Top Gear

Subterms

    Latest story

    250 Shares99 Views

    Inside final Top Gear Stig’s racing career as he’s unmasked as Phil Keen, most successful British GT driver in history

    by

    JEREMY CLARKSON has revealed the identities of Top Gear’s Stigs – including one who was the most successful driver in British GT history.Phil Keen was the final Stig and has enjoyed an illustrious 21-year career on the track alongside starring in the BBC’s hit show.Phil Keen has been unmasked as The StigCredit: RexKeen, right, is one of the most successful drivers in British GT historyCredit: RexHe was the Top Gear Stig between 2010 and 2022Credit: AlamyFormer Top Gear presenter Clarkson revealed Keen was the third and final Stig from 2010 to 2022, when the show was cancelled.Clarkson hosted a viewing party for the final episode of The Grand Tour at his pub on his farm, where he told a crowd: “The original Stig was Perry McCarthy, followed by Ben Collins, followed by Phil Keen. “There isn’t a current ‘Top Gear’ so there isn’t a current Stig, but the last one was Phil Keen.”Keen, 40, joined Top Gear a year after he was crowned champion of the British GT Championship in the Supersport class.READ MORE IN SPORTHe won an incredible eight races out of 14 alongside his team-mate Marcus Clutton.That was the only year he drove in the SuperSport class and he returned to GT3 the next year, featuring in that category on 16 occasions in the British GT Championship.Keen still competes in the class and this year he is in fourth place.He is considered the most successful driver in the championship’s history having finished as a runner-up three years in a row between 2016-18, when he drove for Barwell Motorsport.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBest racing resultsBritish GT Championship Supersport – 1st (2009)Moss Trophy – 1st (2018)Kinrara Trophy – 1st (2017)Radical Challenge SR3 – 1st (2014)Michelin Le Mans Cup – GT3 – 3rd (2017)74th Members Meeting Bruce McLaren Trophy – 2nd (2016)TVR Tuscan Challenge – 3rd (2003)And he holds a record 19 British GT Championship wins, with 12 poles.His total career wins stand at 45, with 92 podiums and 22 poles.I was Top Gear’s original Stig – now I have a job nobody would ever expectKeen is also driving in the European Le Mans Series this year and had picked up two points from four races, despite retiring from two.He currently drives a Ferrari 296 GT3 but most of his success in his career came behind the wheel of Lamborghini Huracan GT3.His other notable wins came in a Jaguar E-Type in the Goodwood Revival – Kinrara Trophy in 2017 and the Stirling Moss Trophy a year later. More

    More stories

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 star slammed as a ‘spoiled child’ by former racing driver and TV legend as he urges team to drop him

      by

      FORMULA ONE star Lance Stroll has come under a fierce attack from a legendary former driver and TV presenter.The 24-year-old is currently preparing for this weekend’s Austin Grand Prix where he will be competing for Aston Martin.
      F1 star Lance Stroll has been blasted by a racing and TV legendCredit: Rex
      Tiff Needell, pictured with former Top Gear colleague Jeremy Clarkson, tore into him onlineCredit: Dwayne Senior – The Sunday Times  
      However, the Canadian’s laid-back attitude and persona failed to impress ex-Top Gear host Tiff Needell.
      And the former Williams and Racing Point star was labelled a “spoiled child” as the ex-F1 ace and TV veteran went in at him full throttle on X, formerly known as Twitter.
      Needell, 71, wrote: “If I was Lance Stroll’s dad, before I discuss dropping him from the team next year, I’d be telling him to at least sit up and look interested at the @SkySportsF1 Driver’s Press Conference instead of slouching back like a spoiled child. Oh, wait a minute…”
      Stroll, whose billionaire father owns the Aston Martin team, allegedly shoved his own physio into a WALL in a fit of rage after another terrible performance for Aston Martin in Qatar last time out.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      He was eliminated from qualifying at the first hurdle, continuing his dreadful run of form.
      Stroll, who had already faced questions about his future in F1, with rumours rife that he was getting fed up with the sport, then stropped and appeared to push osteopath and performance coach, Henry Howe, into a plastic wall at the rear of the team’s garage.
      He then swore live on-air in a TV interview, uttering a total of seven words when faced with three questions about his latest horror show.
      And after Needell, who co-presented Top Gear from 1987 until 2001, took aim at him, it seems that many more petrol heads agreed with him as they responded to his outburst.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      One reply read: “After the last incident in the garage. That would be enough for any team to get rid of their driver. He’s not worth representing Aston Martin as a driver.”
      Another said: “He really does come across as a rich, spoiled kid. It’s not a good look.”
      “Couldn’t have put it better Tiff, well said,” read another response, as a fellow fan commented: “Yes his demeanour at interviews in general has annoyed me for quite a while now.
      “This arrogant aire of disinterest that he displays. The word humbleness is not in their vocabulary.”
      While another demanded: “Stroll Junior is a disgrace to F1. Sack him now.”
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Top Gear star Ken Block spent ‘epic’ Christmas with family and posted heartwarming snaps just days before tragic death

