I read this a while ago and thought I would share it here. It's about the Top Gear episode where they review a Jaguar S Type diesel, and Sabine Schmitz takes it for a lap around the Nurburgring. Apparently, she is such a good driver that the camera crew could not keep up with her in a much faster Audi S4, so they brought out the big guns of a Jaguar test driver and a Jaguar S Type R to serve as a "chase" car. Here is the article.....

"In December 2004, Schmitz gained recognition in the United Kingdom after appearing in the BBC television show Top Gear with presenter Jeremy Clarkson. After Clarkson (under her tutelage) set a lap time of 9 minutes 59 seconds around the Nürburgring in a Jaguar S-Type diesel (Season 5, Episode 5), she castigated his best lap with the comment "I tell you something, I do that lap time in a van". She did a lap in the Jaguar S-Type, and set a time of 9 minutes 12 seconds, beating him by 47 seconds. When trying to film Schmitz as she drove the S-Type, the film team were unable to keep up so used Jaguar test driver Wolfgang Schubauer to drive the Jaguar S-Type R chase car, meaning that much of the lap shown on the episode was not the the 9 min. 12 sec. lap time."

Here is link to article...

Sabine Schmitz - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

STR is a beast. Thanks for article.

 

Her last name was Reck The W was silent.

 

I wish Sabine had done the 'Ring in the S Type R instead of the S Type diesel. I would love to know what its time around that track is.

By the way, I want to go around the 'Ring in her Nurburgring M5 "taxi" on some future vacation. Videos on YouTube confirm it appears to be a blast. She drifts at over 100mph with three passgengers in the "taxi" in one video. She is a very talented driver. A 100mph drift with me at the wheel would require a underwear change and the remainder of the ride with the windows open to air out the smell.

 

Hmmm, I bet Sabine has gotta be Stigs mom. It only makes sense.

 

I might be getting my Top Gear Episodes mixed up but my recollection is that she did not just tell Clarkson she could do that time in a van, she went out and proved it in a Ford Transit (or something similar).

 

In the Jaguar S Type diesel review episode by Jeremy Clarkson, at the end of his hot lap around the 'Ring she goofs on him and his time by telling him she could do the same time in a van. Then in a subsequent episode with Richard Hammond, she attempts to break Jeremy Clarkson's time in the S Type diesel with a large, industrial van. She comes close, but is unable to do it (despite her excellent skills and having a track prepped Dodge Viper as a lead car for her to draft behind in the large van).

 

Here's Sabine's attempt to break 10min with a van:
Amazing driver. And what a gorgeous track. I've been there twice, but not with a Jag... my personal best is 9 minutes 19 seconds with a Citroen Xantia V6 Activa.

 

I've seen JKo's Citroen shots, but maybe you should get in touch with member hersham boy he is apparently one of the 'tour track guides' there.

And at last time he posted would like to see some forum members.

Worth a punt?

 

I'll be in Germany next year and I plan on hitting the track up myself. Too bad I can't bring any of my cars.

 

Sure. I'm already planning my next trip there, but it's still a bit unclear what I'll be driving... on my last visit I flew to Germany and rented a Citroen DS3 turbo from Nordschleife race car rentals at the Nurburgring | Rent4Ring. Nice and fast little car, but I suspect that their Suzukis are better suited to really enjoy the Ring. It would be fun to take the XJR there, as it was actually rather enjoyable on the track.