Could the Nürburgring close its gates?

That’s the word coming fresh off the presses (or CMSes) in the motorsport community at the moment. It appears that the owners of the famous race track look to be in a wee bit of financial trouble, sending shivers down the spines of car lovers.

Top Gear reports that the company running the complex doesn’t believe its application to the European Commission for financial help will be approved. It’s believed to now be in over 400 million Euro worth of debt. In all likelihood bankruptcy would be declared by the end of the month.

The Nürburgring has been made famous by its amazing 20.8 kilometre track that is open to the public for a nominal fee. With no speed limits and an array of twisting corners and massive hills, it’s a thrill you can’t find anywhere else in the world.

Formula 1 and touring cars have also raced around the ‘Green Hell’, with the most famous crash being that of Niki Lauda in 1976 when his car burned to a crisp and almost took his life (it took his ear and most of his good looks sadly). Today, it hosts rounds of the DTM (German Touring Cars) and F1 every second year on a much shortened and modernised version of the track.

Web: Nuburgring
Via: Top Gear

Image: Wikimedia Commons