      by

      LATE rally-driving icon Ken Block shared pictures of his “epic” family Christmas in final social media posts just days before his tragic death.The 55-year-old former Top Gear guest died aged 55 following a horror snowmobile accident at his ranch in Utah.
      Ken Block shared sweet family photos days before his tragic deathCredit: Instagram
      Block died after his snowmobile flipped over in a horror accidentCredit: Getty
      The rally driver spent Christmas with his wife and three kids in CanadaCredit: Instagram/kblock43
      Shortly before his death, the rally car champ had shared pictures of his stunning Christmas spent with his family.
      Heartbreaking photos show him surrounded by his family during a winter getaway to the Selkirk Mountains in British Colombia, southwestern Canada.
      The driver was killed after his snowmobile overturned and landed on top of him.
      He was pronounced dead at the scene, Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said.

      Just before the new year, Block took to his Instagram to share the sweet holiday snaps.
      He wrote: “Merry Christmas from the Blocks, from Baldface Lodge! Here’s a photo dump of some of my fave shots.”
      One picture from the “epic holiday trip” shows the family outside in the ice and snow next to a helicopter.
      Block is seen wrapped up warm with his wife Lucy and their three children.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Other snaps show a game of table tennis, setting up the Christmas tree, fireworks, and snowboards.
      The family spent Christmas at the sprawling Baldface Lodge, which boasts some 32,000 acres of wild terrain in the Selkirk Mountains some 400 miles east of Vancouver, Canada.
      He also thanked the lodge’s owner Jeff Pensiero for his hospitality.
      Block’s daughter Lia has followed in her father’s footsteps and become a driver, and previously competed on her father’s Hoonigan Racing team.
      He made a chilling admission about getting old and his “fear” of crashes in a rare interview before his tragic death.
      Block had warned about “sketchy snow” on his ranch in a haunting final post hours before the fatal accident.
      He became one of the most famous Rally car drivers in the world after he started competing in 2005.
      Block’s team Hoonigan Racing Division shared the news of his death saying “he will be incredibly missed.”
      “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband,” the team said in a statement.
      He reached a whole new legion of fans thanks to his antics on social media and Top Gear.
      Top Gear reboot host Matt LeBlanc posted a touching tribute on Instagram.
      “So saddened by the loss of Ken Block. A true talent and friend taken far too soon,” he wrote.
      “You will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting you my friend.”
      Alex Renton, executive producer of Top Gear, told The Sun Online: “Ken was a trailblazer in the automotive industry.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We had the pleasure to work with Ken on several occasions over the years and his contributions were always so memorable and exciting for our audience.
      He shared heartwarming snaps inside their Christmas lodgeCredit: Instagram/kblock43
      He thanked the lodge owner for his hospitalityCredit: Instagram/kblock43
      The sweet family snaps were posted days before the fatal accidentCredit: Instagram/kblock43
      Block was an icon in the world of rally drivingCredit: AFP More

    • 175 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      How Ken Block made chilling admission about ‘difficulty handling fear’ before tragic snowmobile death

      by

      RALLY driving icon Ken Block made a chilling admission about getting old and his “fear” of crashes in one of his last interviews before tragic death.The legendary former Top Gear stunt driver was killed in a horror snowmobile accident at his ranch in Utah.
      Ken Block had spoken of his fears of crashes in an interviewCredit: AFP
      He died in a snowmobiling accident at his ranchCredit: Instagram
      He was speaking after the controversial 2016 Top Gear stunt near the CenotaphCredit: Fame Flynet
      Former Top Gear presenter James May led the tributes to the beloved racer, tweeting: “RIP Ken Block, with thanks for some hilarious days out.”
      Block made two appearances on Top Gear, performing a number of daring stunts, including the legendary airfield drifting scene.
      His team, Hoonigan Racing Division, said in a statement: “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband.”
      In 2016, he sparked controversy after he appeared in an episode of the rebooted series of Top Gear, driving around London with host and former Friends star Matt LeBlanc.

