The Nuerburgring Nordschleife (Northloop) is often just called "The Ring" or "The Green Hell". Since its opening in 1927, it enjoys the reputation as a ruthless and fearsome racetrack in the heart of the Eifel forest.

Already since 1922 the Eifel Race was held on public roads in the Eifel. Because of the passages of the Villages was very dangerous, up to 3000 workers begun to built the permanent route for approx. 17 Millions Deutschmark.

The Formula 1 Driver Sir John Young Jackie Steward - three times Formula 1 Worldchampion in 1969, 1971 and 1973 - gave the name of the route they will probably never get rid off: "The Green Hell".

Due to some serious accidents during the races the track was banned by the Formula 1 in 1970 and only after several reconstruction works (e.g. side strips, guard rails, curbs) the Formula 1 returned in 1971.

The end as Formaula 1 circuit was already in sight because of the expiry of contracts, but was definite after the serious accident of Nicki Lauda in 1976. Because of the varied route the Nordschleife is now preferred by Touring Car Series ansd mass sports events for amateurs.

By reconstruction works in 1970/1971 the Nordschleife became safer but also much faster.

1983 Stefan Bellof drove in the Plant- Porsche 956 C the only Nordschleife lap with an average speed of 200 km/h, actually over 202 km/h. The official lap record he sets in 1983 with a lap time of 6:25:91.

Today, the Nordschleife is 20,832 km long, has officially 73 curves (33 left and 40 right curves) and has gradients of up to 17% and slopes up to 11%.

Details

• Track length: 20,832 km
• Length of the pit lane: 381,4 m
• Curves: 73 (33 left- and 40 right curves)
• Official Start of Construction: 27. September 1925
• Official Opening: 18./19. Juni 1927
• Gradients: max. 17%
• Slopes: max. 11%
• Highest Point: Hohe Acht with 616,80 above Sealevel
• Lowest Point: near Breitscheid 320 m
• Heigh Difference: approx. 300 m
• First Event: 19. Juni 1927 Grand-Prix of Germany
• Length Long Distance Championship: 24,433 km (Sprint distance, Mercedes-Arena, Motorcycle-Chicane and Nordschleife)                                                 

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