camera on an expedition. I found a magical serene place. Dark trees around the track oozed untold stories.
The silence was the same as if a race had just ended a few hours ago. I saw no ghosts, but the feeling of someone lurking out there; watching me from the dark was really enough. I really hope that the Germans see the value of this forgotten peace of tarmac. No one needs exactly that space - please let it rest in a dignified manner. If you want to set out on your own and meet the spirits of the past, it is not difficult to find. Drive past the old pits and the new buildings with direction to Barweiler. With the Grand Prix track on your right hand side, turn to Scharferkopf on the left. It is near where the Grand Prix track crosses the road. Be aware you may end up feeling touched and privileged.
Respect the legends, rest in peace Südschleife.
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