      It was later revealed that the pair performed doughnuts, burnouts, and wheelspins on the streets of the capital, leaving blackened tyre streaks along Whitehall close to the Cenotaph memorial.
      In the face of the row, the BBC later apologised and the Cenotaph footage was never aired.
      Speaking to The Sun just after his controversial Cenotaph stunt, Block spoke about getting old.
      “I’m getting old – handling the fear is getting more and more difficult,” he said.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “In the past year I’ve done two of the most dangerous things I’ve done, which is sliding at the edge of a cliff at Pike’s Peak for Climbkhana and sliding the car with part of the wheel off the edge of a dock for Gymkhana 9.
      “It takes a lot of nerve to do this stuff, especially when you’re dealing with a big car and placing it within inches, it can be quite difficult sometimes.”
      He added: “It’s part of what makes this such a big thrill for me. I started it because it really was a dream come true.”
      I’m getting old – handling the fear is getting more and more difficultKen Block
      Block was killed in a horror accident on his ranch in northern Utah.
      Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said he was riding on a steep slope when the snowmobile flipped over and landed on top of him.
      The action sports star was at his ranch sharing pictures of the snow-covered state on Instagram early Monday morning.
      One of his recent posts shows a few snowmobiles blanketed in snow.
      Before that, he shared a picture of the scene in northern Utah after heavy snowCredit: Instagram/@kblock43
      The controversial Cenotaph footage was never airedCredit: Top Gear
      Tributes have poured in for Block from around the world of motorsportCredit: Getty
      He had been performing stunts on a snowmobile last week in Idaho – and even then admitted its power had taken him by surprise.
      “Lots of power up at high elevations, and wheelies all day! Epic early season powder, and an amazing first day. Wheelies, deep pow turns, and a lot of learning on this new sled – good times,” he wrote.
      And he had been snowmobiling in Utah as he kept fans up to date on Instagram.
      On Monday, hours before his death, he wrote: “It’s been DUMPING snow in Park City, Utah this week with more forecasted for the weekend, and we wouldn’t be able to make it out to the ranch without the @SkiDoo sleds and @KubotaUSA machinery to clear the way!
      “Can’t wait to see how much more powder stacks up over the next few days.”
      Starting his rally driving career in 2005, Block raced in series such as Rally America and Global Rallycross.
      He was later introduced to a new generation of fans with his YouTube video series “Gymkhana”.
      The ten-part series, which featured the California-born stunt driver performing a series of daring feats, earned him almost two million subscribers on the video platform.
      He also co-founded the skate-wear clothing brand DC Shoes.
      Tributes for Block have poured in from around the world of motorsports.
      World motorsport chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FiA, wrote on Twitter: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Ken Block.
      “An inspiration for us all and a true gentleman of our sport. The FIA’s thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. RIP @kblock43.”
      Former Top Gear host James May paid tribute to Block on Twitter and share a link to their airfield rally video.
      Read More on The Sun
      “RIP Ken Block, with thanks for some hilarious days out,” he wrote.
      While executive producer of Top Gear, Alex Renton, described him as “a trailblazer in the automotive industry”. More

    • 250 Shares129 Views

      in Motorsport

      Sabine Schmitz dead – Top Gear star and racing legend dubbed ‘Queen of Nürburgring’ dies aged 51 after cancer battle

      by

      RACING driver and Top Gear favourite Sabine Schmitz has died at the age of 51.The Nürburgring’s most famous female driver – widely known as Queen of the Ring – lost her battle with cancer after more than three years with the disease.
      Sabine Schmitz has died at the age of 51
      Sabine was a favourite on Top Gear over the years
      Paying tribute, a statement from the legendary German race track said: “The Nürburgring has lost its most famous female racing driver.
      “Sabine Schmitz passed away far too early after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful nature. Rest in peace Sabine!”
      The Nürburgring has lost its most famous female racing driver.Sabine Schmitz passed away far too early after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful nature. Rest in peace Sabine! pic.twitter.com/MFKNNFOSDU— Nürburgring (@nuerburgring) March 17, 2021

