The Forgotten Track - Nürburgring’s Südschleife

The Nürburgring is an iconic name in the world of motorsport. Its Nordschleife (North Loop) is often dubbed ‘The Green Hell’ and is revered as one of the most challenging and dangerous race tracks in the world. Yet, there's another part of this legendary track that has largely been forgotten – the Südschleife, or South Loop.

Opened in 1927 alongside the more famous Nordschleife, the Südschleife covered a distance of 7.7 kilometers. While it lacked the mammoth length of its northern counterpart (which spans over 20 kilometers), the Südschleife presented its own unique set of challenges. Tight corners, steep inclines, and rapid descents made it a true test for drivers.

Throughout the years, the Südschleife hosted various racing events. However, as the Nordschleife gained prominence, partly due to its inclusion in the Formula One calendar, the Südschleife started to fade into the background.

Several factors contributed to the decline of the Südschleife. As motorsport grew in popularity and the vehicles became faster, there was an increasing need for improved safety. The Nordschleife, despite its many dangers, was more conducive to safety modifications compared to the Südschleife.

In the 1970s, changes to the Nürburgring complex sealed the fate of the Südschleife. A new Grand Prix track was constructed, and much of the original Südschleife was either altered or removed. By the late 20th century, only remnants of the original Südschleife remained, with parts of it being used for public roads and parking areas.

Today, while the roar of engines no longer echoes through the Südschleife, its spirit lives on. Enthusiasts and historians visit the remnants of the track, walking its forgotten paths and rediscovering its hidden challenges. Although the asphalt has faded and nature has started reclaiming its territory, the allure of the Südschleife remains undiminished. The only racing that remains on the Südschleife is in the digital world, with sim racers taking on the forgotten track in various cars - even modern day F1 cars (because why the hell not).

The Nürburgring’s Südschleife may not have achieved the same legendary status as the Nordschleife, but it holds a special place in the heart of motorsport enthusiasts. Its story is a poignant reminder of the ever-evolving nature of racing and the inevitable march of progress. Yet, for those who take the time to explore its faded glory, the Südschleife offers a captivating glimpse into a bygone era of motorsport.