      The driver was a favourite for fans of Top Gear, clocking up numerous appearances on the show
      She became an inspiration for many and was the only female winner of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring
      Sabine, the only female winner of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, became known to the general public after appearing on Top Gear from 2004 before joining the presenting team when Chris Evans took over the show in 2016.
      Current host Paddy McGuinness paid tribute to the driver, describing her as “an amazing human being”.
      He tweeted: “She gave me pointers on how to drive a Ferrari very fast and hunted me down in a banger race. Brilliantly bonkers and an amazing human being! RIP the great Sabine Schmitz.”
      She gave me pointers on how to drive a Ferrari very fast and hunted me down in a banger race. Brilliantly bonkers and an amazing human being! RIP the great Sabine Schmitz. pic.twitter.com/awtbOnMD90— Paddy McGuinness 💙 (@PaddyMcGuinness) March 17, 2021

      Sabine, who became a professional driver in 1993, was first seen on British TV taking ex-Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson around the Nürburgring.
      He tweeted today: “Terrible news about Sabine Schmitz. Such a sunny person and so full of beans.”
      Clarkson’s former Top Gear co-host Richard Hammond wrote: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Sabine Schmitz, a proper driving legend who’ll be sadly missed by many. The Ring has lost its Queen. RIP.”
      Terrible news about Sabine Schmitz. Such a sunny person and so full of beans.— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) March 17, 2021

      Meanwhile, Chris Evans also expressed his “shock” at her death on his Virgin radio show, recalling how she made him “throw up” during a speedy drive.
      “It’s a shock to hear that she’s passed away. It’s really sad. She made me throw up!” he told listeners.
      “On Daytona, the best bit on my time in Top Gear was the ad, the trailer for Top Gear where we managed to put together because Sabine is such a good driver, we spent some time in southern California together and she taught me how to drive, how to actually make a car fly around Daytona. But very very sad news that she’s passed away.”
      Formula One paid tribute tweeting: “We are all deeply saddened to hear that Sabine Schmitz has passed away. An incredible talent and wonderful person who made us all smile. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.”
      Sabine had co-presented German motoring show D Motor from 2006, frequently being set challenges behind the wheel.
      She became known as “the fastest taxi driver in the world” after being one of two drivers who circled Nurburgring’s 20.8km track in BMW M5 “ring taxis”.
      She has also featured on other driving shows such as Fifth Gear.
      Sabine was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and in summer 2020 the disease struck again, reported Autoblog.
      Sabine revealed her battle with an ‘extremely persistent’ cancer last yearCredit: Facebook/Sabine Schmitz Motorsport
      She shared her three-year cancer battle with fansCredit: Facebook/Sabine Schmitz Motorsport
      She revealed her heartbreaking battle with cancer in a social media post explaining her absence from the Nürburgring Endurance Series with her team Frikadelli Racing.
      “Dear friends of professional motor sport, many of you have probably wondered why I was on the list of participants on our Porsche in the NSL and then didn’t drive after all,” she wrote.
      “I would like to provide enlightenment here, I think I owe it to my/our fans!
      “Since the end of 2017, I have been fighting an extremely persistent cancer that has not been eliminated with the resources so far.
      “It got a little better – but now it’s come back with full force.
      “Now I have to draw all the strength and nerve to master the next powerful therapies … hoping something [good] will happen. So I say goodbye ‘probably’ for the first time this season.

      “In addition, I would like to thank everyone for their help and support in my everyday life, and encouragement in writing!
      “So sweethearts, now you have an update. Please stay healthy and cheerful, see you at the ‘Ring’.”
      ‘Queen of the Nurburgring’ and ex-Top Gear host Sabine Schmitz dies aged 51 More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Sabine Schmitz’s Top Gear co-hosts Chris Evans & Jeremy Clarkson lead tributes to ‘absolutely fearless’ star dead at 51

      by

      CHRIS Evans, Jeremy Clarkson and Paddy McGuinness have led tributes to the legendary female racing driver Sabine Schmitz after her death at the age of 51.Presenter Chris Evans paid tribute to the driver following her death from cancer, describing her as “absolutely fearless”.
      Tributes have poured in for Sabine SchmitzCredit: Newspress
      Chris Evans described Sabine Schmitz as “absolutely fearless”
      The enormously popular racing driver appeared on Top Gear
      Chris Evans described Sabine Schmitz as “absolutely awesome” and “fearless”Credit: Handout
      Speaking on his breakfast radio show, Chris Evans said: “It’s a shock to hear that she’s passed away. It’s really sad. She made me throw up!
      “Do you remember? On Daytona, the best bit on my time in Top Gear was the ad, the trailer for Top Gear where we managed to put together because Sabine is such a good driver, we spent some time in southern California together and she taught me how to drive, how to actually make a car fly around Daytona.
      “But very, very sad news that she’s passed away.”
      At the time, Top Gear fans ridiculed Evans for throwing up during the speed lap in Daytona.
      He added later after a song: “I know she’d been challenged with cancer for a while and has now passed away, she’d become more seriously ill for a short time.
      “If you’ve never seen Sabine in action, just look up any of her YouTubes, she’s absolutely awesome. Absolutely fearless, but such a natural, such a natural. Already being so sadly missed.”
      Paddy McGuinness was among stars celebrating the famous racing driver’s incredible talent and drive.
      “She gave me pointers on how to drive a Ferrari very fast and hunted me down in a banger race. Brilliantly bonkers and an amazing human being! RIP the great Sabine Schmitz,” he wrote on Twitter.
      She gave me pointers on how to drive a Ferrari very fast and hunted me down in a banger race. Brilliantly bonkers and an amazing human being! RIP the great Sabine Schmitz. pic.twitter.com/awtbOnMD90— Paddy McGuinness 💙 (@PaddyMcGuinness) March 17, 2021

      Sabine was first seen on British TV taking ex-Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson around the ring taxi in 2002’s Jeremy Clarkson Meets the Neighbours.
      She had also previously starred alongside the original Top Gear line up and appeared on the show from time to time from 2004 onwards.
      Jeremy Clarkson tweeted: “Terrible news about Sabine Schmitz. Such a sunny person and so full of beans.”
      Terrible news about Sabine Schmitz. Such a sunny person and so full of beans.— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) March 17, 2021

      He added in a separate post on Instagram: “Such a sad day. Sabine was a wonderful happy person. Quick as hell too.”

      Top Gear host Chris Harris described the star as a “wonderful, powerful, hilarious person”.
      “Rest in peace you wonderful, powerful, hilarious person,” he wrote in a tribute on Twitter, sharing a personal photo of the two of them.

      Fellow presenter Andrew Flintoff also paid tribute, sharing an emoji of a face with a tear alongside a broken heart symbol.
      Since 2006, Sabine co-presented a German motoring show called D Motor, frequently being set challenges behind the wheel for the show.
      She became known as “the fastest taxi driver in the world” after being one of two drivers who circled the Nurburgring 20.8km race track in BMW M5 “ring taxis”.
      She has also featured on other television shows, such as Fifth Gear.
      Her name is a household name on and around the Nürburgring, after she became a professional driver in 1993.
      The famous driver was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and in summer 2020 the disease struck again, reported Autoblog.
      Sabine Schmitz revealed her heartbreaking battle with cancer in a social media post last yearCredit: Facebook/Sabine Schmitz Motorsport
      Racing driver Sabine Schmitz had been diagnosed with and “extremely persistent” cancer in 2017Credit: Facebook/Sabine Schmitz Motorsport
      Sabine Schmitz was revered for her talent on the racetrackCredit: Avalon.red
      Sabine Schmitz has died of cancer at 51Credit: Alamy
      The popular driver revealed her heartbreaking battle with cancer in a social media post explaining her absence from the Nürburgring Endurance Series with her team Frikadelli Racing.
      “Dear friends of professional motor sport, many of you have probably wondered why I was on the list of participants on our Porsche in the NSL and then didn’t drive after all,” she wrote.
      “I would like to provide enlightenment here, I think I owe it to my/our fans!
      “Since the end of 2017, I have been fighting an extremely persistent cancer that has not been eliminated with the resources so far.
      “It got a little better – but now it’s come back with full force.
      “Now I have to draw all the strength and nerve to master the next powerful therapies … hoping something [good] will happen. So I say goodbye ‘probably’ for the first time this season.”

      Paying tribute to the famous driver, legendary motorsport complex the Nürburgring tweeted: “The Nürburgring has lost its most famous female racing driver.
      “Sabine Schmitz passed away far too early after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful nature. Rest in peace Sabine!”
      The Nürburgring has lost its most famous female racing driver.Sabine Schmitz passed away far too early after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful nature. Rest in peace Sabine! pic.twitter.com/MFKNNFOSDU— Nürburgring (@nuerburgring) March 17, 2021

      First female Top Gear host takes on van challenge More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Sabine Schmitz dead – Top Gear star and racing legend dubbed the ‘Queen of Nürburgring’ dies aged 51 after cancer battle

      by

      RACING driver and Top Gear favourite Sabine Schmitz has died at the age of 51.The Nürburgring’s most famous female driver – widely known as Queen of the Ring – lost her battle with cancer after more than three years with the disease.
      Sabine Schmitz has died at the age of 51
      Sabine was a favourite on Top Gear over the years
      Paying tribute, a statement from the legendary German race track said: “The Nürburgring has lost its most famous female racing driver.
      “Sabine Schmitz passed away far too early after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful nature. Rest in peace Sabine!”
      The Nürburgring has lost its most famous female racing driver.Sabine Schmitz passed away far too early after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful nature. Rest in peace Sabine! pic.twitter.com/MFKNNFOSDU— Nürburgring (@nuerburgring) March 17, 2021

      The driver was a favourite for fans of Top Gear, clocking up numerous appearances on the show
      She became an inspiration for many and was the only female winner of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring
      Sabine, the only female winner of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, became known to the general public after appearing on Top Gear from 2004 before joining the presenting team when Chris Evans took over the show in 2016.
      Current host Paddy McGuinness paid tribute to the driver, describing her as “an amazing human being”.
      He tweeted: “She gave me pointers on how to drive a Ferrari very fast and hunted me down in a banger race. Brilliantly bonkers and an amazing human being! RIP the great Sabine Schmitz.”
      She gave me pointers on how to drive a Ferrari very fast and hunted me down in a banger race. Brilliantly bonkers and an amazing human being! RIP the great Sabine Schmitz. pic.twitter.com/awtbOnMD90— Paddy McGuinness 💙 (@PaddyMcGuinness) March 17, 2021

      Sabine, who became a professional driver in 1993, was first seen on British TV taking ex-Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson around the Nürburgring.
      He tweeted today: “Terrible news about Sabine Schmitz. Such a sunny person and so full of beans.”
      Clarkson’s former Top Gear co-host Richard Hammond wrote: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Sabine Schmitz, a proper driving legend who’ll be sadly missed by many. The Ring has lost its Queen. RIP.”
      Terrible news about Sabine Schmitz. Such a sunny person and so full of beans.— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) March 17, 2021

      Meanwhile, Chris Evans also expressed his “shock” at her death on his Virgin radio show, recalling how she made him “throw up” during a speedy drive.
      “It’s a shock to hear that she’s passed away. It’s really sad. She made me throw up!” he told listeners.
      “On Daytona, the best bit on my time in Top Gear was the ad, the trailer for Top Gear where we managed to put together because Sabine is such a good driver, we spent some time in southern California together and she taught me how to drive, how to actually make a car fly around Daytona. But very very sad news that she’s passed away.”
      Formula One paid tribute tweeting: “We are all deeply saddened to hear that Sabine Schmitz has passed away. An incredible talent and wonderful person who made us all smile. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.”
      Sabine had co-presented German motoring show D Motor from 2006, frequently being set challenges behind the wheel.
      She became known as “the fastest taxi driver in the world” after being one of two drivers who circled Nurburgring’s 20.8km track in BMW M5 “ring taxis”.
      She has also featured on other driving shows such as Fifth Gear.
      Sabine was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and in summer 2020 the disease struck again, reported Autoblog.
      Sabine revealed her battle with an ‘extremely persistent’ cancer last yearCredit: Facebook/Sabine Schmitz Motorsport
      She shared her three-year cancer battle with fansCredit: Facebook/Sabine Schmitz Motorsport
      She revealed her heartbreaking battle with cancer in a social media post explaining her absence from the Nürburgring Endurance Series with her team Frikadelli Racing.
      “Dear friends of professional motor sport, many of you have probably wondered why I was on the list of participants on our Porsche in the NSL and then didn’t drive after all,” she wrote.
      “I would like to provide enlightenment here, I think I owe it to my/our fans!
      “Since the end of 2017, I have been fighting an extremely persistent cancer that has not been eliminated with the resources so far.
      “It got a little better – but now it’s come back with full force.
      “Now I have to draw all the strength and nerve to master the next powerful therapies … hoping something [good] will happen. So I say goodbye ‘probably’ for the first time this season.

      “In addition, I would like to thank everyone for their help and support in my everyday life, and encouragement in writing!
      “So sweethearts, now you have an update. Please stay healthy and cheerful, see you at the ‘Ring’.”
      The Top Gear hosts unveil the cars their dad’s used to drive for new challenge More